Family Resources
Families play an important role in helping students prepare for life after high school. Families can help their children build skills, find a job, or decide whether to attend college. On this page, you’ll find practical resources for families.
We’ve created a form to use while looking at these resources. The form will prompt you to write down questions and think about the areas where you need the most support. It also includes places to jot down notes and important details. Download our form by clicking this link.
To help you get started, we have gathered suggestions for general secondary transition resources. For more detailed information, download the PDFs below. Each PDF will link you to helpful resources in specific areas.
Family Tip Sheets
Practical tip sheets for families on a variety of transition to adulthood topics.
What Should I Know About How Work Impacts SSI Benefits?
What Should I Know About Vocational Rehabilitation?
What Should I Know About Pre-Employment Transition Services?
What Should I Know About Diploma Options?
What Should I Know About TN ABLE Accounts?
What Should I Know About Assistive Technology After High School?
What Should I Know About Getting Accommodations in College?
What Should I Know About Supported Decision-Making?
What Should I Know About ECF Choices?
What Should I Know About Transportation?
General Transition Guides
What’s Next?: A Self-Advocate’s Guided Tour Through Transition for Parents and Other Supporters
A guide for parents and caregivers that details transition rights, transition planning, and life after high school including areas like independent living, health, and employment.
The Journey to Life After High School
An 80-page guide for parents and caregivers of students with disabilities for transition to adulthood (middle school up to age 26).
Websites
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder (“Pathfinder”) helps people with disabilities, their families, educators, and other professionals find and access resources, support, and services available to meet their needs. They assist individuals of all ages, types of disabilities, and languages spoken. You can also call their help line (1-800-640-4636) to speak to a referral coordinator.
Click here for a guide on how to use Tennessee Disability Pathfinder.
The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center is a national and international leader in the development, implementation, and dissemination of precision care and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
TennesseeWorks Rise to Work Blog
This blog shares information on employment-related topics for family members of individuals with disabilities
The Arc Center for Future Planning
The Center for Future Planning aims to support and encourage adults with I/DD and their families to plan for the future.
PACER provides individual assistance, workshops, publications, and other resources to help families make decisions about education and other services for their child or young adult with disabilities.
Understood is a non-profit dedicated to providing resources, support, and community to families of kids who learn and think differently.
Parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for reliable information about special education law and advocacy for children with disabilities.
