New Jersey Roadmap

STOP 1

At age 16

• Read our article on Transition.
• Read our articles on Finances, Public and Private.
• Visit the New Jersey Department of Education website. Find out what the requirements for graduation with a regular diploma are. To graduate with a regular diploma in New Jersey, students must pass exit exams.
• Meet with your child’s IEP team to discuss the Transition Plan. Visit the Wrightslaw website to get a better understanding of your child’s rights at Transition.
• Ask the school’s Transition Services Coordinator or your child’s IEP team leader to contact the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and request that a representative attend the next IEP meeting. Alternatively, contact them yourself to make the request. Beginning at age 14, students in New Jersey can receive help from VR counselors. Visit the page on Students in Transition from School to Work to learn more.
• Contact the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilties to find out what supports may be available for your child, at what age your child may apply for services, and how long the waiting list is for those services.
• Visit the website of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) if you wish to hire someone to help you advocate with your school system.

STOP 2

At Age 17

• Read our article on Guardianship.
• Read our articles on Finances, Public and Private.
• Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Even if your child receives SSI now, he will have to re-apply at age 18.
• Contact the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services to find out if your child will qualify for Medicaid upon turning 18 and if so, begin application process.

STOP 3

One Year Before High School Graduation

• Read our article on Postsecondary planning. Start considering and visiting programs.
• Read our article on Employment.
• Step up working with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
• Step up working with the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Divison of Developmental Disabilities.

STOP 4

At Age 21

• Read our Housing article.
• Read our article on Finances, Public and Private.
• Read our article on Employment.
• Refer to the Autism Speaks website for the Housing and Residential Supports Toolkit.

All Along the Way

• Visit the Autism Speaks New Jersey Resource Guide.
• Refer to the Autism Speaks website for their Transition Toolkit.
• Visit Autism New Jersey's Transition page.
• Visit the website of The Arc of New Jersey.