Developing transition plans for students with disabilities as they move from school to post-secondary education, employment, or independent living.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): This federal law sets guidelines for special education in the United States, including the requirement for transition planning. It covers everything from evaluation and eligibility to procedural safeguards and due process.
Transition Planning Timeline: This outlines the sequence of steps for developing a student's transition plan, beginning at age 14 or younger if appropriate based on individual needs.
Assessments: The evaluation process to determine a student's strengths, needs, and interests, as well as any barriers to post-school success. Various assessments may be used, including vocational, career, and interest inventories.
Measurable Postsecondary Goals: This refers to the long-term goals a student has after completing high school. These may include obtaining a job, postsecondary education, or living independently.
Transition Services: This refers to a range of services to support the student's transition to post-school life. It may include vocational training, job coaching, community-based instruction, and more.
Community-Based Instruction: A teaching method that involves learning in real-life settings, such as with job shadowing or internships.
Career and Vocational Education: Career education and vocational training prepare students for the workforce by providing knowledge, skills, and experience in specific fields.
Support Services: Services and accommodations that provide students with disabilities with the support they need to succeed in postsecondary education, employment, or independent living.
Assistive Technology: Tools and devices that help people with disabilities perform tasks that might otherwise be difficult or impossible.
Self-Advocacy: The skills and knowledge necessary for individuals with disabilities to advocate for themselves, including making decisions and solving problems.
Interagency Collaboration: Collaboration between special education and other agencies, such as vocational rehabilitation, to facilitate a coordinated and comprehensive service delivery system.
Graduation Requirements: Understanding the graduation requirements and diploma options for students with disabilities.
Student-Led IEP Meetings: Empowering students to take an active role in their transition planning by leading their own Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings.
Parent and Family Involvement: Engaging parents and families in the transition process to support their child's success.
Guardianship and Alternatives: Understanding guardianship and less restrictive alternatives for students who may need support in decision-making or daily living activities.
Community Resources: Awareness and knowledge of community resources, such as housing options, transportation, and local organizations that provide services and support to people with disabilities.
Employment and Job Search Skills: Developing job search skills such as interviewing, networking, and resume building can aid in finding employment after leaving school.
Post-Secondary Education: Understanding the differences in a post-secondary education setting, such as the accommodations necessary to obtain a certificate, associate's or bachelor's degree.
Legal and Financial Implications: Educating oneself on the legal ramifications of transition planning, such as social security, healthcare benefits, and other legal documents, and the financial implications of these life changes.
Inclusive Practices: Promoting inclusive practices that embrace diversity and promote equity for all individuals, regardless of their background or disability status.
Individual Transition Planning (ITP): A specific and personalized plan for a student who has a disability to transition from school to adult life. The plan outlines goals and objectives that are tailored to the student's needs.
Interagency Collaboration: A coordinated effort between different public and private agencies to provide the student with comprehensive services.
Career and Vocational Planning: Focuses on developing career or vocational skills to help a student find and maintain employment or other meaningful work.
Independent Living Planning: A plan for a student to gain the necessary skills to live independently, which may include self-care, household management and community involvement.
Postsecondary Education Planning: Planning for the student to attend college or other post-high school training, which includes setting goals, selecting a school and applying for financial aid.
Community Integration Planning: Planning to make certain that the student has an inclusive role in community activities, clubs, and organizations.
Self-Advocacy Skill Training: Helping the student to develop self-advocacy skills, which are critical for being self-reliant and achieving success in adult life.
Assistive Technology Planning: The development of an assistive technology plan that is appropriate and effective for a student with a disability.
High School Course of Study Planning: Mapping out the educational pathway for the student's last years in high school to develop the knowledge and skills that will be needed in their post-high school life.
Cultural Planning: Planning to ensure that an individual in special education integrates with society and cultures beyond his own.