Transition to Adulthood for Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities: A Timeline for Parents
RUTGERS Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
THE BOGGS CENTER ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES New Jersey’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service New Jersey’s Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Program
Transition to Adulthood for Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities: A Timeline for Parents
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Age 14+
- Your child’s IEP must address transition planning, including goals for independent living and employment.
- Encourage your child to participate in IEP meetings.
- Explore work interests and skills through job sampling, volunteer work, and community service.
- Develop self-advocacy skills and encourage your child to express preferences and interests.
- Think about the types of support your child may need in the future and discuss these with your child’s IEP team.
Age 16+
- Your child’s IEP must include goals for training, education, employment, and independent living skills.
- Ensure that school-based transition services are provided, including job coaching, travel training, and community-based instruction.
- Explore post-secondary education options, including college, vocational training, and other programs.
- Develop a transition plan that includes steps to achieve post-secondary goals.
- Consider changes related to puberty and understand the impact on your child’s development and functioning.
Age 18+
- Your child reaches the legal age of majority, which may affect decision-making and eligibility for services.
- Apply for adult services, including Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS).
- Explore guardianship and other alternatives to guardianship, such as supported decision-making.
- Ensure that health insurance coverage continues and explore options for adult health care providers.
- Develop a plan for housing, including supported living arrangements.
- Encourage your child to register to vote.
Age 21+
- Eligibility for special education services ends.
- Ensure that the transition to adult services is seamless and that your child is connected to appropriate supports.
- Continue to explore and develop employment opportunities.
- Maintain and expand social networks and community involvement.
- Ensure that your child has access to appropriate health care and related supports.
Transition Planning
- Changes in IEP Curriculum
- Independent Living Skills
- Self-Advocacy Skills
- Guardianship/Alternatives
Employment
- Volunteer/Job Sampling
- Supported Employment
- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS)
Health
- Health Insurance
- Adult Health Care Providers
- Puberty
Post-secondary Education
- College
- Vocational Training
- Other Programs
Supported Decision Making
- Guardianship/Alternatives
- Supported Decision Making
- Power of Attorney/Conservatorship
Where to Go for Services in New Jersey
Age 14+
NJ Department of Health, Special Child Health Services (SCHS) SCHS case managers help families evaluate strengths and needs, develop individual service plans, and access appropriate resources.
NJ Department of Children & Families, Children’s System of Care (CSOC) CSOC offers services for children up to age 21 for behavioral health and developmental disabilities, including respite, assistive technology, and modifications for home and vehicles.
NJ Department of Education The NJ Department of Education provides special education services, including transition planning support.
NJ Department of Labor & Workforce Development, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) DVRS helps people with disabilities prepare for and obtain employment. Services include vocational counseling, job placement assistance, coaching, and supported employment.
For more information about DVRS, visit: www.nj.gov/labor/dvrs
Age 18+
NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Disability Services (DDS) DDS provides information and referral services to individuals with disabilities.
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Last Updated: 05/05/25