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The purpose of 18-21 programs is to provide young adults with intensive transition experiences and training in real-life settings. An key feature of these 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.
Special education programs which may be considered 18-21 community-based transition programs are:
- alternative special education opportunities,
- developed by public school systems, and
- located in age-appropriate settings.
Typically, these programs are for students ages 18-21 or older who have completed the requirements for high school graduation, but who still need to work on transition goals in their IEPs. Most often, these programs are located at postsecondary institutions (e.g., apartments, houses, offices, and businesses).
Would you like to learn more about community-based 18-21 programs? Check out these resources:
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.