Print
findSupport BC
Transitions Timeline
Ages 0-25
Age 0-2
First Diagnosis
Understand the diagnosis your child receives and arm yourself with knowledge to better prepare yourself for what lies ahead.
Early Childhood Intervention Program
Access the ministry's early childhood intervention services
Funding
Various funding sources are available to families depending on the needs and diagnosis of your child.
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
Determine your child's eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
Getting Connected
Network with other families and build your circle of support.
Social Network
Start to work on your child's social network as soon as possible.
Infant Development Program
Access the Infant Development Program.
Aboriginal Infant Development Program
Access the Aboriginal Infant Development Program.
Supported Child Development
Access the Supported Child Development.
Aboriginal Supported Child Development
Access the Aboriginal Supported Child Development if applicable.
Early Intervention Therapy Program
Access the Early Intervention Therapy Program.
Charitable funding
Variety Club CKNW Orphan's Fund, Easter Seals
Registered Disability Saving Plan (RDSP)
If eligible, open a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) for your youth.
Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)
Research the Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). Start one if it is a good fit for your youth and family.
Preschool
Decide whether you will enroll your child in preschool. If so, research preschool program options.
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.
Age 3-4
First Diagnosis
Understand the diagnosis your child receives and arm yourself with knowledge to better prepare yourself for what lies ahead.
Early Childhood Intervention Program
Access the ministry's early childhood intervention services
Funding
Various funding sources are available to families depending on the needs and diagnosis of your child.
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
Determine your child's eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
Preschool
Research preschools and education options and enroll by the deadline.
Getting Connected
Network with other families and build your circle of support.
Social Network
Start to work on your child's social network as soon as possible
Infant Development Program
Acces the Infant Development Program.
Supported Child Development
Acces the Supported Child Development.
Aboriginal Supported Child Development
Acces the Aboriginal Supported Child Development if applicable.
Early Intervention Therapy Program
Acces the Early Intervention Therapy Program if appliceale.
Charitable funding
Variety Club CKNW Orphan's Fund, Easter Seals
Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)
Research the Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). Start one if it is a good fit for your youth and family.
Individual Education Plans (IEP)
Familiarize yourself with Individual Education Plans
Gather relevant information for your school
Organize all assessments and reports that your new school will require
Specialized equipment
Discuss with your school any necessary specialized equipment that will be necessary for your child
Write a document
Create a one page document that describes in summary form the important aspects of your child.
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.
Age 5-6
First Diagnosis
Understand the diagnosis your child receives and arm yourself with knowledge to better prepare yourself for what lies ahead.
Early Childhood Intervention Program
Access the ministry's early childhood intervention services
Funding
Various funding sources are available to families depending on the needs and diagnosis of your child.
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
Determine your child's eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
Registered Disability Saving Plan (RDSP)
If eligible, open a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) for your youth.
Kindergarten
Research schools and enroll your child in kindergarten.
School Meeting
Plan a meeting with school team.
Summer Check List
In the month of August, confirm that your requests for the beginning of the school year are in place.
Individual Education Plans (IEP)
Familiarize yourself with Individual Education Plans
Getting Connected
Network with other families and build your circle of support.
Social Network
Start to work on your child's social network as soon as possible
Associations and support groups
Consider joining an association or support group.
Infant Development Program
Access the Infant Development Program.
Supported Child Development
Access the Supported Child Development.
Aboriginal Supported Child Development
Access the Aboriginal Supported Child Development if applicable.
Early Intervention Therapy Program
Access the Early Intervention Therapy Program if appliceale.
Charitable funding
Variety Club CKNW Orphan's Fund, Easter Seals
Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)
Research the Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). Start one if it is a good fit for your youth and family.
Reports/ Assessments
Makes copies of the most recent reports and assessments for your child's school.
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.
Age 7
Funding
Various funding sources are available to families depending on the needs and diagnosis of your child.
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
Determine your child's eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
Registered Disability Saving Plan (RDSP)
If eligible, open a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) for your youth.
