Parents & Guardians

Most of this site is written for teens, but everything here is meant to support the whole family.

As a parent or guardian of a young person with a disability, you play a key role in helping your child plan for adulthood. Sometimes it can be hard to know just how to support them as they take steps toward more independence.

This page shares ideas, resources, and encouragement to help you support your teen as they shape their future.

Read Turning 18 in Maryland and the Self-Determination and Self-Advocacy Guide from the Parent's Place of Maryland to get started.

Don’t be afraid to let your child fail. This is difficult for all parents. But it’s important for your teen to try new things – such as jobs, hobbies, friendships, transportation options, etc. Some of these things may not be a good fit for your teen, but that’s okay. Each failure is also an opportunity to grow and learn.

Ways You Can Support Your Teen’s Journey to Adulthood

Start early and talk often.
Have regular conversations with your teen about their interests, goals, and dreams for the future.

Encourage independence.
Give your child opportunities to make decisions, try new things, and learn from mistakes—these are important steps toward adulthood.

Be part of the IEP process.
Attend IEP meetings, especially those focused on transition planning, and help your teen share their voice and goals.

Help explore options.
Research education, job training, work experiences, and community activities together.

Connect with services.
Learn about programs like Vocational Rehabilitation (DORS), Medicaid waivers, or other adult support services that may help after high school.

Support self-advocacy.
Encourage your teen to speak up for themselves, ask questions, and practice explaining what they need to succeed.

Celebrate progress.
Recognize and celebrate the small and big milestones your teen reaches along the way.

Five Key Questions

Planning for the future is a team effort. Asking the right questions can help everyone stay informed, connected, and focused on what matters most. Below are three sets of questions designed to support this process:

Questions parents can ask transition partners to better understand services and supports
Questions parents can ask their teen to encourage reflection and independence
Questions parents can ask themselves to guide their role in this important journey

Use these questions as conversation starters, planning tools, or check-ins along the way.

Am I encouraging my teen to speak up, make choices, and take the lead in planning their future?
(Reflects on how you're supporting your child’s independence and self-advocacy.)
Do I understand the services and supports that are available—and how they might change after high school?
(Helps identify where to learn more and stay informed about transition resources.)
What are my hopes and concerns for my child’s future—and how can I communicate these in a way that centers their goals?
(Balances your perspective with your teen’s own voice and vision.)
How can I build my teen’s confidence in handling real-world tasks like managing time, solving problems, or asking for help?
(Focuses on building practical independence skills.)
Who can I turn to for support, guidance, or partnership as I navigate this transition with my child?
(Encourages identifying a support network for both the parent and the teen.)

What are your hopes or dreams for life after high school?
(Helps your teen start thinking about their goals in learning, working, and living.)
What activities or subjects do you enjoy most—and why?
(Supports career exploration by identifying interests and strengths.)
What kind of support helps you do your best at school or work?
(Encourages your teen to reflect on accommodations or strategies they find helpful.)
What skills do you want to get better at before becoming an adult?
(Opens the door to talk about independent living, self-advocacy, and life skills.)
Who are the people you trust to help you with decisions about your future?
(Identifies a support network and builds confidence in asking for help.)

What skills and experiences should my child focus on now to prepare for life after high school?
(This helps identify priorities like independent living, job exploration, or continued education.)
What services or programs are available to support my child’s goals—and how do we access them?
(Covers things like Vocational Rehabilitation, benefits counseling, or postsecondary education supports.)
How can we make sure my child’s voice and choices are reflected in their transition plan?
(Encourages self-determination and youth involvement in planning.)
What steps should we take now to make a smooth transition from school-based services to adult services?
(Helps families plan for timelines, referrals, and eligibility processes.)
How can I support my child in building independence and confidence during this transition?
(Gives the partner a chance to suggest strategies for home and school.)