Disability Consulting & Transition Planning
When you have a child with a disability, the journey doesn’t end at high school graduation – in fact, that’s often when the hardest transitions begin.
Our Disability Consulting & Transition Planning service helps families and young adults answer the big question: “What comes next?”
Plan For Life After School
From navigating government services to building independent living skills, we’ve got you covered. SHC works with you to create a comprehensive transition plan for adulthood:
We explore post-high school options that fit the individual’s strengths and interests – whether it’s college (and connecting with disability services on campus), vocational training, or entering the workforce directly. We make sure applications, accommodation requests, and support plans are lined up for Day 1 of the next chapter.
Turning 18 (or aging out of school at 21) means new doors open – and some close. We help you identify and apply for adult disability services and benefits. Not sure about SSI, Medicaid waivers, or state developmental disability programs? We’ll explain what’s available, what your family or young adult may qualify for, and how to get the ball rolling on applications. Think of us as your map to the adult services maze.
Adulthood isn’t just about work or school – it’s also daily life. We assist in planning for housing (e.g. group home vs. supported apartment), transportation (learning to use public transit or paratransit), and life skills like budgeting, cooking, or managing healthcare. We can recommend community resources such as independent living programs or mentors, and help create a step-by-step plan for building these skills while still in the teenage years.
We prepare families for crucial changes that come with adulthood. For example, at 18, decision-making rights shift to the individual – we’ll discuss options like guardianship, powers of attorney, or supported decision-making, always prioritizing the person’s rights and independence. We also address the healthcare hand-off: finding adult doctors, transferring medical records, and understanding insurance changes. We collaborate with your healthcare providers to support a smooth handover of care.
A successful transition empowers the young person. We work directly with youth to build self-advocacy skills – such as knowing how to ask for accommodations at college or speak up to an employer about their needs. At the same time, we guide parents/caregivers in shifting from protector to supporter. It’s a delicate balance, and we’re here to coach both sides through the process.
Every individual’s path is unique, but our consulting typically involves:
Transition Assessment
We start by talking with you (and the young adult, whenever possible) about goals, fears, and the current situation. What’s the vision for five years from now? What supports are in place today? This might include a timeline of upcoming changes (school exit, turning 18, etc.).
Resource Mapping
After understanding your needs, we create a plan. This could include a to-do list for getting documentation in order, a list of accommodations or goals to request, role-playing tough conversations, or scheduling a prep session before the big meeting. You’ll receive a summary of strategies and priorities – essentially a roadmap for the next steps.
Action Plan & Timeline
We’ll create a written plan that puts the pieces together. This could be a calendar with key tasks (e.g., “Summer before senior year: visit vocational rehab office”; “3 months before 18th birthday: apply for SSI”; “Fall 2026: tour supported living apartments”). It will also list who is responsible for each task (the family, the young adult, SHC as a helper, etc.).
Implementation & Coaching
As you start acting on the plan, SHC is by your side. Need help filling out that daunting government form? We can do it together. Nervous about your son’s first meeting with a college disability services office? We can role-play it or even attend alongside him as a coach. Facing setbacks or waitlists? We’ll troubleshoot and adjust the plan. Regular check-ins (monthly, quarterly, or as needed) ensure momentum continues through the transition period.
Post-Transition Checkup
Once major milestones are passed (for instance, the young adult has been settled into a job or program for a few months), we offer a follow-up session. Transitions aren’t one-and-done – new questions can arise. We’ll review what’s working, address any new challenges, and fine-tune the support network around the individual.
Why Choose SHC for Transition Planning?
Transitioning to adulthood is often called “falling off a cliff” for families – we help build a bridge instead. Our deep knowledge across education, employment, and disability services means we can see the big picture.
We’re not just focusing on one aspect; we aim for a holistic plan that covers all bases. Plus, as an external consultant, we bring fresh eyes and ideas, while respecting that you are the expert on your own family.
We won’t impose a one-size-fits-all solution; we craft a path that fits your values and the young person’s aspirations.
Success Story
When Niko Brescia and his family came to SHC, he was a 17-year-old high school senior with big dreams but no clear roadmap for after graduation. Together, we created a transition plan: Niko identified an interest in technology, so we connected him with a local vocational rehabilitation counselor and a community college program in IT.
We helped him apply for a summer internship to build experience and coached him on workplace communication. Fast forward – Niko graduated high school and landed a part-time IT support job that fall! He’s now thriving in the workforce, building on skills we honed together during his transition. His story is a shining example of how planning and support can turn uncertainty into success.
(Story shared with permission; individual results vary).