Youth Transitions:
The Leap from Teen to Adult
Graduating high school is a huge step for any youth and can be especially daunting for youth with disabilities and their families. At age 18, or upon graduation, youth with disabilities automatically lose their education-based benefits and support.
Without education, planning, and assistance, youth can wind up living at home for years with their parents – who become de facto caretakers, shouldering responsibility and expenses.
CPWD staff work with youth and families to plan successful transitions from high school to the “real world,” be that job seeking, higher education or other vocational activities.
CPWD offers additional youth programs that teach job-preparation and job-seeking, socialization, self-advocacy, transportation, communication skills, and more, to prepare youth for their journey to adulthood.
Programs are offered on-site, in schools, during the school year, and as week-long sessions during the summer. Our youth program also has Peer Support groups, where transitioning youth can learn skills, share experiences, concerns or goals, make friends, and participate in social gatherings and activities.