Support for People with Disabilities Transitioning to Adulthood
Level:
CPD
Duration:
3 hrs
Course code:
TD/2025/09085
Max group:
12
Learn how to support individuals with disabilities in their transition to adulthood and independence
Course Summary
Support for People with Disabilities Transitioning to Adulthood
This comprehensive course is designed to equip caregivers, educators, healthcare professionals, and support workers with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to effectively support young people with disabilities as they transition from adolescence into adulthood. The transition to adulthood represents a critical period of change, opportunity, and challenge for individuals with disabilities, impacting their education, employment, social relationships, independence, and overall quality of life.
The course covers the multifaceted aspects of this transition, highlighting the importance of personalized planning and interdisciplinary collaboration to promote positive outcomes. Participants will explore developmental milestones, legal rights, and available resources, while learning to foster independence, self-advocacy, and community inclusion.
Throughout the course, learners will gain a deep understanding of the barriers faced by young adults with disabilities, including social, educational, and systemic challenges, and discover evidence-based approaches to overcoming these obstacles. Emphasis will be placed on creating person-centered transition plans that respect individual preferences, strengths, and goals.
Key topics include navigating education and vocational pathways, accessing healthcare and social services, building life skills, and promoting emotional and social well-being. The course also addresses family dynamics and the vital role of caregivers and professionals in supporting a successful transition.
By the end of this course, participants will be empowered to support young adults with disabilities in achieving greater autonomy, meaningful participation in their communities, and a fulfilling adult life.
Course Contents
Module 1: Introduction to the Transition to Adulthood
Key milestones in transitioning from adolescence to adulthood
Importance of early planning and individualized support
Common challenges: education, employment, housing, social inclusion, healthcare
Addressing misconceptions and promoting social inclusionModule 2: Legal Rights and Entitlements
Overview of legal protections (ADA and other laws)
Rights to education, employment, healthcare, housing, community involvement
Guardianship, decision-making, financial independence
Accessing government benefits: Social Security, Medicaid, vocational rehab
Legal documents: Power of Attorney, Living WillsModule 3: Person-Centered Planning and Goal Setting
Definition and importance of person-centered planning
Developing Individualized Transition Plans (ITPs)
Components: education, employment, housing, social life, independence
Collaborative planning with families and professionals
Setting SMART goals
Assessing individual strengths, preferences, and challengesModule 4: Education and Vocational Training
Postsecondary education options: college, technical/trade schools
Supporting academic goals and accommodations
Vocational training, job skills development, internships
Workplace accommodations and disability disclosure
Employment resources and inclusive hiring practices
Workplace integration and retention strategiesModule 5: Developing Social Skills and Relationships
Promoting community involvement and participation
Building friendships and peer relationships
Understanding healthy relationships: romantic, familial, peer
Teaching boundaries, consent, and self-advocacy
Communication skills and conflict resolution
Developing emotional intelligence and empathyModule 6: Independent Living Skills
Financial literacy: budgeting, saving, managing money
Understanding taxes, bills, benefits, and financial support programs
Household management: cleaning, cooking, laundry, personal care
Planning daily routines and maintaining a healthy living environment
Transportation: using public transit, assistive devices, drivingModule 7: Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
Recognizing mental health challenges: anxiety, depression, stress
Early warning signs and accessing mental health support
Building emotional resilience and coping mechanisms
Promoting self-care and stress management
Developing a support network: peer groups, mentors, professionalsModule 8: Health Care and Medical Management
Managing healthcare needs and ongoing medical conditions
Navigating adult healthcare systems and legal rights (privacy, consent)
Promoting healthy lifestyles: exercise, diet, preventive care
Addressing chronic conditions and disabilities’ impact on independenceModule 9: Housing and Independent Living
Exploring housing options: at home, supported living, independent housing
Assistive technologies and home modifications for independence
Accessing housing programs, understanding tenant rights and responsibilities
Life skills for independent living: grocery shopping, meal prep, safety
Support workers and personal assistantsModule 10: Future Planning and Long-Term Success
Long-term financial planning: savings, retirement, benefits
Importance of setting financial goals and security
Lifelong learning and career development opportunities
Ongoing skill development and education pathways
Monitoring progress and adjusting transition plans regularly
Reflection on successes and growth areas
Assessment
The instructor conducts a single written assessments at the end of the course. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a three-year Level 3 Award in Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People or Vulnerable Adults (Level 6 in Scotland). No external assessors are required for this qualification.
Duration
The course requires a minimum of 7 hours, distributed over the day. While it is ideal to complete the course in one day, we can adjust the schedule to suit your specific needs, as long as the course is completed within 3 weeks of starting and each training session lasts at least two hours.
Certification Validity
This qualification has no formal expiry, however regular CPD and updates are recommended.
Further Information - Course Numbers
A maximum of 12 students can be accommodated on this course and all candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age to qualify.
Assessment method: Activities, test paper.
Pre-requisite: None
Suggested progression:
recommended refresher training and CPD;