. >> graduating -- >> nickolas joseph kubicsko. >> to an uncertain future. >> he's come so far.azy. >> when "dateline" continues. [ laughing ] want to play hide and seek? yeah! 1... 2... 6... 10! [ female announcer ] piÑa colada yoplait. it is so good when you need a little escape. [ mom ] still counting. >> reporter: turning 21 is a pivotal moment in the life of a person with disabilities. before special education students like nick graduate, federal law says they must have something called a "transition plan" created by their school district. it's supposed to be a set of measurable goals designed to prepare young people for adult life. but nick's mom, lenore, hasn't received anything. so she and her husband mike call the school superintendent to complain. >> i have no transition plan. and the clock is ticking which is why i said to you, i'm fearful that we're just delaying and delaying here and nickolas's needs are not being met. >> reporter: "dateline" found nick's case isn't unique. according to our analysis of the most recent u.s. department of education data, only a handfu