What is Transition?
This section provides a general overview of transition and guides you through the key laws, rights, and planning steps that help young adults live, work, learn, and be part of their communities as independently as possible. From understanding legal protections and what happens when rights transfer at age 18 to navigating adult services and eligibility, these tools are designed to help families and students in the Mascoutah and St. Louis Metro East area feel prepared and confident for the next chapter of life.
General Overview
Stepping out of high school and into the next chapter of life can feel exciting and a little uncertain, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Transition is simply planning the steps that help young adults live, work, learn, and participate in their communities as independently as possible. This guide was created especially for young adults and families in the Mascoutah, Illinois and St. Louis Metro East area, offering local resources, tips, and connections to make the journey smoother and more empowering.
Life after high school is about exploring possibilities: discovering meaningful work or training, continuing education, learning everyday life skills, and building friendships and community connections. Every young adult’s path is different, and starting early with the right supports can help turn dreams into a fulfilling, independent, and exciting adult life.
Transition Legislation
Several laws exist to support young adults as they move from high school into work, education, and adult life. Understanding these laws can help families and students know what supports and protections are available.
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
IDEA ensures students get a personalized education that meets their needs. Starting at age 14 ½ , schools are required to help plan for life after high school. This includes thinking about work, college or training, independent living skills, and participating in the community. IDEA helps make sure students don’t just finish school, but that they leave prepared for the next steps in life.
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
The ADA protects young adults from discrimination and ensures they have equal access to jobs, transportation, and community programs. This means workplaces, colleges, and public programs cannot exclude someone because of their abilities. The ADA helps make the adult world more accessible and welcoming.
Section 504
Section 504 ensures that anyone participating in programs that receive federal funding like schools, colleges, or community programs has the supports they need to succeed. This could mean extra time in a training program, assistive technology, or other accommodations that help students thrive after high school.
WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act)
WIOA helps young adults connect to job training, career programs, and employment supports. Through these programs, students can gain work experience, explore careers, and get the skills needed to move toward independence and meaningful work.
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
Protects students’ educational records. When a student turns 18 or enters postsecondary education, these rights transfer from parents to the student. This means students control who can see their records and make educational decisions, so it’s important to talk early about privacy and access.
Rights and responsibilities shift as young adults turn 18, including options like guardianship or supported decision-making. We're going to explore the difference between school-based entitlement to services and adult eligibility for programs. Planning ahead helps families support independence while ensuring your young adult can access the services and supports they need.
Transfer of Rights
When your young adult turns 18, certain legal rights transfer from parents to the student, including decisions about education under the IEP (through the IEP Delegation of Rights form) and eligibility for adult services. Families may choose to consider guardianship, a legal process where someone (often a parent) is appointed to help make decisions about personal, medical, or financial matters. Guardianship is a personal family choice. Some families decide it is the best option, while others may choose supported decision-making, powers of attorney, or no formal guardianship at all, depending on the student’s abilities, independence, and preferences. Planning ahead helps ensure your young adult maintains as much independence as possible while receiving the support they need.
Entitlement vs Eligibility
In school, students with IEPs are entitled to services. Schools must provide supports like accommodations, specialized instruction, and transition planning. After high school, adult programs (employment, vocational training, housing, benefits, academic supports in higher education) are based on eligibility, meaning young adults must meet criteria and apply to receive supports. Families can help by learning about programs early, keeping records, and connecting with agencies like Prairieland Service Coordination and/or DRS.