Welcome to Roadmap for the Future, your comprehensive guide to navigating your child's educational journey from Elementary School through Age 18. Here, we empower parents and guardians with the essential steps and insights to support their student's growth and development at every critical stage: Elementary, Middle School, High School, and the pivotal transition into adulthood at Age 18. Let's embark on this transformative journey together, laying the groundwork for your child's success every step of the way.

Elementary School

  • Developing an IEP for the student and encouraging student attendance and participation at IEP meetings.

  • Ensuring access to the general curriculum and development of functional skills related to the unique needs of the child.

  • Developing self-determination skills as part of the curriculum.

  •  Apply for Family Supports through River's Edge Behavioral Health.

The SOONER the BETTER to apply for Waivers & Funding! 

Between Elementary and Middle School

Middle School

  • Identifying post-school goals. Developing a transition plan by the end of 8th grade year.

  • Discussing diploma requirements and review student status: Understand which academic path your child is on: alternative curriculum or general education diploma path. By middle school, the certificate/diploma path is determined for high school. Meet with your child’s teacher to understand exactly what type of diploma (alternative curriculum or general education curriculum diploma) will be received.

  • Creating a transition portfolio with references, descriptions of acquired skills, work/experience history, and related assessment information.

  • Discussing requirements for getting into colleges or technical colleges. What course of study is needed for college entry.

As Early as Age 14

Parents can contact the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) to start planning for their child’s college life or professional career:

  • https://gvs.georgia.gov/about-us 

  • https://gvs.georgia.gov/application-process 

  • Sign Parent Permission Vocational Rehabilitation Form.

  • Get student involved in Pre-ETS services while in school  

  • Work with your child on their ability to communicate their personal information (name, DOB, address, number).

  • Identify which independent living skills you want your child to work on (i.e., personal finance skills, health care needs, daily living skills, etc.).

  • Discuss long-term goals after high school. Items include if applicable:

    • Employment after high school - supportive vs competitive

    • Technical school / 2 or 4 year college

    • Day center / residential care

    • Military service (meet with recruiter, additional steps needed if child had IEP after the age of 14, must be medication free for 24 months, many disabilities are denied entry)

  • Discuss possible CTAE Pathways that are offered at the high school.

  • Consider re-evaluation needs in terms of updated testing for desired services and supports after graduating from high school.

High school

School conducts initial transition planning meeting with student and parents before starting school if possible and provide referral to other agencies as appropriate:

  • Georgia Department of Labor

  • Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA)

  • Regional Boards Division of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

  • Technical College System of Georgia disability counselor

  • College/University, Disability Services Provider

  • Benefits planning assistance

  • Other agencies as IEP team determines appropriate

  • By the age of 16, your child should obtain a valid State ID: 

Obtaining an Alternative Curriculum High School Diploma and want a college experience? 

Inclusive college programs across the state offer students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) a variety of experiences and opportunities for growth as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives:

Attending the military after high school? 

Schedule an appointment with a recruiter to discuss requirements. After the age of 14, having an IEP/504 could lead to a denial into the military. A waiver application must be filed with the recruiter to apply for entry:

  • Consider joining JROTC during high school

  • Prepare for ASVAB. No accommodations are given

Going to work after high school? 

Competitive employment is when the individual secures a job on their own without assistance. Supportive employment is provided through community/state organizations to assist with job training and job placement. Some examples of Supportive Employment Assistance Organizations:

Need a Day Center or Residential Care after High School? 

Adult Day Care Centers are designed to provide care for older adults who need assistance/supervision during the day. Residential care provides accommodations, meals and personal care for people with disabilities. Some examples of Day Centers & Residential Care Centers:

Age 17 

Transfer of Rights

Understand all rights are transferred to the individual at the age of 18. This includes educational, medical and financial records. The school system will always include parents in educational decisions, but ultimately the student will have the final say in his/her educational future unless a parent has legal guardianship.

Understanding Guardianship

This should only be considered if the individual is not capable of making any decisions for themselves and can be proven through Probate Court. A petition is filed with the local Probate Court.

As the parent/guardian, you will have to make the decision as to what you are looking for. If you need assistance with an attorney, you can reach out to Georgia Legal Services at 1-833-457-7529. Click here for Pro Bono legal aid.

Alternatives to Guardianship

These should be considered prior to considering guardianship. Guardianship should be the last resort. Developing self-advocacy and skills should be a priority. 

Age 18

Student can register to vote

Males must register for Draft/Selective Service: Register Online

Last Year in High School

Students should have both these options on their Transition plan and decide which to pursue upon graduation:

  • Consider Option A: Employment (competitive or supported)

  • Consider Option B: Postsecondary education

With an IEP, the individual can stay in school until they are 22 years old. Determine whether the young adult will graduate or remain in school. Upon exiting:

  • If an individual has been approved for NOW/COMP waiver, call waiver liaison to give the exact date of graduation.

  • Contact Voc Rehab (VR) to transfer student to become a client. VR can assist with job training, job placement and education assistance.

  • Contact DHBDD (if denied VR) to assist with post-secondary supports for home care, respite care, and community based services.