Transitions Timeline

Printable checklist

Use this checklist as a planning aid and confirm current details directly with the relevant provider.

Age 18

Review Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

Contact Revenue Canada to add your youth's name and SIN to their Disability Tax Credit file.

Open Bank Account

If not already done, open a bank account in youth's name.

Disability Benefits

Apply for disability benefits if you have not already done so. Attend PWD meeting.

Microboards and Funding

Learn about funding eligibility, availability, and options.

Support Service Organizations / Day Programs

Visit and interview community living agencies in your community to see what they offer.
Learn about day programs and activity options.

Representation Agreements / Power of Attorney

Learn about representation agreements and enduring power of attorney. If needed, have one in place.

At Home Program ~ PWD medical coverage

When the individual turns 18, funding provided by the At Home Program will end, and medical coverage through PWD will begin.

Housing

Research housing options.

Income Taxes

File youth's income taxes.

Youth Profile

Regularly review your youth's profile (strengths, qualities, likes, dislikes...) Discuss their hopes, dreams and visions for their future.

Transition team

Review/ update members of transition team. If you do not already have a transition team for your youth, pull one together.

Create / Review Transition Plan / IEP

Review and update the Transition Plan and the Individual Education Plan (IEP). Ensure that goals identified are relevant to individual's adult life.

Obtain / Update Assessments

Determine which assessments are required in order to effectively transition into adult services. (Most commonly required - psycho-educational assessment.)

Transition Workshops

Attend transition workshops.

School

Research and plan for post-secondary education / training, vocational skills, and employment preparation.

Grants, Bursaries, Scholarships, Loans

Research school grants, bursaries, scholarships, and apply for them.

Financial Planning

Consider long term financial planning tools such as will & estate planning, trusts, insurance products, as well as RDSPs and RESPs.

Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)

If your youth has an RESP AND they will be attending post secondary education, inform yourself of the steps required in order to access these funds.

Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) file

Identify and meet your Community Living BC (CLBC) facilitator.

Employment & Volunteer Opportunities - Community Involvement

Review / research employment and volunteer opportunities. Include in transition plan - including the IEP.

Resume / Portfolio

Update youth's resume / portfolio of their work and volunteer jobs.

Self Description

As much as possible, teach youth how to describe their uniqueness to others.

Home Community Care, Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL)

If eligible, apply for Home Community Care (for respite, home support for personal care, and meals preparation) and CSIL Program (Choice in Supports for Independent Living), which provides funds to purchase home supports.

Public Transportation

Learn about public transport options and discounts. Once approved for PWD, apply for the annual bus pass.

Recreation, Leisure, & Entertainment

Pursue hobbies and opportunities for leisure and recreation.

Hold Exit Transition Meeting

Hold final meeting with Transition Team.

Family Support Institute of BC

Connect with the Family Support Institute for support, guidance, and information. This provincial not for profit organization can connect you with a volunteer Resource Parent (RP) in your community. All RPs have a family member with a disability. This network supports and connects with families by sharing experiences, expertise, and guidance.

FSI Event Calendar

FSI has regular online support groups, workshops, and information sessions with a wide variety of guest speakers for individuals and their families to explore.