Individual Education Plans (IEP)
Familiarize yourself with Individual Education Plans
Getting Connected
Network with other families and build your circle of support.
Social Network
Start to work on your child's social network as soon as possible
Associations and support groups
Consider joining an association or support group.
Charitable funding
Variety Club CKNW Orphan's Fund, Easter Seals
Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)
Research the Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). Start one if it is a good fit for your youth and family.
Reports/ Assessments
Makes copies of the most recent reports and assessments for your child's school.
Summer Check List
In the month of August, confirm that your requests for the beginning of the school year are in place.
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.
Age 8-10
Funding
Ensure all funding available to you is in place.
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
Determine your youth's eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
Registered Disability Saving Plan (RDSP)
If eligible, open an Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) for your youth.
Getting Organized
Develop a system - electronic or other - to help keep your information organized. Keep a checklist handy and consult it frequently.
Getting Connected
Network with other families and build your circle of support.
Social Network
Grow your youth's social network.
Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)
Research the Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). Start one if it is a good fit for your youth and family.
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.
Age 11-13
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
Determine your youth's eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
Registered Disability Saving Plan (RDSP)
If eligible, open an Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) for your youth.
Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)
Research the Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). Start one if it is a good fit for your youth and family.
Financial Planning
Consider long term financial planning tools such as will & estate planning, trusts, insurance products, as well as RDSPs and RESPs.
Youth Profile
Identify the strengths, qualities, likes, and dislikes of your youth.
Puberty and Sexuality
If appropriate, begin to talk to your youth about puberty and sexuality.
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.
Age 14-15
Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)
Research the Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). Start one if it is a good fit for your youth and family.
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
Determine your youth's eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
Registered Disability Saving Plan (RDSP)
If eligible, open an Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) for your youth.
Build The Team
Begin to pull together the key individuals for your youth's Transition Team.
Create the Transition Plan
Together with the transition team (including the youth), create a vison for your youth's life and include goals in Individual Education Plan (IEP).
Financial Planning
Consider long term financial planning tools such as will & estate planning, trusts, insurance products, as well as RDSPs and RESPs.
Youth Profile
Regularly review your youth's profile (strengths, qualities, likes, dislikes...) Discuss their hopes, dreams and visions for their future.
Puberty and Sexuality
Talk to/ inform your youth about puberty and sexuality.
Obtain / Update Assessments
In order for psycho-educational assessments of youth transitioning to adult services to be accepted by Community Living British Columbia (CLBC), school psychologists must provide confirmation of a developmental disability reflecting the diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition: Text Revision for Mental Retardation- Mild (317), Moderate (318.0), Severe (318.1) or Profound (318.2).
Transition Workshops
Consider attending a transition workshop.
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.
Age 16
Youth Profile
Regularly review your youth's profile (strengths, qualities, likes, dislikes...) Discuss their hopes, dreams and visions for their future.
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) for your youth.
Legal Identification
Get your youth's legal identification in order.
Income Taxes and the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
If your youth has a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), they need to file income taxes at ages 16 and 17.
Build The Team
Pull together the key individuals for your youth's Transition Team.
Create / Review Transition Plan / IEP
Review and update the Transition Plan and the Individual Education Plan (IEP).
Obtain / Update Assessments
Determine which assessments are required in order to effectively transition into adult services. (Most commonly required - psycho-educational assessment.)
Transition Workshops
Consider attending a transition workshop.
School
Research and plan for post-secondary education / training, vocational skills, and employment preparation.
Financial Planning
Consider long term financial planning tools such as will & estate planning, trusts, insurance products, as well as RDSPs and RESPs.
Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) file
Apply for CLBC services.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities - Community Involvement
Begin to research employment and volunteer opportunities for the individual. Include in Transition Plan and IEP.
Resume / Portfolio
Begin to build 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.
Recreation, Leisure, & Entertainment
Pursue hobbies and opportunities for leisure and recreation.
Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) file
CLBC delivers support and services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. To receive CLBC services, a person must be 19 years of age or older, but eligibility can be confirmed as soon as they turn 16.
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.
