Transitioning out of High School
Planning early
Planning Early
Start Planning Early
It’s a good idea to think about the future as soon as you can. If your child has special education needs or a developmental disability, they may need more time to learn skills and reach their goals. High school is the best time to start planning what comes next.
Life After High School:
There are many paths your child can take. They might even do a mix of these:
Work or Volunteering
Some agencies can help your child learn job skills and find a job or volunteer placement.
College or University
Many schools have programs and support for students with disabilities. This can include extra help or different ways to learn.
Day or Residential Programs
These programs teach life skills and give support during the day for people not working or in school.
Leisure and Recreation
Your child can join fun programs in the community to meet new people and enjoy hobbies.
Services and When to Apply
It’s important to apply early for support and funding. Here are some key ages:
Helpful Websites
These sites can help with planning:
Work With the School Team
Ask your child’s school to add transition goals to their Individualized Education Plan (IEP). This helps them practice the right skills for life after high school.
Recreation and Leisure
Recreation and Leisure
This guide is for students and families. It lists community programs in London, Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford that offer:
- Day programs
- Social activities
- Recreation and leisure programs
Please note: this information is provided to help you explore options and does not imply endorsement.
Why Recreation and Leisure Are Important:
As students become adults, they can keep learning new skills:
- Leisure skills – hobbies, games, and fun activities
- Social skills – meeting people and making friends
- Recreation skills – sports, exercise, and community activities
Learning these skills helps young people be more independent and enjoy life.
Day Programs
Day programs give young adults care and activities during the day.
Important: Many day programs have waitlists through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO). Some can be paid for using Passport funding or by paying a fee.
London-Middlesex:
Diversified Dynamic Care (Arva)
Goodwill Industries Great Lakes
Salvation Army- London Village
Oxford:
Elgin:
Social and Recreation Opportunities
These programs help people join community activities and make friends.
Supports Across All Four Areas (Elgin, Oxford, London, Middlesex):
Easter Seals Ontario Camp Program
Karis Disability Services- Family Camp
London-Middlesex:
Salvation Army- London Village
Oxford:
Elgin:
Post-Secondary Education
Post-Secondary Education
This guide is for students and families in London, Middlesex, Oxford, and Elgin.
Please note: this information is provided to help you explore options and does not imply endorsement.
Post-Secondary Options
Students with special education needs or developmental disabilities can go to college or university.
Some students may need accommodations to help with learning. Others may want programs that let them try college life and co-op opportunities.
Accessibility Services
- Help with transportation
- Assistive technology
- Peer mentors
- Note-taking help
- Written accommodations
Western University Accessibility Services
Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE):
The CICE program is a two-year Ontario College Certificate program for students with intellectual disabilities or major learning challenges.
CICE helps students build:
- Academic skills
- Work skills
- Social skills
The program includes modified college courses and supervised field placements. Each college has different options.
Learn more here:
Other Programs:
ACE Program:
The Academic & Career Entrance (ACE) Certificate Program is equal to a Grade 12 diploma. It allows entry into:
- Pre-apprenticeship programs
- Apprenticeships
- College Programs
- It is also accepted by many employers
Funding Supports:
Students may qualify for financial support:
Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
Bursary for students with disabilities
Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment- Students with Disabilities
More Resources:
The Transition Resource Guide has useful information and videos if you are thinking about post-secondary education.
Work and Volunteer
Work and Volunteer
This guide is for students and families in London, Middlesex, Oxford, and Elgin.
Please note: this information is provided to help you explore options and does not imply endorsement.
Work and Volunteer Opportunities
Students with special education needs or developmental disabilities can often work or volunteer.
If this is your path, many community agencies can help. Services may be:
- Free
- Paid (fee-for-service)
- Paid with Passport funding
Types of Services
Employment Planning or Job Coaching
- Explore your interests and goals
- Plan your career path
- Learn through training or skill-building
Employment Skills Training
- Resume writing
- Interview practice
- Workplace manners
- Job specific skills
Supported Employment
- Partnership between you, a support worker, and an employer
- Support is based on your personal needs
Job Placement
- Agencies help you find jobs in the community
- May include training for certain jobs
Follow-Up Support
- Extra help when learning new skills
- Ongoing support while you adjust to a job
Drop-In Centres
- Free access to computers, printers, and employment staff
- Often no appointment needed
Community Agencies Offering Work and Volunteer Support
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
Goodwill Industries Ontario Great Lakes
Middlesex Community Employment Choices
Participation Support Services
Woodstock and District Developmental Services (WDDS)
Life Skills Development
Life Skills Development
This guide is for students and families in London, Middlesex, Oxford, and Elgin.
Please note: this information is provided to help you explore options and does not imply endorsement.
Why Life Skills Are Important
Students with special education needs or developmental disabilities may need extra support to learn life skills.
Life skills help with:
- Independence
- Daily living
- Social participation
- Quality of life
Some programs teach skills like cooking, communication, or money management. Others focus on preparing for independent living.
