Professionals: Integrating ABLE Education into Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities
Published on
February 2, 2026
Transition planning is an essential part of helping students with disabilities prepare for adulthood. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), schools begin formal transition planning as part of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, typically by age 16 (or earlier in some states). These plans help students explore goals related to education, employment, independent living, and community participation.
With the ABLE Age Adjustment Act now in effect, more adults with disabilities will qualify to open an ABLE account — including individuals whose disability onset occurs up to age 46. For professionals who support students during transition planning, this expanded eligibility creates new opportunities for students and families to learn about saving for future needs without risking eligibility for SSI or Medicaid benefits.
Educators, Exceptional Student Education (ESE) specialists, and vocational transition teams in Florida are already incorporating financial literacy and independence skills into transition services. Grace Holley, an instructor at Lively Technical College in Tallahassee and a member of the SOAR program, says these conversations can be empowering for students.
“Our students are all working toward employment, which includes learning about financial planning and overcoming barriers to employment. Tools like ABLE United help them feel secure in the handling of their paychecks, and help them connect classroom planning to real-world possibilities,” says Holley.
ABLE accounts can complement other transition-related services, such as benefits counseling, work-based learning experiences, and postsecondary planning.
