Planning for Life Beyond High School
As students approach adulthood, families often find themselves asking bigger questions than simply where their child will go to school next
The transition to adulthood involves much more than accessing services. It is about helping students develop the skills, confidence, supports, and opportunities they need to build meaningful adult lives.
Whether a student is pursuing college, employment, independent living, community participation, adult services, or a combination of pathways, thoughtful planning can help families prepare for the future with greater clarity and confidence.
My role is to help families understand available options, identify future support needs, and create realistic plans that align with each student’s strengths, goals, and vision for adulthood.
Families Often Ask…
* What happens after graduation?
* Will my child qualify for adult services?* How independent can they realistically become?
* What supports should we be putting in place now?
* How do we prepare for employment, housing, transportation, and community life?
* What if my child falls somewhere in the middle—not needing intensive supports but not fully independent either?
These questions rarely have simple answers. Every student’s path to adulthood is unique. Together, we can explore options, identify priorities, and create a plan that supports long-term success and independence.
Supporting Students in the Middle
Many students are capable of succeeding academically but continue to struggle with executive functioning, organization, self-advocacy, social navigation, daily living skills, or managing the practical demands of adult life.
These students often fall into what I call the “forgotten middle.” They may not qualify for the most intensive adult-service systems, yet they still require guidance, support, and intentional planning to successfully navigate adulthood.
For these students, success is often less about academic ability and more about developing the practical skills needed to manage everyday life.
Together, we can identify strengths, uncover areas where additional support may be beneficial, and create a realistic plan for building greater independence over time.
Areas of Support Include:
Adult Services Navigation
Guidance related to:
- MassAbility (formerly MRC)
- DDS (Department of Developmental Services)
- DMH services
- Independent Living Centers
- SSI and benefits planning
- Community-based supports
Independent Living Planning
Support related to:
- Daily living skills
- Executive functioning
- Healthcare management
- Financial literacy
- Housing considerations
- Community participation
Transportation & Community Access
Support with:
- Public transportation readiness
- Travel training considerations
- Community navigation
- Safety and self-management skills
- Accessing community resources
Employment & Adult Life Planning
Support related to:
- Employment readiness
- Workplace accommodations
- Supported employment options
- Vocational programs
- Community-based experiences
- Long-term adult goals
Family Planning & Future Decision-Making
Support with:
- Age 18 planning
- Supported decision-making
- Guardianship alternatives
- Adult healthcare transitions
- Building a long-term support network
Families often benefit from having an experienced guide to help organize priorities and navigate complex decisions.
Looking for a More Comprehensive Evaluation?
Families seeking a deeper understanding of their student’s readiness for adulthood may wish to begin with a
Transition Readiness Assessment.
Through a comprehensive review of six key areas
Education & Training,
Employment,
Independent Living,
Self-Advocacy,
Transportation & Community Access,
Adult Services Readiness
I help families identify strengths, uncover gaps, and create a personalized Future Planning Roadmap.