Transitioning from High School to Adult Services: What Families in Colorado Need to Know

Graduating from high school is a major milestone — and for families supporting a young adult with a disability, it often brings a new set of questions: What’s next? What services are available? How do we prepare for adult life?

The good news is that Colorado offers a wide network of adult services designed to help young people continue learning, working, and thriving beyond high school. The key is starting early and knowing how the process works.

Here’s a clear step-by-step guide to help your family navigate this transition with confidence.

Step 1: Start Early — Ideally by Age 14

Transition planning should begin well before graduation. Under Colorado law, schools must include a Transition Plan in a student’s IEP by age 15, though many families begin at 14 or earlier.

A strong Transition Plan includes goals for:

• Post-secondary education or skills training
• Employment or volunteer experiences
• Independent living skills
• Community participation

Tip: Ask the IEP team to include measurable goals, timelines, and responsibilities. Early planning leads to smoother transitions.

Step 2: Connect with Your Local Community Centered Board (CCB)

Before graduation, contact your Community Centered Board (CCB) — the organization responsible for determining eligibility and coordinating services for adults with developmental disabilities in Colorado.

For example:

• Colorado Springs: The Resource Exchange (TRE)

Your CCB can assist with:

• Developmental disability eligibility
• Medicaid waiver applications
• Case management
• Coordination of adult services

Getting connected early ensures that supports are in place when school services end.

Step 3: Apply for Medicaid and Adult Waivers

Most adult disability services in Colorado are funded through Medicaid waivers, which can cover:

• Residential support
• Supported Employment
• Day programs
• Transportation
• Behavioral services

Apply for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) through:
https://coloradopeak.secure.force.com/

Your CCB will help determine which adult waivers best match your loved one’s needs.

 Important Update: Join the DD Waitlist as Early as Possible

One of the most critical — and often overlooked — steps is understanding the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver Waitlist.

Families MUST formally tell their CCB they want to be added to the DD Waitlist.

If you don’t specifically request this, your child will not be placed on the list.

Why this matters:

• The DD Waiver provides 24/7 residential and intensive support for adults who need it.
• The waitlist can take years, so joining early is essential.
• Declining placement can cause major delays later.

If a family initially declines the DD Waitlist:

Regaining access may require:

• County-level involvement
• Supervisor approval from the CCB
• Significant delays in enrollment

Bottom line:
Even if you’re unsure whether your child will need the DD Waiver in adulthood, it is safer to join the waitlist early and keep that option open.

Step 4: Explore Supported Employment Options

Meaningful work builds confidence and purpose. Colorado offers Supported Employment programs — and RiseUP is proud to be one of them.

These services typically include:

• Job coaching and workplace support
• Resume building and interview prep
• Identifying strengths and interests
• Partnerships with inclusive employers

Encourage your young adult to explore job experiences during high school through internships, volunteer roles, or vocational classes.

Step 5: Focus on Life Skills and Independence

Adult life involves more than work or school — it’s about daily independence. Families can help by practicing skills such as:

• Budgeting and money management
• Cooking and meal planning
• Laundry and personal care
• Using public transportation
• Creating and following routines

These skills build independence and confidence, easing the transition into adulthood.

Step 6: Build a New Support Circle

When school-based services end, your family’s support team shifts — but a strong network can still surround your young adult.

Your new team may include:

• A CCB case manager
• Adult day or residential program providers
• Healthcare professionals familiar with adult care
• Advocacy organizations
• Peer support groups

Stay engaged, attend workshops, and keep asking questions. You are your loved one’s most important advocate.

Step 7: Celebrate the Journey

Transitioning from school to adult life is a significant milestone worth celebrating. Your young adult’s growth, strength, and resilience reflect the love and dedication that carried them this far.

RiseUP is honored to support families through this chapter and help each young adult discover their path with confidence and purpose.

Rising Together. Thriving Forever.

About RiseUP

RiseUP is at the forefront of advancing inclusion for neurodivergent individuals in Colorado. With a dedicated K–12 school, adult day and residential programs, and supported employment services, RiseUP provides comprehensive support from childhood through adulthood. RiseUP’s mission is to promote dignity and self-worth by building transformational communities where people of all abilities thrive side by side. Together, we RiseUP for inclusion.