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A BIPOC woman with a disability smiles at the camera. She is wearing a pink blouse and is sitting in a black leather office chair at a desk with binders.

Transition & School-to-Work Services

Our Transition and School-to-Work programs are where we empower young adults with disabilities to navigate the journey from high school to the workforce with confidence and success. Through personalized support, skill-building opportunities, and collaborative partnerships with schools and businesses, we’re dedicated to ensuring that every individual can achieve their full potential and thrive in the workplace. Explore our resources and discover how we’re paving the way for a brighter future for the next generation.

By working closely with our community school districts and families, we support students and their career goals. Our services support the students and their families as they transition from school-based services to personalized plans, skills assessments, job matching, and placement.

The High School Transition Timeline

Age 14-16

  • Transition Planning Begins! Be sure to include your student in this Transition Planning. Include the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Transition Counselor as part of the IEP team at age 14. (dshs.wa.gov/dvr)
  • Apply to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) (dshs.wa.gov/dda)
  • Apply for a Washington State Identification Card (dol.wa.gov)

Age 16-17

  • Begin Transition Services.
  • Include self-advocacy and self-determination goals in the IEP.
  • Determine Graduation date.
  • Learn what your school’s 18-21 Transition Program(s) offer.
  • Consider decision-making alternatives to Guardianship before age 18.
  • Apply for HUD Housing (hud.gov)

Age 18

Age 18-19

  • Enroll in your high school’s Transition Program until age 21, or continue to postsecondary education.
  • Assess transportation options in your area. Consider local transit system bus Travel Training and Paratransit services.
  • Apply for long-term Employment Services from DDA. (dshs.wa.gov/dda)

Age 20-21

  • Adult Employment Services are provided through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). Apply for short-term Employment Services from DVR. (dshs.wa.gov/dvr)
A Transition Student with short black hair wearing a t-shirt interacts with an Employment Consultant as they explore different work skills.
A student with short brown hair and a black t-shirt reaches for the materials on the desk as they work through vocational skills.

What is Supported Employment?

Supported Employment is a service in which people with disabilities are assisted with obtaining and maintaining employment. AtWork! provides Employment Consultants to match qualified candidates to the needs of an employer. We support the job candidates through the application process, interviewing, onboarding, training, retention of employment, as well as ongoing career growth. The Employment Consultant also provides training and support to co-workers and supervisors on disability-related topics as well as how best to work with the employee.

AtWork! Direct Services Include:

An Employment Consultant who will work with you/your student and collaborate with parents and the adult services system. Together, we’ll provide the skills assessment, job matching, job placement, and benefits planning, and will coordinate resources for students and their families.

IMPORTANT - Apply for DDA Eligibility by age 18

Application for eligibility from the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) can be made at any age, but we recommend applying by age 18. There are a variety of programs such as Individual & Family Services (IFS) and Community First Choice (CFC) that offer services that can increase independence and success for your young adult.

We're the embedded provider in the Bellevue School District!

In our 10+ years of successful partnership with the Bellevue School District, we can say without a doubt that they are an extraordinary team of educators, endlessly working to ensure that all students receive equitable services and have access to all necessary resources. As a district, they are comprised of diverse voices and perspectives and are an exemplary example of inclusion.

Watch the video to see how we're empowering these students on their next journey!

What School Districts do we currently serve?

King County

  • Auburn
  • Bellevue
  • Issaquah
  • Kent
  • Mercer Island
  • Riverview
  • Seattle
  • Snoqualmie Valley
  • Tahoma
  • Vashon Island

Snohomish County

  • Edmonds
  • Everett
  • Monroe
  • Snohomish
  • Marysville
  • Mukilteo
  • Stanwood
  • Arlington

Spokane County

  • Spokane
  • Central Valley
  • East Valley
  • West Valley
  • Mead
  • Cheney

And yours!

Services are available in a variety of school districts throughout Washington State but if you don’t see your district listed please connect with us, and let’s see how we can support you. Our goal is to serve as many people who need our services as possible.

Email us at info@atworkwa.org or give us a call at (425) 274-4000.

Let's Get Started!

We’re your supported employment specialists and we’re happy to answer all your questions. Whether you’re interested in Transition, Employment, or Community Inclusion Services, we’re ready to help you reach your goals.