Age 17
Youth Profile
Regularly review your youth's profile (strengths, qualities, likes, dislikes...) Discuss their hopes, dreams and visions for their future.
Financial Planning
Consider long term financial planning tools such as will & estate planning, trusts, insurance products, as well as RDSPs and RESPs.
Transition Workshops
Attend transition workshops.
School
Make a decision about an extra year of high school for your youth. Otherwise, ensure your youth has met all graduating requirements.
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Get a Social Insurance Number for youth.
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
Open a bank account in youth's name.
Disability Benefits
Apply for disability benefits.
Income Taxes and the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
If your youth has a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), they need to file income taxes at ages 16 and 17.
Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) file
Learn about CLBC and identify and meet your facilitator.
Figure out the funding
Learn about funding eligibility, availability and options.
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 your youth'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.)
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.
Legal identification
Get your youth's legal identification in order.
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.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities - Community Involvement
Review / research employment and volunteer opportunities. Include in transition plan - including the IEP.
Resume / Portfolio
Build 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.
Recreation, Leisure, & Entertainment
Pursue hobbies and opportunities for leisure and recreation.
Representation Agreements / Power of Attorney
Learn about representation agreements and enduring power of attorney.
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.
Public Transportation
Learn about public transport options and discounts. Once approved for PWD, apply for the annual bus pass.
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.
Age 18
Youth Profile
Regularly review your youth's profile (strengths, qualities, likes, dislikes...) Discuss their hopes, dreams and visions for their future.
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.
Figure out the 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.
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.
Age 19-20
Youth Profile
Regularly review your youth's profile (strengths, qualities, likes, dislikes...) Discuss their hopes, dreams and visions for their future.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities - Community Involvement
Review / research / secure employment and volunteer opportunities.
Self Description
As much as possible, teach youth how to describe their uniqueness to others.
Housing
Research housing options.
Income Taxes
File youth's income taxes.
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.
School
Review interest in post secondary options. Research and apply for education/ training, vocational skills and employment preparation.
Grants, Bursaries, Scholarships, Loans
Research school grants, bursaries, scholarships, and apply for them.
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.
Resume / Portfolio
Update youth's resume / portfolio of their work and volunteer jobs.
Representation Agreements / Power of Attorney
Learn about representation agreements and enduring power of attorney by consulting a lawyer and/or attending a workshop or information session. Have them in place if needed.
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.
Review Resume / Portfolio
Build youth's resume / portfolio of their work and volunteer jobs.
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.
Advocacy and Self Advocacy
Learn about advocacy and self advocacy. Research organizations that specialize in these areas.
Health
Establish a system whereby youth's medical information and ongoing follow ups are noted and flagged.
WayFinders
WayFinders is a program available across British Columbia, that offers personalized conversations and resources to empower people with disabilities to find their direction towards fuller, richer lives in their community. - No Cost free one-on-one Visioning and Path finding - Flexible as we meet families where and when they would like to meet
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.
Age 21-25
Post Secondary Education
Review interest in post secondary options. Research and apply for post secondary education/ training, vocational skills and employment preparation. Research school grants, bursaries and scholarships and apply. Access RESP funds if applicable. If post secondary will not be considered, learn about options to transfer funds into other savings vehicles.
Resume / Portfolio
Update youth's resume / portfolio of their work and volunteer jobs.
Representation Agreements / Power of Attorney
If applicable, review / update representation agreements and enduring power of attorney by consulting a lawyer.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities - Community Involvement
Review / research / secure employment and volunteer opportunities.
Self Description
As much as possible, teach the youth how to describe their uniqueness to others.
Recreation, Leisure, & Entertainment
Pursue hobbies and opportunities for leisure and recreation.
Housing
Research housing options.
Income Taxes
File youth's income taxes.
Advocacy and Self Advocacy
Learn about advocacy and self advocacy. Research organizations that specialize in these areas.
Health
Establish a system whereby youth's medical information and ongoing follow ups are noted and flagged.
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.
Visit www.findsupportbc.com/timeline for more information.