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Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs

Pediatric to Adult Transition Resources

These resources align with the transition checklist used in OCSHCN clinics to help parents and patients find appropriate resources and move toward independence.

Helping young people move from:

  • School to work,
  • Pediatric to adult health care,
  • Living at home to independent living.

As a part of our mission to enhance the quality of life for Kentucky’s children with special health care needs, we are available to help you find resources and supports for your child with developmental needs. Below, you will see the transitions checklist organized by age.

Transition checklist by age

If 3 or older, does your child have an IEP? If so, would you like an OCSHCN staff member to attend IEP meetings? If so, it is the family's responsibility to invite staff in a timely fashion.

Are you aware of government assistance programs (financial or food) that may be available and know how to access these services?

Is your child reaching developmental milestones or developing like other children?

Do you know about First Steps and Head Start and how to get your child involved in these programs?

Do you know how to apply for SSI for your child?

If your child is 3 years or older and still in diapers, do you know how to get assistance paying for diapers?

Are you aware of Medicaid waivers? If you have one, which one do you receive?

If your child has an IEP, would you like an OCSHCN staff member to attend IEP meetings? If so, it is the family's responsibility to invite staff to each meeting in a timely fashion.

Does your child/family have computer access?

Do you understand that your child should use a booster seat until age 8-12 or about 4 feet, 9 inches tall?

Does your child know his/her address/phone number?

Do you keep a medical record of information on your child?

Are you aware of benefits, activities and camps for children with special needs like the Center for Courageous Kids, Special Olympics, etc.?

Do you need behavioral support for your child?

Do you know about the Special Needs Trust?

Do you need help with a specialized car seat for your child?

Are you aware of adaptive equipment for your child?

Are you aware of the Human Development Institute Comprehensive Disability Resource Manual?

Do you need help obtaining diapers/briefs for your child?

Are you aware of Medicaid waivers? If you have one, which one do you have?

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At this age, if possible, questions are directed to the child.

Do you understand your diagnosis and can you explain it?

Do you know the danger signs of your condition and when to seek medical help?

Do you tell the doctor how you are dong and answer questions?

Do you take your medicine with or without supervision?

Do you know the name of your medication(s) and the possible side effects?

Without parental prompting, do you have good hygiene (clean, groomed hair; regular baths; teeth brushed and flossed daily; and clean clothes)?

Do you have questions regarding sexuality? 

Do you care for your own personal needs (feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming) or know how to get help with them?

Do you have an emergency plan and know how to call 911?

Do you know how to study? Are you responsible for your homework?

Do you have more advanced chores at home?

Do you understand the value of an education and how that will help you achieve your goals?

Girls: Do you have questions regarding your menstrual cycle?

If you have an IEP or special needs concerns, do you know how to take care of your medical equipment (hearing aids, wheelchair, leg braces, walker, breathing equipment, etc.)?

Do you know how to get a service animal if needed?

Do you understand the Americans with Disabilities Act/Individual with Disabilities Education Act?

At age 14, do you attend your IEP/504 meetings?

Are you aware of Medicaid waivers? These waivers provide a funding stream for community living supports, residential, respite care and other services. If you have one, which one do you receive?

At this age, if possible, questions are directed to the child.

Do you communicate problems/concerns with your doctor?

Do you take your medication/treatments as scheduled (if applicable)?

Are you informed of and take part in making medical decisions for yourself?

Do you inform family of your need for medicine orders and refills?

Do you talk with your doctor/nurse/social worker about the need to choose an adult health care provider when you turn 18?

Do you understand your health insurance and how it works (insurance plans, deductibles, co-pays, etc.)?

Do you understand the importance of organizing and keeping your medical records and receipts?

Do you know the importance of having health insurance coverage and what will happen to it at 18?

Do you help plan and prepare meals/food?

Can you budget money and save up for something?

Are you deciding what your future plans look like (work, secondary education, vocational training, Job Corps, military, etc.)?

Are you learning about healthy behaviors such as exercise and nutrition that help you stay well?

Do you have a part-time job or volunteering position?

Are you preparing for your future transportation needs by learning to drive, manage public or private transportation, understanding ADA transportation or planning to be evaluated for the ability to drive, if applicable?

Do you intend to register to vote at age 18? Do you understand the importance of exercising your right to vote and the value of voting for candidates who support disability rights and services?

If you have an IEP or special needs concern:

Do you attend your IEP/504 meetings?

Are you planning for your future by being ready to list vocational goals on your IEP at age 16?

Do you know to reapply for SSI at age 18 because only your income will be considered at that time?

Do you know your rights and responsibilities concerning giving medical consent, guardianship or power of attorney at age 18?

Do you understand how to work and continue to draw disability?

Do you know about services for the disabled such as vocational rehabilitation, school-to-work, supported employment, adult day care, etc.?

Do you understand your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act?

Do you understand that with a developmental disability, you can stay in high school until age 21?

Are you aware of Medicaid waivers? These waivers provide a funding stream for community living supports, residential and respite care and other services. If you have one, which one do you receive?​

At this age, if possible, questions are directed to the child.

Do you have plans to choose your adult health care providers and made initial appointments to establish care with them if not already seeing them?

Have you made a list of questions to ask your doctors so you remember to ask them?

Do you make your own medical decisions or have other arrangements in place?

Can you explain to others how your family's customs and beliefs might affect health care decisions and medical treatments?

Do you follow up on any referrals for tests, check-ups or labs?

Do you call the doctor about any unusual changes in your health (allergies etc.)

Have you chosen a pharmacy where your current and new prescriptions can be filled? Are you aware of generic medications that can save you money?

Are you aware of prescription assistance programs if you do not have adequate insurance?

Do you have and carry with you a medical history summary that includes a list of medications you take and the dosage?

Do you manage your medical appointments and make arrangements for transportation if needed?

If you no longer are eligible for Medicaid, have you looked into options and applied for other funding resources?

Do you know what to do for minor ailments like a cold and health emergencies like pressure wounds?

Do you sign your own release-of-information forms or have a plan in place for guardianship, power of attorney, conservator, etc.?

Are you aware of support groups in your area?

Do you have plans after high school?

Do you know what to do to enroll in school or training and apply for financial aid?

Do you have plans for independent living, housing and transportation?

Do you know how to manage money and budget household expenses?

Do you have a drivers license or state ID?

Do you work or volunteer?

Do you know about transferring records when you turn 21?

Have you registered to vote and understand the importance of exercising your right to vote? If disabled, do you understand the value of voting for candidates who support disability rights and services?

Do you take care of your personal needs or have you identified someone to help if needed?

If you have an IEP or special needs concerns:

Do you know how to get any accommodations you need at work or school? Are you aware of the Job Accommodation Network?

Are you aware of Medicaid waivers? These waivers provide a funding stream for community living supports, residential, respite care and other services. If you have one, which one do you receive?


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