The Middle: 5 Essential Transition Steps for Teens Who Don't Qualify for DDA
If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you have heard somewhere along the line that your child’s needs aren't "severe enough" to qualify for DDA funding. But as a parent, you know that there are skills and support they still need. Being successful academically isn't the same as being able to manage a budget, navigate public transit, or obtain and maintain employment. If your child is in the "middle," you’re not alone in feeling like there is a huge drop off of services from high school to post-high school. Here are 5 steps to take to build their adult safety net.
1. Shift the Focus from Academic to Executive Functioning Schools naturally prioritize graduation requirements. However, for the middle-of-the-road kids, the biggest barriers to adult success are executive functioning skills—time management, self-advocacy, and day to day living skills like meal prep or budgeting.
At your child’s IEP meeting, discuss the secondary transition plan and any independent living and self-advocacy activities that can be addressed. Even if college is the goal, do not let that get in the way of mastering daily life skills first.
2. Open a Case with Maryland DORS (Division of Rehabilitation Services) If your child doesn't qualify for the DDA, DORS is another state agency for adult support. They assist individuals with disabilities in preparing for, securing, and keeping employment.
You do not have to wait until graduation for services to begin. Students can begin receiving Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) through DORS while still in high school. Submit a referral earlier than later.
3. Know what Support is Needed at Age 18 When your child turns 18, your legal rights as their parent shift. While full guardianship is usually too restrictive for this group, you may still need legal tools to help them navigate adulthood.
Maryland has a number of guardianship alternatives that can be pieced together to match what your own child needs. This allows you to stay in the room and assist with complex medical and financial choices without stripping your young adult of their legal rights.
4. Connect All the Dots What does your child like to do? How can this be expanded on in adult life? What is your child’s social life like? What are their hopes and dreams?
Oftentimes as parents we get caught up in just wanting our child to be “okay”, and sometimes there are answers right in front of us. Connect local social groups, classes, volunteer sites, and your child may blossom before your eyes.
5. Build a Slow Launch Plan One of the biggest mistakes families make is sending a student away to a traditional 4-year college without a daily living support plan if they are used to those supports at home. They hope that if their child is given a little push and room to grow, they will take off. And sometimes, it works. Other times, more support are needed.
Map out a slow transition. Some considerations may be a gap year focused on vocational training, enrolling at a local community college while living at home to master daily routines, or enrolling in a specialized program.
Start planning early. Navigating the gray area between high school and adulthood requires a roadmap. Reach out to us for hands-on support and customized planning for your child
