The Transition Roadmap

Know what comes next, at every age

The years between 14 and 25 bring more decisions than almost any other season of family life. When should you apply for SSI? What happens to decision-making at 18? When does special education end, and how do you make sure adult services are ready before the last day of school?

The Transition Roadmap answers those questions in plain language. It is a transition planning checklist organized by age, written by Barb Beck, M.Ed., a special education transition specialist with more than 30 years of experience walking beside young adults with disabilities and their families.

Who this guide is for

• Parents and caregivers of teens and young adults with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities
• Families preparing for an IEP transition meeting, the 18th birthday, or the move from school to adult services
• Grandparents, guardians, and anyone helping a young adult plan for work, living, and community life

What's inside the 37-page guide

• Five age stages from 14 to 25 and beyond, with 26 checklist steps. Each step tells you who to contact, what to bring, helpful tips, and the mistakes to avoid.
• Key deadlines for SSI at 18, decision-making supports, and applying for adult services before school ends.
• Six deeper dives: how work and SSI really add up, decision-making supports side by side, paths to work, ABLE accounts and special needs trusts, housing options, and choosing adult service providers.
• Four call scripts for Social Security, Vocational Rehabilitation, your developmental disabilities agency, and asking an employer for an accommodation.
• Three sample letters you can copy, including a request for transition assessments and a request for records before leaving school.
• Eight worksheets and planners: Family Vision, One-Page Profile, IEP Transition Meeting Prep, 18th Birthday Countdown, Benefits Binder, Who Helps With Which Decisions, Agency Call Log, and a Monthly Budget.
• State quick-start pages for Washington and California with agency names, websites, and phone numbers.

The five stages at a glance

Ages 14 to 16, Early Preparation. Start IEP transition planning, learn how Social Security benefits work, build self-advocacy skills, and explore first work experiences.

Ages 16 to 18, Critical Planning Period. Plan the SSI application at 18, secure Medicaid, choose decision-making supports, apply for developmental disabilities services and Vocational Rehabilitation, and join housing waitlists.

Ages 18 to 21, Adult Services Transition. Plan the school exit, start work or job training, complete the SSI age-18 redetermination, apply for Medicaid waivers, and explore college and training programs.

Ages 21 to 25, Building Independence. Move toward independent or supported living, grow a career, master money management, move to adult health care, and build community.

Ages 25 and beyond, Long-Term Stability. Review benefits each year, create future planning documents, and share your story as an advocate and mentor.

Why families trust this guide

Barb Beck began her career in 1992 coaching young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in community jobs. She is the author of the My Keys to the Future transition curriculum and the founder of MyKey Plans. Every page of this guide reflects what she has seen work for real families, and the questions they wish they had asked sooner.

Frequently asked questions

At what age should transition planning start?

Federal law requires transition goals in the IEP in effect when a student turns 16, and many states begin at 14. Starting at 14 gives your family time to explore interests, build skills, and connect with adult agencies before deadlines arrive.

Is this guide only for families in Washington and California?

No. The age stages, checklists, scripts, and worksheets apply in every state. The Washington and California pages add local agency contacts, and the guide shows you what to confirm in your own state.

Does the guide explain guardianship and its alternatives?

Yes. It compares supported decision-making, powers of attorney, health care directives, representative payees, limited guardianship, and full guardianship side by side, so you can choose the least restrictive support that meets real needs.

How do I receive the guide?

The Transition Roadmap is a 37-page digital PDF. You can download it right after purchase, read it on any device, and print the worksheets for your family.

Can I read part of it first?

Yes. Open the free preview flipbook on this page to read the welcome letter, contents, a full stage, and sample worksheets before you buy.

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Agency names, ages, and rules vary by state.