Transition Resources at NICHCY

Life is full of transitions, and one of the more remarkable ones occurs when we get ready to leave high school and go out in the world as young adults. When the student has a disability, it's especially helpful to plan ahead for that transition. In fact, IDEA requires it. A Quick Summary of Transition Transition services are intended to prepare students to move from the world of school to the world of adulthood. Transition planning begins during high school at the latest. IDEA requires that transition planning start by the time the student reaches age 16. Transition planning may start earlier (when the student is younger than 16) if the IEP team decides it would be appropriate to do so. Transition planning takes place as part of developing the student'sIndividualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP team (which includes the student and the parents) develops the transition plan. The student must be invited to any IEP meeting where postsecondary goals and transition services needed to reach those goals will be considered. In transition planning, the IEP team considers areas such as postsecondary education or vocational training, employment, independent living, and community participation. Transition services must be a coordinated set of activities oriented toward producing results. Transition services are based on the student's needs and must take into account his or her preferences and interests. Begin at the main transition page, Transition to Adulthood, for a quick summary of transition or the much more indepth The Details! http://www.nichcy.org/EducateChildren/transition_adulthood/Pages/Default.aspx Transition "Starters" for Everyone connects you with beginning links to transition resources, divided into resources for general audiences, for parents, for professionals, and for students. http://cms.nichcy.org/EducateChildren/transition_adulthood/Pages/basics.aspx Transition Goals in the IEP | It's more involved than you think. http://www.nichcy.org/EducateChildren/transition_adulthood/Pages/iep.aspx Students Get Involved! | Come here if you're looking for resources about involving students in transition planning, person-centered planning tools, or materials and connections made just for students themselves. http://www.nichcy.org/EducateChildren/transition_adulthood/Pages/student-involvement.aspx Adult Services: What are they? Where are they? | Representatives of outside agencies may be invited to the IEP transition-planning table. Find out who. http://www.nichcy.org/EducateChildren/transition_adulthood/Pages/adultservices.aspx Education/Training Connections | This resource page will connect IEP teams with organizations and articles that can help team members tackle planning for the student's education or training after high school. http://www.nichcy.org/EducateChildren/transition_adulthood/Pages/education.aspx Employment Connections | Connect with resources in the employment world. Exploring what these organizations and centers have to offer can be extremely helpful when involved in planning your student's future in this area. http://www.nichcy.org/EducateChildren/transition_adulthood/Pages/employment.aspx Independent Living Connections | And guess what type of resources this page connects you with? http://www.nichcy.org/EducateChildren/transition_adulthood/pages/independent-living.aspx