Transitioning to Adulthood

For children who are deaf or hard of hearing, it is important to start preparing early for life after high school. This preparation is often called the “transition process.” Transition planning helps your child build the skills, confidence, and support they will need to experience their best adult life.

Your family’s participation in this process makes a difference. It can help your child prepare for:

• College or job training.
• Living independently.
• Self-advocacy and community involvement.

This section of the guide will help you understand how to support your child’s journey into adult life, with information and tools that may be helpful for families of deaf or hard of hearing teens.

• Understanding the Transition Process and the IEP.
• Key Agencies.
• Exploring Career Paths and Job Skills
• Planning for Financial Needs and Benefits
• Supporting Your Teen’s Identity and Self-Advocacy
• Learning About Expanded Core Competencies (ECC) for D/HH youth
• Resources for Transitioning to Adulthood