Transition to Adulthood

A: Transition services are provided by:

• Schools
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services
  • Maine Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Maine Division for the Blind & Visually Impaired
  • Maine Division for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened
  • Wabanaki Vocational Rehabilitation
• Community providers

A: Transition services are coordinated sets of activities that support a young person as they move from school to the next phase of their life. Transition services should be centered on the young person’s goals.

Transition services can include, but are not limited to:

• Assessments
• Work-based learning experiences
• Exploring post-secondary education opportunities
• Strengthening skills for independence – like opening a bank account or learning how to use public transportation
• Other individualized services needed for the young person to meet their transition goals

• Social Security
  • When young people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) turn 18 , they must be redetermined eligible under the adult disability determination.
• Connecting with a benefits counselor to understand how work can impact benefits, and how to use work incentives, like the student earned income exclusion .
• Adult waiver services.
• Alternatives to Guardianship and Supported Decision-Making.
• Post-secondary education accommodations and contacting disability services.
• Age-appropriate transition assessments .