Planning for the Future

What You'll Find

Whether you’re thinking about next steps in school, adulthood, or long-term care, this section offers guidance and tools for planning ahead. Explore resources that help families set goals, prepare for transitions, and build a secure future.

Transition: School Age to Adulthood

On-Demand Webinar from Family Voices of MN

Focus on Transition to Adulthood Quick Guide

This 4-page guide helps families and young adults plan for life after school. It covers topics like daily activities, work or volunteer options, housing choices, transportation, and supported decision-making. Designed to spark conversations and help create a personalized plan for a meaningful adult life.

Disability HUB MN – Transition to Adulthood

This page helps families learn about planning for life after high school. It includes information on education, work, housing, benefits, and legal rights, with tools and checklists to support the transition.

Got Transition®

National resource center dedicated to improving the transition from pediatric to adult health care. It provides evidence-based strategies and tools for health care professionals, youth, young adults, and their families to support a smooth and effective transition process.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) in Minnesota

Supports students with disabilities ages 14–21 and adults with disabilities in planning for their future. Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) help students explore careers and prepare for life after high school, while VRS also offers career counseling, training, job placement, and on-the-job support for people of all ages.

Mad Hatter Wellness

They work with people of all abilities and specialize in health and sex education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They provide training for families, caregivers, educators and direct support professionals.

Special Needs Planning: Financial Management Options (Part 1 of 2: Webinar Series on Special Needs Planning)

On-Demand Webinar from Family Voices of MN

Minnesota Department of Education – Secondary Transition

Starting in grade 9 (or by age 14), transition planning must be part of a student’s IEP. This MDE webpage explains the requirements and offers tools, checklists, and training resources to support students moving toward education, work, and independent living after high school.

Pacer Center – Preparing for Adulthood

Guidance for families of youth with disabilities (ages 14–21) on planning for life after high school. The page covers topics like IEP transition planning, self-advocacy, school services, and changes when a child turns 18.

Relationships, Boundaries & Sexuality: Workshop for Parents of Children with Disabilites

On-Demand Webinar from Family Voices of MN