Transition Guide – Independent Living

Questions to Consider

• Where do you want to live as an adult?
• What kind of supports will you need for transportation, medical issues, daily living and leisure time activities, and how will you pay for what you need?
• How will you maintain and increase your social work?

Aged 10-12

• Eat healthy and exercise
• Engage in extracurricular/community activities
• Encourage friendships and understand what it means to be a good friend
• Use assistive technology

Aged 12-14

• State your health care requirements and medication needs
• Continue and expand engagement in extracurricular/community activities
• Establish relationships (peers, friends, mentors)
• Learn about resources in your community that can help you
• Practice safe and suitable technology use.

Aged 14-15

• Implement a time/money management pan
• Explore transportation options (practice mobility skills)
• Understand health/medical needs
• Be informed of issues related to sexuality
• Engage in community opportunities (community service, faith-based activities, youth groups, etc.)

Aged 15-16

• Describe what adult agencies can help you and connect with these agencies
• Continue to develop healthy relationships that have a positive impact on your future
• Understand what in the community is important to you and for you and further engage in these activities
• Assess and know how to access transportation options.

Aged 16-17

• Begin assuming and transfer of responsibility for health needs
• Continue making healthy choices
• Continue community involvement ensuring healthy lifestyle choices and understanding of risk behaviors
• Continue involvement with the adult agencies that will assist you
• Develop financial literacy skills
• Describe potential changes to current benefits if employed

Aged 18-21

• Develop a plan for a balanced life (time management, school, work, leisure)
• Register for selective service/register to vote
• Finalize independent living arrangements and community connections
• Engage with adult supports to ensure a coordination of services

Explore More Resources

Independent Living

• http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/index.html
• https://www.virginia.gov/services/ (VA)
• http://www.vhda.com/

Health

• http://www.healthfinder.gov
• http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/ (VA)

Volunteering

• http://virginiaservice.virginia.gov/volunteering/ (VA)
• https://www.volunteermatch.org/
• https://www.volunteer.gov/

Recreation and Leisure

• http://www.disabledsportsusa.org/
• http://www.ymca.net
• http://specialolympics.org
• http://www.nrpa.org/
• https://www.meetup.com/

Benefits and Financial Planning

• http://www.ssa.gov
• https://www.benefits.gov
• http://www.vaaccses.org/wipa/ (VA)
• https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/ (VA)
• https://dbhds.virginia.gov/ (VA)

Assistive Technology

• http://www.vats.org/ (VA)
• http://atlfa.org/ (VA)
• https://aimva.org/ (VA)
• http://atnetwork.ttaconline.org/ (VA)