Transitions
Employment School Independent Living Medical

Life transitions are important moments when we face big changes in our lives. Everyone experiences these transitions differently, and each one can bring its own set of challenges and feelings. Here are some common types of life transitions:

  • Career changes:
    These include starting a new job, changing careers, or retiring from work.
  • Relationship changes:
    These involve changes in our relationships, like getting married, going through a divorce, or becoming a parent.
  • Moving:
    This could be moving to a new city or country, adjusting to a new place, and making new friends.
  • Personal growth:
    These are times when we focus on self-improvement, personal development, or exploring our spirituality.
  • Loss:
    These transitions involve dealing with the death of a loved one, handling grief, and adjusting to life without them.
  • Health:
    This can include transitioning from pediatric to adult health care, changing providers or next steps after receiving a diagnosis.

Challenges and Emotions During Transitions

When we go through transitions, we can face various challenges and feelings as we adjust to the changes. Here are some common issues:

a man with a prosthetic leg sitting on the edge of his bed looking concerned; a woman behind him has her hands on his back
  • Uncertainty: Transitions can make us feel unsure about the future, which can cause anxiety and worry.
  • Loss and grief: Sometimes transitions mean letting go of things we are used to, which can make us feel sad and full of grief.
  • Identity changes: During transitions, we might question who we are and where we fit in as our sense of self changes.
  • Resistance to change: It is normal to resist change and want to stick with what’s familiar, even if it’s no longer helpful.

When people go through life transitions, they might feel a mix of emotions like hope, fear, excitement, sadness and anticipation. How they feel can depend on what kind of transition they’re going through and their personal situation.

Supporting Transitions for Individuals with Disabilities

For people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, transitional services are very important. These services help them get ready for the next steps in life, like going to school, finding a job, and living independently. Here are some key points:

  • Personalized transition plans:

    Schools work with students, their families, and community groups to make custom plans. These plans focus on each student’s needs and goals.

  • Inclusion and work experience:

    Including students in regular education and giving them work experience helps them learn new skills and gain practical knowledge.

  • Working together:

    Partnering with community agencies helps make the transition from school to adult life smoother.

  • Improving outcomes:

    Even with laws in place, there are still gaps in success for students with disabilities. We need to work on increasing graduation rates, access to higher education, and job opportunities.

With resilience, optimism, and the right support, people can turn these changes into important steps toward personal growth and success. Let’s keep looking for ways to help people thrive during life’s transitions!