Transition Iowa

12/23/2025

What is Age 18 Redetermination?

When a young person receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) turns 18, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews their case to determine whether they still qualify—this time using adult disability rules.

These adult rules are different and place more emphasis on whether the person can work and earn above Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). Because of this shift, some young people may lose their SSI benefits at age 18, even if they qualified as a child.

Understanding this process early can help families prepare, gather documentation, and explore supports to maintain stability during the transition to adulthood.

📄 Learn more in our Age 18 Redetermination guide:
https://www.askresource.org/filesimages/Transition/Transition-Age18Redetermination.pdf

12/20/2025

📢 Now Available: ASK an Expert – 6 Principles of IDEA ( #6 Procedural Safeguards)

Understanding your rights in special education matters. This video walks through Procedural Safeguards—what they are, why they matter, and how they protect families and students under IDEA.

Whether you’re new to special education or deep in the IEP process, this resource is designed to support informed, confident advocacy.

▶️ Watch here: https://youtu.be/n5ghixCSHCQ

12/19/2025

🌟 ANNOUNCING OUR THREE-PART WEBINAR SERIES! 🌟
Supporting Successful Post-Secondary Transition

Preparing a young person with disabilities for life after high school can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. This January and February, ASK is hosting a three-part webinar series to help families, caregivers, and professionals navigate key areas of post-secondary transition: living, education, and employment.

Each session offers clear guidance, real examples, and practical strategies you can use right away.

📅 January 26, 2026
Everything You Need to Know About Host Homes
Learn how host homes work as personalized, community-based living options and hear examples of successful partnerships.

📅 February 9, 2026
Navigating Disability Services: High School vs. College
Understand how accommodations change after graduation and get tips for a confident transition to college.

📅 February 16, 2026
Empowered Employment: Job Coaching & Work-Based Learning
Explore how job coaches support individuals with disabilities and learn strategies for successful employment experiences.

✨ Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or service provider, these sessions will help you support your young person’s next steps with confidence.

➡️ Learn more & register: www.askresource.org/events

12/18/2025

📣 Community Input Needed: Behavioral Health District Survey

The Iowa Primary Care Association (Iowa PCA) is collecting feedback from community members as part of its Behavioral Health District Assessment.

This survey is open through the second week of January, and responses will be used to help shape individual district plans across Iowa. The more people who participate, the better the data will reflect real community needs.

If you’ve had any experience with behavioral health services, care coordination, or referrals, your perspective is important.

👉 Take the survey here:
🔗 https://www.iowapca.org/district-assessment

Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your input.

Behavioral Health District Assessment: Community Member SurveyHelp us shape the future of behavioral health in Iowa. Share your feedback. Make a difference.The Iowa Primary Care Association coordinates a statewide network to ensure clear, consistent access to the continuum of behavioral health servi...

12/16/2025

The important thing to remember: there is no one-size-fits-all route.
Each student’s path to graduation can—and should—be customized to their strengths, needs, and future goals, as long as it meets Iowa’s minimum requirements.

📚 Learn more in our webinar:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wQEVOJDmhM

12/12/2025

🌟 ASK Each Other: In-Person Support Groups
Looking for connection, guidance, or a supportive space to talk with other parents and caregivers? Our in-person ASK Each Other support groups meet throughout the month in communities across Iowa.

Each session offers:
💬 A welcoming place to share and listen
📘 Monthly topics to help you feel informed and confident
🤝 Support from other families who understand your journey

✨ December Topic: How to Prepare for Your Child’s IEP Meeting or Medical Appointment

Click below to see all upcoming dates and locations near you—no registration required. Just show up and join the conversation!

👉 https://www.askresource.org/events/ask-each-other-in-person-support-groups

Center

Join ASK Resource Center’s free in-person support groups for Iowa families. Learn about IEPs and how to prepare for meetings or medical appointments.

11/18/2025

It’s essential to be aware of the graduation requirements and policies specific to your district. ✅

While Iowa has state minimums, each district may add additional course requirements, electives, or expectations — so knowing exactly what YOUR district requires is key.

