Preparing for adulthood is a gradual process that involves developing practical life skills, independence, and self-advocacy. This checklist is designed to help families think about areas of strength as well as areas that may benefit from additional support.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, transition services are intended to prepare students for postsecondary education, employment, and independent living.

This self-assessment can help families reflect on how their child is progressing in these areas.

For each item below, consider whether your child can do the skill:

✔ Independently
△ With support
✘ Not yet

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Daily Living Skills

☐ Maintain personal hygiene independently
☐ Prepare simple meals or snacks
☐ Follow basic household routines
☐ Do laundry or manage clothing
☐ Keep track of personal belongings

Daily living skills are important for independence and may be addressed through transition services when appropriate.

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Community Navigation

☐ Navigate familiar community environments (stores, restaurants, etc.)
☐ Ask for help when needed
☐ Understand basic safety rules in public spaces
☐ Follow directions in unfamiliar environments
☐ Use transportation or ride-share systems safely

Practicing these skills in real environments often improves confidence and independence.

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Money and Financial Skills

☐ Identify money and make purchases
☐ Understand the cost of items
☐ Budget or manage small amounts of money
☐ Use a debit card or payment method appropriately
☐ Understand the concept of saving

Financial literacy is an important part of adulthood and can be practiced gradually during adolescence.

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Communication and Self-Advocacy

☐ Express needs and preferences clearly
☐ Ask questions when confused
☐ Communicate with unfamiliar adults
☐ Describe their strengths and challenges
☐ Request accommodations when needed

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, individuals with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodations in many environments. Developing self-advocacy skills can help individuals access those supports.

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Executive Functioning Skills

☐ Manage a daily schedule or routine
☐ Complete tasks without constant reminders
☐ Organize materials or belongings
☐ Manage time effectively
☐ Solve problems when challenges arise

Executive functioning skills are closely tied to independence in work, school, and daily life.

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Employment Readiness

☐ Follow instructions from supervisors or teachers
☐ Work independently for short periods of time
☐ Demonstrate responsibility for tasks
☐ Communicate respectfully with coworkers or peers
☐ Show interest in exploring potential jobs or careers

Federal programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act support individuals with disabilities in preparing for employment and career development.

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Social and Community Participation

☐ Engage in conversations with peers
☐ Participate in community activities or clubs
☐ Manage frustration in social situations
☐ Respect personal boundaries
☐ Develop friendships or peer connections

Social skills play a significant role in employment success, community participation, and overall quality of life.

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Reflecting on the Results

This self-assessment is not intended to determine readiness for adulthood but rather to highlight areas where additional support, instruction, or practice may be helpful.

Many individuals develop these skills gradually through:

• school-based transition services

• community experiences

• vocational training

• real-world skill practice

Transition planning is most effective when it focuses on strengths while also identifying opportunities for growth.

 

When Additional Support May Be Helpful

Some families find it helpful to seek additional guidance when:

• transition goals feel unclear

• independence skills are difficult to practice at home

• navigating adult service systems feels overwhelming

• families want structured opportunities for community-based skill development

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Many families find that practicing independence skills in real-world environments helps young people build confidence and prepare for adulthood. Structured transition planning and community-based learning opportunities can support this process.