Free Online Course on Life After High School for Parents and Guardians of Students with Disabilities Opens Oct. 5

The Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC), in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education, is offering Transition University, a free, self-paced online course designed to help parents and guardians of students with disabilities navigate the transition from school services to adult services.

The Fall 2026 session runs October 5^th through December 7^th, 2026, and registration is now open.

REGISTER HERE

Planning for life after high school can bring mixed emotions. Some parents and guardians are focused on day-to-day challenges and may not feel they have the time or energy to look ahead. Others want to plan but find the unfamiliar terminology, complex steps, and number of agencies involved in adult services hard to navigate. Transition University shares factual, parent-friendly information to make the process less confusing.

The course is primarily designed for parents and guardians of elementary, middle, and high school students who receive special education services. Other caregivers and the professionals who support students and families are also welcome to attend. It is never too early to start learning and preparing, and those who took part in a previous session but were unable to finish are encouraged to sign up again. PEATC updates and improves the course each time it is offered.

Participants will explore topics such as:

• What transition means and why it is important
• Supported decision-making, power of attorney, guardianship, and age of majority
• Future planning, including special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, and letters of intent
• Transitioning into independent living, including employment, further education, and housing
• Connecting to your community and adult services, such as waivers, Social Security, and vocational rehabilitation

The course includes five sessions. A new session opens each week beginning October 5^th and remains open through December 7^th, so participants can work at their own pace. Sessions include video and written content, discussion opportunities, and resources. Those who complete the course receive a certificate of completion for nine hours of training.

For more information, contact NKCPS Special Education Transition Planning Coordinator Ms. Angelynn McDonald.