Teens
Know what supports you use now, find out if you can get them after high school, and learn how to speak up to ask for them.
Ask yourself: What do I need to do my best—and how can I make sure I keep getting that help after I leave school?
Things to think about as you plan for the future:
Graduate!
Staying in school (up to age 21 if needed) and graduating is very important to future success.
Keep learning.
No matter your path, make a plan to keep growing your skills—through college, technical school, on-the-job training, or other classes.
Get to know yourself.
What are your interests, strengths, and dreams? The better you understand yourself, the easier it is to make decisions about your future.
Try out jobs.
Explore different types of work through part-time, weekend, summer, after-school, or volunteer jobs. Need help getting started? Reach out to the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) or your local America’s Job Center (AJC).
Speak up for yourself.
Build self-advocacy and self-determination skills by practicing how to express your needs and goals. Trainings and workshops can help!
Understand your disability.
Think about how your disability affects your learning, working, or daily life. Know what supports help you—and how to find or ask for them after high school.
Know your rights and responsibilities.
Start thinking about adult decisions, like where to live, how to manage your health, make friends, and spend your time.
Get involved!
Join clubs, sports, volunteer opportunities, or community activities. It’s a great way to build confidence, practice independence, and meet new people.
Your School Team
Special Education Staff
Your special education case manager works with you to create goals for life after high school and build a plan to help you reach them. This is called your Transition Plan, and it’s part of your IEP. Talk about your ideas for how you want to learn, work, and live after graduation—your input matters and will help shape your plan.
Read Empower YOUR future: Join YOUR IEP meeting! and IEP: Tips for the Transition Section to better understand your IEP and how you can use it to support your goals.
Don't forget your teachers and family are important members of your team. They know your strengths and can help you stay on track with your school and work goals.
School Counselor
Don’t forget your teachers and family are important members of your team. They know your strengths and can help you stay on track with your school and work goals.