To find your district’s graduation requirements, check your district’s official website or contact your school administration for detailed information.

📅 Take some time within the next week to review these requirements.
Understanding them will help you monitor your child’s progress and ensure they are earning the credits they need to graduate successfully!

11/13/2025

📣 Applications Now Open!

Are you a parent or primary caregiver of an Iowa child or youth ages 3–19 with special health care needs?

The Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute (IFLTI) is now accepting applications for its 2026 cohort! This no-cost training helps families build advocacy skills, strengthen communication with providers and schools, and learn how to influence systems that impact children with special needs.

🟡 What you’ll gain:
✅ Strategies for effective partnerships
✅ New tools for advocacy
✅ Support to complete a Community Service Project
✅ Connections with experienced family leaders

🗓 Training includes virtual and in-person sessions (Ames + Des Moines)
📅 Applications due January 14, 2026

🔗 Apply starting November 12: https://bit.ly/IFLTI26

📞 Questions? Contact the IFLTI team listed on the flyer.

11/11/2025

🎓 Iowa’s Minimum Graduation Requirements
(For ALL Students)

In Iowa, state graduation requirements are often referred to as 4-3-3-3 — or “4 triple 3.”
Here’s what that means:

✅ 4 years of English Language Arts
✅ 3 years of Math
✅ 3 years of Social Studies
✅ 3 years of Science
✅ Completion of the local school district’s Physical Education (P.E.) expectations

📌 IMPORTANT NOTE:
Local school districts can (and often do) add more graduation requirements.

Examples may include:
✅ Specific math courses such as Algebra, Geometry, or Calculus
✅ CPR requirement
✅ Fine arts or foreign language
✅ Additional electives

Always check your district’s specific requirements — they may go beyond the state minimum.

11/04/2025

✨ Putting It All Together ✨

A strong Transition IEP (Individualized Education Program) sets the foundation for student success after high school. Here’s how the process works:

1️⃣ Assessment: The team begins by assessing the student’s strengths and needs in three key areas — Living, Learning, and Working.

2️⃣ Post-Secondary Expectations: Clear expectations are established for what the student wants to achieve after high school.

3️⃣ Identify Gaps: The team looks at the gaps between the student’s current skills and the skills they’ll need to succeed in their post-secondary education (PSE), employment, and independent living.

➡️ From there, goals, services, courses, supports, and activities are developed to bridge those gaps and prepare the student for their future.

💡 Transition planning is a collaborative process that empowers students to reach their post-school dreams.

Learn more and explore resources here:
https://www.transitioniowa.org

10/28/2025

🌟 Post-Secondary Expectations: Examples (Part 3) 🌟

Help your child unlock their potential with clear post-secondary expectations in Living, Learning, and Working. These aren’t just goals—they’re essential pathways to success after high school.

🏡 Living:
- Levi will continue to live at home with his family.
- Emily will live in a waiver home.
- Zachary will live independently in his own apartment.

📚 Learning:

- Levi will participate in day habilitation opportunities.
- Emily will engage in ongoing on-the-job learning opportunities.
- Zachary will attend a two-year program for welding.

💼 Working:
- William will not work in competitive employment.
- Emily will work part-time as a dining aide at the hospital.
- Zachary will work full-time as a welder.

👉 Learn more and explore resources on the Iowa Transition Website:
🔗 https://www.transitioniowa.org

10/24/2025

🎓 New Webinar Available!
“ASK an Expert - 6 Principles of IDEA: Principle #1 Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)” is now ready for viewing!

Join ASK Resource Center for an engaging journey down the road to school—exploring how to design the right “vehicle” for each learner’s unique needs and ensure the right people are on board. 🚗✨

You’ll learn what FAPE stands for, identify what makes an education appropriate, and discover how to apply these principles in real-life situations. Perfect for parents, educators, and anyone committed to helping every student reach their destination: growth and development.

▶️ Watch now: https://youtu.be/awEaBShetPw

Join ASK Resource Center’s engaging webinar, presented as a journey down the road to school. Together, we’ll explore how to design the right “vehicle” to fit...