How can families of children with disabilities plan for lasting financial security at every stage of life? Find clear answers in "The Special Needs Planning Guide," a step-by-step companion for parents as they progress through the complexities of planning for the future of their family and their child. Written by two financial planning…

The transition from school to adulthood is a pivotal time in the lives of all students. For a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), change of any kind can be challenging, and a transition as momentous as this can seem especially daunting. Thoughtful planning, sound information, and open communication will help parents support young adults…

This guide presents principles of person-centered planning, an approach to organizing and guiding community change in alliance with people with disabilities and their families and friends. The approach focuses on the individual's desired future, his or her present reality, necessary services, and currently available community resources. Individual…

Seven pitfalls of transition planning for students with disabilities are identified: (1) planning at an inappropriate level; (2) confusing means with ends; (3) failing to involve all relevant educational partners; (4) selecting programs before identifying goals; (5) failing to consider future community realities; (6) being unaware of the process…

Principles of transition planning for students with disabilities include: (1) the overriding role of self-determination, (2) the need to link outcomes with annual goals and short-term objectives, and (3) addressing seven specific challenges (such as too vague goals and objectives, limited expectations, and lack of action planning). (Contains…

The guide, developed by the Secondary Transition and Employment Project (STEP) in Idaho, is for junior and senior high teachers of disabled students and provides strategies to aid in the transition of students from school to the community. Section I of the manual contains short-term transition strategies, for use with students graduating within a…

This guide to whole life planning for people with disabilities describes whole life planning as a person-centered way of assisting people with disabilities to plan for their future. Whole life planning relies on the involvement of a small group of committed people who are willing to act as advocates and resources to the focal person. The manual…

Guidelines for helping special educators contribute to transition planning for students with disabilities include understanding the legislative mandate, identifying relevant persons and resources at the school district level, investigating alternative approaches to transition planning, promoting family participation, using various assessment…

This publication provides guidelines for the development of appropriate services, meaningful orientation, and follow up for young children with disabilities and their families in Kansas. An introduction explains the Bridging Early Services Transition program and lists goals of transition planning. Following this, a section addresses interagency…

This booklet is a collection of stories by people who have facilitated Personal Futures Planning groups. The groups provide an individualized, structured approach to life planning for people with developmental or other disabilities and have been implemented since 1988 in Minnesota. Introductory material describes the process, which starts when a…

This handbook for parents describes the transition planning process for youth with disabilities. The handbook is divided into four sections: an overview of the who, what, where, when, why, and how of transition; consideration and evaluation of future options for the young person; home, school, and community activities that can be immediately…

This guide and workbook is a tool to be used to assist people with disabilities to play an active role in their job search. It provides ideas and examples to help individuals with disabilities and their job coaches through the process. Chapter titles for the workbook include: (1) "Power and Influence" (Valerie Brooke); (2)…

Describes a person-centered planning approach for involving students with disabilities and their families in the transition planning process. Components of person-centered planning are discussed, including development of a personal profile, identification of future lifestyle preferences, action steps and responsible parties, and necessary changes…

This checklist for use with students who have disabilities outlines essential steps in the transition from secondary education to employment, postsecondary education, and independent living environments. The checklist is presented in a sequential approach covering grades 8 through 12, or ages 13-14 through 17-21. Grade 8 activities focus on…

The handbook provides parents of children with disabilities guidance on planning for the child's future needs with special attention to resources and laws of Iowa. Section 1 gives a Future Planning Checklist and definitions of common legal terms. Section 2 addresses estates, trusts, and wills and provides common estate planning questions and…