Bridging the gap between the classroom and community life.
Timeline: What to Expect & When
Transition planning in Indiana starts earlier than many families realize. Use this roadmap to stay ahead.
Phase 1: High School (Ages 14-17)
- The Transition IEP: In Indiana, transition planning legally begins at age 14 (or 8th grade). This is the time to ensure your student’s IEP includes specific goals for employment, education, and independent living.
- Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS): Students with disabilities (ages 14-22) can access free career exploration and workplace readiness training through Vocational Rehabilitation. Ask your school how to connect with a Pre-ETS provider.
Phase 2: Turning 18 (The Legal Shift)
- Guardianship & Alternatives: On their 18th birthday, your student legally becomes an adult. Families should explore Guardianship or Supported Decision Making options before this birthday to ensure you can still assist with medical and educational decisions.
- Apply for SSI: You can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) as an adult. Even if your child was denied as a minor due to family income, they may qualify now based on their own assets.
- Medicaid Waivers: If you haven’t applied for a Medicaid Waiver yet, do it now. If you are already on the waitlist, check your status.
Phase 3: Leaving School (Ages 18-22)
- The Warm Handoff: As graduation approaches, our Transition Coordinator works with you to move from school-based services to adult providers like The Arc.
- Next Steps: We connect graduates directly to Career Connections for job placement or Daily Supports for ongoing social and skill-building activities.
How We Help
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone.
The Arc of Greater Boone County works directly with local high schools to ensure no student falls through the cracks. Our Transition Coordinator acts as a bridge, attending IEP meetings (by request) and helping families understand exactly what adult services are available before the school bus stops coming.
Official Planning Resources
Use these trusted Indiana resources to navigate the legal and financial details.
- Indiana Secondary Transition Resource Center (INSTRC)
The state’s official hub for Transition IEPs, portfolios, and family resources.
Visit INSTRC Website - The Arc of Indiana: Future Planning
A comprehensive guide covering guardianship, special needs trusts, and the “Future Planning” guide.
Future Planning Guide - Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
The state agency that provides funding for job training, Pre-ETS, and employment support.
Learn About VR Services
Talk to Troy
Ready to plan for the future? Whether you need help with a Transition IEP or connecting to adult services, our team is here to guide you. Send a message to Troy Frisz, our Career Connections Manager.