Turning 18 and what comes after

Start at 14. Really.

The IEP transition plan

Florida requires transition planning in the IEP beginning at age 14, aimed at what happens after school: employment, further education, independent living. Push for it to be specific and real. "Student will explore career options" is not a plan. Job sampling, travel training, and a self-advocacy goal are.

Legal capacity: the choice at 18

At 18 your child becomes a legal adult, and you lose the automatic right to make decisions or even receive information. Florida offers a range, and the law favors the least restrictive option that works:

• Supported decision-making — the young adult keeps their rights and formally designates people to help them understand and decide
• Health care surrogate and durable power of attorney — narrow, voluntary, revocable, often enough
• Guardian advocacy — a Florida process for people with developmental disabilities that transfers only specific rights, and does not require a finding of incapacity
• Full guardianship — the most restrictive, requiring a court finding of incapacity

Talk to an attorney who does this regularly, and start the year before the birthday. Ask what your child keeps, not only what you gain.

Benefits at 18

• Re-apply for SSI using adult rules; household income stops counting
• Apply to APD before 18 if you haven't — the eligibility process alone takes months
• PPEC ends at 21. Start identifying adult day programs, home health, or supported employment a year ahead
• Vocational Rehabilitation can fund training, job coaching, and equipment for work
• Register for Selective Service if applicable; it affects some benefits and can be resolved with documentation

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