Integrated transition planningfor youth with disabilities creates a path to living a full, meaningful, and connected life as a community member. It means planning for what will change as your child becomes an adult. We know that everyone is different, so every idea might not be right for your family.

Learning to be safe while being part of the community takes planning and skill building for youth with disabilities. It may take focused time, intentional practice, and support from school staff, parents and other caregivers.

Include Safety in the Transition Plan                                                                                            

A youth’s IEP team can include community safety as part of transition planning. These goals might look like:

• • • Identifying unsafe situations and what to do
    • Understanding travel, public transportation, and street safety
    • Knowing how to find trusted people when they are needed

Many transition programs include life skills like home and kitchen safety, using public transportation, and the basics of first aid. Families can advocate for including these same skills as part of a youth’s transition plan.  

Build Community Connections

Adults with disabilities who are involved in social activities, employment, community supports and services, and have a variety of people in their lives, build community around them. This creates a safety network and adds an important protective measure for the person.

Being an active member of a community and avoiding isolation can benefit an adult with disabilities in many ways, including making them safer. People with strong community connections have lower rates of abuse and neglect. Unfortunately, adults with disabilities and limited communication who rely on adults for care may be more likely to be abused or neglected. You can learn more about safety through community connections at Healthy, Safe and Connected Toolkit.