9th Grade
If an application to the Developmental Disabilities Administration has not been made, now is the time to do so. An application should be made as soon as your child is diagnosed with a significant disability. For information, or to confirm that your child has been found eligible for services from DDA, call Service Coordination at 301-663-0909 or DDA at 240-313-3878
Review the IEP, discuss any concerns with the Special Education Case Manager. The IEP should now include a transition plan with a stated outcome and transition activities. Encourage your child to find activities, work or volunteer experiences to help them explore their interests and abilities.
Encourage your child to access school services and supports for as long as they are eligible (up to age 21) or until they meet graduation requirements.
Social Security benefits are based on income and level of disability. If you think your student may qualify prior to age 18, contact the Social Security office for more information.
Request a contact with the local CASS office for your school to get help completing applications.
10th grade
11th grade
Attend the IEP meetings, as transition plans will be discussed, and changes can be made to reflect the changing needs of your child.
Submit an application to the Division of Rehabilitation Services (301-631-3075) for vocational evaluations and supports.
Review the proposed long-term schedule of classes for your child and consider a work study program (including volunteer work) to increase the practical work experiences your child is exploring.
Prior to age 18, you may want to consult with an attorney about developing a plan for your child's future including a special needs trust, living arrangements, and other assets that could effect their eligibility for benefits.
Begin looking at some of the post secondary vocational programs in our county, and ask for information on others. It would be helpful to visit some of these programs to determine how they could serve your child after graduation from High School, and what skills your child may need to develop.
If your child is exiting the school system prior to age 21, be sure to check with DORS and DDA to determine if any updated evaluations are needed - they should be done during the year prior to exit. (DDA 240-313-3878; DORS 301-631-3075)
At age 18, apply for Social Security Benefits, 301-682-6765, or 1-800-772-1213, 10 North Jefferson St., Suite 204, Frederick, MD 21701.
When calling for an appointment at Social Security, be sure to ask for a list of documents and financial information you will need to bring with you. BE SURE YOU TAKE YOUR CHILD WITH YOU TO THE APPOINTMENT.
If your child is receiving Mental Health services, such as counseling, medications, psychiatric visits etc., please discuss with the Mental Health Provider what needs to be done to continue services after age 18, as there may be a change in insurance coverage for your child.
Plan to attend the Transition Fair with your child in the early spring, to gather more information about adult service agencies, career development, post secondary education and planning for after graduation. (ask at your child's school about the dates)
Be sure that the school has permission to share information with other service providers. There may be many other agencies who need to be part of the team supporting your after-graduation plans.
Help your child create a list of people he/she can go to for help, such as: neighbor if they forget their keys, job coach for problems at work, contact names at any community agency etc.
Make some connections with friends for recreation and social events that can continue after school.
Review the list of adult vocational providers you and your child are interested in, and discuss the placement decision with your Special Education casemanager. If your student is remaining in school services until age 21, discuss where that 18-21 placement should be.
12th grade
Call CASS to discuss community benefits your child may be eligible for, for example, food stamps, medical assistance, temporary cash assistance, etc. CASS, 301-694-1349.
If your child is participating in a work-study program, discuss post graduation transportation needs to make sure this job can continue after graduation.
At age 19 or after Social Security Benefits have begun, consider applying for Section 8 housing. There can be a very long waiting period for Section 8 benefits (up to two years or more). Frederick County Section 8, 301-694-1061 and Frederick City Section 8, 301-662-8173.
If your child does not qualify for Transitioning Youth services from The Developmental Disabilities Administration, DORS may still be able to assist.
Prior to the annual IEP meeting, check with the Special Education case manager to clarify who has been invited to the meeting. As a parent, you may invite the Adult service provider you have chosen, and any significant medical providers. Be sure the DORS representative and DDA Service Coordinator have been invited.
If the student does not qualify for the transitioning youth services, and does not choose post secondary education, they may want to contact the Frederick County Business and Employment Center at 301-694-2188 in addition to DORS. You may still want to consider applying for some of the available benefits (SSA, etc.)
Transitioning Youth Information:
Transitioning Youth Home
Timeline for Middle School Students
Timeline for High School Students
Benefits and Services
IEP Meeting Preparation
Activities for Transitioning Youth
Employment Coordinator Program, FCPS
Websites for Transitioning Youth