Transition Planning and the IEP
Activities for Students
What Will Your Day Look Like?
Using a day planner, record a date 1-2 months after the student graduates from high school. Develop a daily schedule that reflects the student's vision of his or her adult life. The schedule should reflect the employment, education and leisure vision. Discuss and explore the types of plans, skills and connections that will be necessary to make this a reality.
Social and Leisure Life
Develop a contact list of a variety of social and leisure options that exist for young adults in the community. Refine the list to determine items that are of interest to the youth. Identify the skills that the youth or young adult will need to successfully participate.
Where Can You Volunteer?
Visit and participate in a variety of volunteer situations to learn about the opportunities and needs of the community. The youth can support his or her community in this area and cultivate interests that lead to career development.
Mentorships
Shadow, meet with, interview or observe adults in the careers and field of choice. Consider all aspects of the potential employment. Does this career or job fit the vision for the future? Is the student "on course' to develop the needed skills?
Who Are the Employers in Your Community?
Take a walk or a drive around your community. Visit, record and discuss the types of employers in your local community, including large and small businesses, merchants and service agencies. Discuss what these business, agencies and organizations provide for the community. Highlight employers and organizations that peak an interest or match a skill area of the youth.
Where Do People Live in the Community?
Visit (in person and virtually) the variety of living and housing options that exist in the community. Do these reflect the vision for the future or could they be modified to complete this vision?
Fitness and Health Options
Search out, review, visit and participate in wellness and fitness centers as a consideration for future membership. Look at the variety of fitness programs and types of exercise options that are available and identify those that meet the student's health and wellness needs.
Everyone Needs Assistance
Consider the assistance, mentoring, supervision or facilitation the student may need as an adult. Is it likely that the student will need the services of an agency? Coworkers? Family? Friends? Technology? Make a list of all the possible people, agencies and technologies that assist the student as he/she enters adulthood.