Age 16 to 18
Family Action StepsTips for helping 16 to 18-year-olds grow and learn!
You may be asking yourself, “Will my child be able to get a job after high school?” The answer to that lies mostly with… you. The most important factor in the child getting a job after high school is your support!
Young adults with disabilities whose parents support them to work after high school are more than five times more likely to have a job within two years after finishing high school.
Children will aim for the expectations you have. Aim high with encouragement and support!
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Things to Do
As the child completes the last few years of high school, your support and guidance are so important. Here are a few things you can do to help them to succeed in school or at work as an adult:
Be Involved
- Meet the child’s teachers and go to school events
- Attend the child’s Individual Plan for Education (IEP) meetings at school,
- Apply for Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) services at least two years before leaving school.
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Plan for the future
- Use the WITransition App to increase the child’s self-direction and advocacy skills.
- Apply for Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) services at least two years before leaving school.
- Learn how Social Security work incentives can help them explore careers, make more money, and keep health care benefits while working.
Try new things
- Explore ways to get around in your community.
- Encourage safe and responsible use of social media.
Connect with your community
Talk with your school to help the child be more included in the classroom and with peers. It’s the child’s right under IDEA!
Get more information on how to prepare the child for success: