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Transition Services
Transition Services
General Transition Resources
Tips and ideas that parents and families can do beginning at an early age to encourage gradual independence, participate in the community, teach self-advocacy skills, and develop skills that will be necessary for future employment.
Texas Transition & Employment Guide
The Texas Transition and Employment Guide provides information on statewide services and programs that assist in the transition to life outside of the public school system. This guide covers such topics as:
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Transition services
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Employment and supported employment services
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Social Security programs
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Community and long-term services and support
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Postsecondary educational programs and services
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Information sharing with Health and Human Services agencies and providers
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Guardianship and alternatives to guardianship, including a supported decision-making agreement under Chapter 1357, Estates Code; self-advocacy, person-directed planning, and self-determination
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Contact information for all relevant state agencies
Texas Transition and Employment Guide (English)
Texas Transition and Employment Guide (Spanish)
Texas Transition and Employment Guide (Chinese)
Texas Transition and Employment Guide (Vietnamese)
Texas Transition and Employment Guide (Korean)
Navigate Life Texas
An online resource for parents or caregivers of children with disabilities or special health care needs. Find tools, support, and inspiration to help you on your journey.
The Journey to Life After High School: A Road Map for Parents of Children with Special Needs
Very comprehensive resource including information about the transition process, employment options, day programs, housing, securing benefits, and preparing for your child's long-term future.
While it may be hard to imagine your child as an adult out in the world or what he or she will be doing once the school bus is no longer coming, that time will be here before you know it.
Accessing Community-Based Supports & Services
Resources & Help Available: Get on the Waiting Lists Now
Accessing Waiting Lists for Medicaid Waiver Programs
Instructions on how to get on the interest/waiting lists for community-based services through making two phone calls. Texas has the second-longest waiting lists in the country so parents are recommended to get on the lists AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE, even if you aren’t sure you will need the services.
Texas Medicaid Waiver Programs Chart (5-2024)
Comparison of the different long-term support waiver programs as well as the different services available under each of the programs.
Explanation of IDD Services & Supports (HHS 7-2019)
Brief description of intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) services and supports provided by the Texas Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC).
Agencies
Texas Workforce Solutions - Vocational Rehabilitation Services
TWS helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, or retain employment and helps youth and students prepare for post-secondary opportunities. This is a link to their website.
Special Needs Financial Supports
How to Make SSI Work For You: Simply Said
Several federal government programs including Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Work Incentives, and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) provide benefits or support to eligible youth as they work toward their postsecondary and employment goals. Youth and families can use the information they learn to plan ahead and apply for the benefits and supports they need after high school. Video from PACER Center.
Social Security Administration: Benefits for Children with Disabilities (2020)
This booklet is for the parents, caregivers, or representatives of children younger than age 18 who have disabilities that might make them eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. It is also for adults who became disabled in childhood (prior to age 22), and who might be entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. (We call this SSDI benefit a “child’s” benefit because it’s paid on a parent’s Social Security earnings record.) This booklet will help you decide if you, your child, or a child you know, might be eligible for SSI or SSDI.
The SSI Application Process (PACER Center)
What to expect during the application process for SSI.
SSI is a federal program through the Social Security Administration that offers monthly cash assistance to help you pay for your child’s personal and medical needs. It is for things like food and shelter, medical and dental care not covered under health insurance, and personal needs like clothing. You must apply and be approved for SSI based on your family or your child’s income. Information about how SSI works, the application process, and documentation required.
Information about ABLE accounts, a 529A tax-advantaged savings account for eligible individuals with disabilities.
Information about the importance of considering setting up a special needs trust to allow your child to receive/save money without losing benefits, even future benefits.
Guardianship, Supported Decision Making, & Other Alternatives
The Changing Role of Parents after Transfer of Rights
Video from Pacer.org about the changing role of parents when a student reaches the age of majority.
Guardianship, Supported Decision Making, & Other Legal Considerations Workshop Slides
Parent workshop outlining what to consider when determining if guardianship or another alternative might be appropriate for your child as well as the processes involved.
Guardianship, Alternatives, & Supported Decision Making
Description of guardianship, alternatives to guardianship, and Supported Decision Making, as well as links to guardianship-related resources.
Sample Guardianship Questionnaire
Questionnaire routinely given by courts and/or attorneys during guardianship process. This is intended only to give parents an idea of the areas of functioning that a court examines as well as what parents may want to consider when determining if guardianship may be necessary.
Legal Matters to Consider When Planning for the Future
From the Autism Speaks Transition Toolkit (but not just applicable to those with autism), this information outlines topics to be considered when your child reaches the age of majority (18 in Texas), including health insurance, guardianship, and special needs trusts. Includes a useful list of questions in different areas to consider how much or what kind of assistance an individual may need assistance with decision making.
Higher Education / College
Higher Education Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities
Designed for students with disabilities, this guide includes information and resources to assist in the planning for postsecondary education supporting employment goals.
Designed to help students and parents honestly assess college readiness as well as what skills need to be obtained before college is a realistic option.
Think College is a national organization dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with intellectual disability. With a commitment to equity and excellence, Think College supports evidence-based and student-centered research and practice by generating and sharing knowledge, guiding institutional change, informing public policy, and engaging with students, professionals and families.
Independent Living
Recreation & Leisure
Special Needs Recreational & Camp Programs
Comprehensive list of area recreational programs, day camps/programs, sensory-friendly events, etc. with emphasis on special needs. Also includes overnight camp programs in Texas and the regional area.