YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES • AGES 18–24
Build Your Skills.
Find Your Path.
Move Forward.
Transition Forward is a 10-week employment development program for young adults with disabilities ages 18–24. Participants build confidence, strengthen workplace skills, prepare for employment and create a practical plan for adulthood.

First cohort begins January 19, 2027 • Hazelwood, Missouri • Space is limited
15%
of public school students receive services under IDEA.
1 IN 3
detained young people nationally has a disability.
10 weeks
detained young people nationally has a disability.
TWO WAYS TO MOVE FORWARD
A program built for opportunity
Transition Forward connects young adults who need additional structure and practice with employers who want to help develop the next generation of workers.
PARTICIPANT PATHWAY
For Participants & Families
Transition Forward is designed for young adults who may have received support through an IEP, 504 Plan or special education services and would benefit from continued guidance while preparing for employment and adulthood.
Build confidence and workplace readiness
Practice communication and problem-solving
Learn self-advocacy and accommodations
Prepare to find—and keep—a job
EMPLOYER PATHWAY
For Employers
Partner with Circle of Care St. Louis to introduce young adults to real workplaces and meaningful career possibilities.
Host a workplace tour or job shadow
Speak to a cohort or conduct mock interviews
Offer employment opportunities
Build a more inclusive talent pipeline
WHAT PARTICIPANTS LEARN
Real-life skills for workplace success
01
Professional communication
Practice talking with supervisors, coworkers and customers.
02
Reliability & time
Build habits around attendance, punctuality and transportation.
03
Problem-solving
Work through feedback, conflict and everyday workplace challenges.
04
Self-advocacy
Understand strengths, workplace rights and accommodations.
05
Digital skills
Use email, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace and digital safety.
06
Job search readiness
Prepare resumes, applications and confident interviews.
07
Health & wellness
Strengthen health literacy, stress management and self-care.
08
Independent living
Practice financial literacy, decision-making and future planning.
FIRST COHORT
Structured support.
Practical experience.
This is employment development—not occupational certification. Participants learn through discussion, practice, role-play, guest speakers and exposure to real workplaces.
An IEP may end, but opportunity and support should not.
Transition Forward gives young adults a place to keep building after school-based services change or end.
Program at a glance
Length
10 weeks
Days
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Time
10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Begins
January 19, 2027
Location
Circle of Care Wellness Hub
Priority area
North St. Louis County
Circle of Care St. Louis
Hazelwood, Missouri
Transition Forward
Building Skills. Creating Opportunities. Moving Forward.
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