Crisis Navigator
My child is aging out of school
Transition starts at 14, intensifies at 16, and the deadline is the school year your child turns 21 (or the date of graduation). Don't wait for the school to drive this — they often won't.
In the next hour
- Confirm transition goals are written into the IEP (required by age 15 in NY).
- Apply for OPWDD eligibility now if not already enrolled.
This week
- Request a Transition CSE meeting and bring an outside advocate.
- Apply for SSI in the month your child turns 18 (income/asset rules change).
- Start adult Medicaid review.
- Tour adult day programs (day hab, prevocational, supported employment).
- Discuss guardianship vs supported decision-making with an attorney.
Phone numbers
- OPWDD Front Door866-946-9733
- INCLUDEnyc Transition212-677-4660
What to say (script)
[Name] turns 18/21 on [date]. I am requesting that the CSE convene a transition meeting to update goals for OPWDD enrollment, adult day program, employment, and housing. Please send me a list of adult providers in our region.Browse full scripts library →
Documents to gather
- ✓Current IEP
- ✓Psychological evaluations
- ✓Functional vocational assessment
- ✓Birth certificate, Social Security card
- ✓Insurance and benefits paperwork