WHAT WE DO
Life after high school
The leap from high school graduation to young adulthood is a big one. Being prepared is key, especially for students who are blind or visually impaired.
Explore our tailored programs for students and expert resources for families and caregivers. Join our Transition workshops and supportive caregiver community. Let’s navigate the journey from high school to adulthood together.
Our programs
Explore our unique programs designed to prepare blind and visually impaired young adults for life after high school.
College assessments, readiness, and success
Compass is a nine-month virtual program for visually impaired high schoolers aspiring to college. Compass helps students explore and develop the essential academic and blindness skills for their post-secondary goals.
Life skills, work, and community connection
Life Launch is a multi-year, residential program that readies young adults with multiple disabilities, for independent living through practical work, skill-building, and community involvement.
Post-secondary transition counseling
Navigator provides personalized coaching for high school graduates who are visually impaired and seeking guidance in their next steps — including post-secondary education planning, and employment and career exploration.
Pre-employment exploration for current high-school students
PathFinder provides ongoing enrichment opportunities for high school students with goals of meaningful employment after graduation – through virtual group work, 1:1 virtual conversations, and in-person workplace explorations around the Boston area.
1:1 transition guidance
Whether you’re just starting the transition process or have a young adult about to age out of the school system, navigating the transition process can be overwhelming. You may have questions or just need some guidance on the next step. Our transition experts can focus on what’s on your mind and help you prepare for the future.
Contact us with your transition questions and we’ll be in touch to schedule an initial consultation.
Resources
Explore our transition resources
Preparing to leave high school and navigating all of your options to begin adulthood can be daunting. Our Transition Resources are here to guide you through the process.
- Transition IEP Guide
- Articles on Housing, Legal, Financial, and Health and Benefits, and more
- Transition 101 information to get you started
- College and post-secondary education guidance
- Inclusive and supported employment
- Family stories
College Success and readiness
Discover the innovative work we’re doing to address the gaps in college readiness. Then, explore our College Readiness Resource Center, designed to guide students in planning for successful outcomes — whether that’s straight to college, pre-college training programs or heading to work.
Community
Join our online community for parents and caregivers
We know that planning for your student’s life after high school can be isolating. That’s why we created a private, virtual community to talk about the Transition to Adulthood, where you can:
- Ask questions, trade tips and swap stories with parents and professionals who have been there.
- Get support from families who are navigating the process
- Learn from others’ questions. You don’t know what you don’t know.
Upcoming Events
April 15, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. ET
April Transition Talk workshop
Using Technology and AI to Support Transition Outcomes
Technology is reshaping what’s possible for young adults with disabilities. Join us for a discussion on how assistive technology, AI, and executive functioning tools can make a real difference in the transition to adulthood. We’ll dive into practical tools and strategies to support education, employment, and independent living, while exploring innovative ways to enhance accessibility and open doors to greater independence and success.
Speakers: Minh Ha, Perkins Assistive Technology Manager, Andrea Rutherford, Director, Perkins Compass Program
May 17, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
In-person Transition Symposium
Future Forward: Planning for Life beyond Transition
Join us for an in-person transition event on Perkins Watertown Campus, focused on how to adapt and evolve life plans for your young adult’s changing needs.
The interactive sessions will include how to create a transition portfolio, understanding and creating Special Needs Trusts, and maximizing and combining government benefits including SSI, SSDI, insurance, Section 8 housing, and utility discounts.
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn and connect in-person with other parents and professionals about transition.
May 27, 2025
May Transition Talk workshop
The Role of Self-Advocacy in Successful Transitions
Self-advocacy isn’t just a skill—it’s a crucial tool that allows individuals with disabilities to live life on their own terms- with dignity and the chance to reach their full potential. Learning self-advocacy from a young age and continuing to develop it into adulthood is essential for empowerment, social inclusion, and greater independence. We’ll discuss why raising self-advocates is so important and explore strategies to nurture this critical life skill at every stage of development.
Guest Speakers: Derek Heard, graphic artist, entrepreneur, public speaker, disability justice advocate.
Allison Hall, Senior Research Associate/Project Director, Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI)
Thank you so much for putting on the Transition Talks. They really give me some peace around how to view [my young adult’s] future.”
Nicole P., parent
Family stories
“He likes to do everything!” — Jena Shea about her son, John Shea.
After graduating high school, John Shea had a lot of free time. So, with the support of his family, John decided to explore all sorts of activities — like art classes, weekly trips downtown, socializing with friends… and he launched his own small business!
Don’t miss a beat
Just like you, we have a lot going on! Don’t miss hearing about upcoming workshops, new conversations, new transition events and resources in our transition newsletter.
Subscribe to our mailing list for the latest Transition information.