Community-based 18-21 Programs


Community-based transition programs are developed by public school systems but located in age-appropriate settings for students who are ages 18-21. The purpose of 18-21 programs is to provide intensive transition experiences and training in real-life settings. An important feature of 18-21 programs is that the students do not go to a high school building on a daily basis; instead, they spend their entire day in community-based settings.
What Is This All About?

This database contains descriptions of 18-21 programs in the United States.

Searching 121 programs.

Would you like to learn more about community-based 18-21 programs? Check out these resources:

CTran:Experiences Starting a Community-Based Program for Students Ages 18-21

This manual is based on the development and operation of a community-based transition program in Lawrence, Kansas. The teachers reveal their insights and share many of their resources, programming, and curricula to help others develop community-based transition programs.


Models of Success in Transition

Many of these model programs and individual stories of success are based on community-based experiences for youth with disabilities.


Needs Assessment for Students with Significant Disabilities

Available through OnCampus Outreach at the University of Maryland, this needs assessment provides you with a tool that can be used to evaluate the educational services received by students 17-21 with significant disabilities to determine if changes are needed. This assessment addresses students' educational setting, instructional support, inclusive opportunities, employment, recreation, adult agency eligibility, and ability to travel independently.


Transition to College

This website is sponsored by the Postsecondary Education Research Center (PERC) project which is housed at TransCen, Inc. This site includes information & resources on college options for students with intellectual disabilities.


Think College

This website provides information about college opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.