Texas Transition and Employment Guide

The Texas Transition and Employment Guide is designed to help students with disabilities and their families prepare for life after high school. This comprehensive resource provides practical guidance, planning tools, and valuable information to support successful transitions to adulthood.

The guide covers important topics such as postsecondary education, employment, independent living, community participation, and adult services. It also includes step-by-step planning resources to help families and students make informed decisions throughout the transition process.

To ensure accessibility for all Texas families, the guide is available in five languages, making it easier for everyone to access the information they need.

We encourage students and families to explore the Texas Transition and Employment Guide and begin planning for a successful future filled with meaningful employment, continued education, independent living, and active participation in their communities.

If you have questions about this guide or the information in it, please email Michelle Harris at lmharris@lumbertonisd.org or  sped@tea.state.tx.us.

Higher Education Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities

The Higher Education Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities is designed to help students and families prepare for a successful transition from high school to college, technical school, or other postsecondary education. Developed by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD), this comprehensive guide provides valuable information about disability services, requesting accommodations, financial aid, self-advocacy, and navigating higher education.

The guide also includes a statewide directory of Texas colleges and universities with links to disability services offices, making it easier for students to connect with the support they need before beginning their postsecondary journey.

Lumberton ISD encourages students and families to explore this resource early in the transition planning process to better understand college expectations, available supports, and the steps needed to achieve their educational and career goals.

Texas Workforce Solutions – Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Youth

Texas Workforce Solutions – Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services helps students with disabilities prepare for life after high school by providing individualized support for education, employment, and independent living. Working in partnership with schools, families, and community agencies, VR Services assists students in developing the skills and experiences needed for a successful transition to adulthood.

Eligible students may have access to a variety of services, including:

• Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for students ages 14–22
• Career exploration and vocational counseling
• Work-based learning experiences and job readiness training
• Self-advocacy and workplace readiness skill development
• Counseling on postsecondary education and training opportunities
• Assistance with college, technical school, or career training goals
• Supported employment services, when appropriate
• Job placement assistance and ongoing employment support

Vocational Rehabilitation Services are designed to help students identify their strengths, explore career options, gain valuable work experience, and achieve greater independence as they transition from school to adult life.

Lumberton ISD encourages families to connect with Texas Workforce Solutions – Vocational Rehabilitation early in the transition planning process to maximize available resources and prepare students for success beyond graduation.

Supported Decision-Making Agreement

A Supported Decision-Making Agreement (SDMA) is a legal option in Texas that allows adults with disabilities to make their own decisions while receiving support from trusted individuals. Instead of transferring decision-making authority through guardianship, a Supported Decision-Making Agreement empowers individuals to remain in control of their lives by choosing one or more supporters to help them understand information, consider options, and communicate decisions.

Supporters may assist with areas such as:

• Education and training
• Employment
• Healthcare
• Financial matters
• Housing and community living
• Accessing community services and resources

A Supported Decision-Making Agreement promotes independence, self-determination, and personal choice while providing the guidance and support an individual may need to make informed decisions. It is an important transition planning option for many students with disabilities as they approach adulthood.

Lumberton ISD encourages families to learn about Supported Decision-Making as they prepare for life after high school. Students, families, and ARD Committees should consider all available options to determine the level of support that best meets the student's individual needs and goals.

Transfer of Rights at Age 18

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), students receiving special education services become the educational decision-maker when they turn 18 years old, unless a legal arrangement has been established that provides decision-making support or authority to another individual. At that time, all educational rights previously held by the parent transfer to the student, including the right to participate in and make decisions during Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings.

In accordance with the Texas Education Agency (TEA), school districts must notify both the student and the parent at least one year before the student's 18th birthday that these rights will transfer at age 18. This provides families time to learn about available options and determine the level of support that best meets the student's individual needs.