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Transition Guide – Independent Living

A transition guide to help you or someone you love transition to independent living with a self-determined future.
a young man receives help in tying a formal tie around a collared shirt

Transition Guide – Independent Living

A transition guide to help you or someone you love transition to independent living with a self-determined future.

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
a child in a field with their arms in the air in celebration
A child at an I’m Determined event
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.
two youth at an I'm determined event
Youth at an I’m Determined event
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)

Resource Details

  • Resource Format

    Document

  • Grade Level

    High School, Middle School

  • Audience

    Educators, Families, Youth

  • Topic

    Decision Making, Goal Setting & Attainment, Self-Advocacy

  • Original Publish Date

    April 10, 2021

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The I’m Determined project, a state directed project funded by the Virginia Department of Education, focuses on providing direct instruction, models, and opportunities to practice skills associated with self-determined behavior.
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