Examples of Life Skills to Learn Early:
Self-Care:
- Dressing
- Grooming and bathing
- Toileting
- Nutrition and meal preparation
Communication:
- Verbal and non-verbal communication
- Listening
- Social Interactions
- Self-advocacy
Social Interactions:
- Meeting and interacting with others
- Joining social activities
- Understanding social situations
Finances:
- Money management
- Budgeting Banking
Community Agencies Offering Life Skills Support
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
High School Transition Checklist
London District Catholic School Board High School Transition Checklist
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Age/Grade |
Activity/Website |
What is it? |
Date Completed |
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Under 18 |
The Special Services at Home (SSAH) Program helps families who care for a child with a developmental or physical disability. It gives money to help pay for services and supports that make caring for the child easier. The program also helps the child take part in activities at home and in the community. |
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Under 18 |
Apply to Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program (ACSD) |
If you are a parent or guardian caring for a child with a disability, you may be able to get financial help through the ACSD program. This program gives money to families who qualify to help pay for extra costs that come with caring for a child with a disability. |
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All ages
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People who apply must have a permanent disability and need help from another person. For people of all ages with a disability, the cardholder can get one free or discounted ticket for their support person.
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Prior to grade 9
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Apply or determine if eligible for Disability Tax credit (DTC) |
A tax credit that helps people with disabilities or their family members pay less income tax. |
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Prior to grade 9
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You need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work or to get benefits like the Ontario Disability Tax Credit and Passport funding. |
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Prior to grade 9 |
A Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a savings plan that helps people who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) save money for their future financial needs. |
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Grade 8 |
Transition meeting with elementary and receiving high school |
A meeting to talk about and plan the move to high school. This includes discussing goals for after high school, reviewing the transition plan, and setting goals in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) to help with the move after graduation. You will also talk about high school diploma or certificate options:
Think about which path you may take after high school:
Share your goals with the high school transition team.
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Grade 9-12 |
Attend workshops offered through LDCSB and community agencies
Resource: Planning network |
Different workshops are available, and handouts are provided. You can also connect with the Transition Navigator for support.
Encourage youth to take part in leisure activities, learn life skills, and explore work or volunteer opportunities.
Use person-centered planning tools to help set and reach personal goals.
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Age 15.5 |
Ensure Ontario Health Card is renewed before 16th birthday with photo |
At age 16, the Ontario Health Card needs to be renewed with a photo. A valid health card is needed for some applications, such as Developmental Services Ontario. |
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Age 16 |
Apply for Ontario ID card (photo identification) |
Ontario photo ID card is required for several applications to community services such as Developmental Services Ontario. |
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Age 16 |
Applications should start at age 16.
Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) is the access point for adult developmental services. They can help you complete the application, figure out the supports you need, access services funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), and find information about services in your community.
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Age 16 |
A bank account is needed to receive deposits, such as Passport funding. |
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Age 16 |
Open a Henson trust (if eligible/applicable) |
A Henson Trust is designed to give financial support to a person with disabilities without affecting their eligibility for government assistance programs. |
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Age 16+ |
Bus services (if applicable) |
London: London Specialized Transit is a shared, door-to-door service for people who cannot use regular public transit.
Elgin: Parallel transit service is a personalized, door-to-door service for people who cannot use regular public transit.
Middlesex: A fully accessible Inter-Community Transit Service provides transportation between communities for people with mobility or accessibility needs.
Oxford: Connects Oxford County residents aged 18 and older with a disability to door-to-door transportation.
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Age 17.5 |
Apply for Ontario Disability Support Plan 6 months prior to 18th birthday |
Funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), this program offers financial and employment support for people with disabilities. |
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Age 17 |
Explore adult services and supports |
Explore and start talking with community agencies you or your student are interested in after high school. Keep in mind that many of these agencies require an application through DSO. |
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Age 18 |
Passport funding (must be deemed eligible through DSO)
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The Passport program helps adults 18 and older with a developmental disability take part in their communities as independently as possible. It is a reimbursement program, so families can submit receipts for eligible expenses. The program can help pay for things like community classes, hiring a support worker, and temporary respite services. |
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Age 18 |
The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) gives money to help a person with a disability and their family pay for living expenses like food and rent. It also provides health benefits and employment support. |
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Age 18 |
The Canada Disability Benefit gives money directly to people with disabilities who are between 18 and 64 years old. The program is run by Service Canada.
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Age 18+ |
Continue with high school education until the year you turn 21 (if applicable) |
Keep working with your school team to set transition goals that will help with the move to adulthood before finishing high school.
A student with an intellectual disability can stay in school until the calendar year they turn 21. Choosing this option means your child may spend up to 7 years in high school. The Transition Plan will help prepare for life after high school.
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Age 18+ |
Apply to post-secondary education (if applicable)
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Decide if you want a general program with accommodations or a modified program, such as the Community Integration through Co-Operative Education (CICE) program. |
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Age 18+ |
Participate in community events with or without 1:1 support |
Look for leisure, recreation, and life skills opportunities in your community. |
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Age 18+ |
Apply to volunteer and employment programs (if applicable) |
Look for volunteer and work opportunities in your community. |
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Age 18+ |
Explore Supported Living Arrangements (if applicable) |
Work with DSO to explore possible living arrangements and complete any required applications. Keep in mind that waitlists for these services can be long. |
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LDCSB High School Transition Checklist Printable