Transition: The Beginning

Okay, well, the beginning of transition may not have been with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2004), also known as IDEA, but that is what seems to be the most common starting place for research articles. So, according to IDEA, an Individual Educational Program (IEP) for students who turn sixteen within the year of their IEP are required to have postsecondary goals and transition components. However, different states have their own laws, and some require the inclusion of the postsecondary goals and transition components at an earlier age. For example, Colorado requires it at the age of 14.

The wording of the law is not necessarily exciting, but I am putting it here in case anyone has a desire to read it. This is taken directly from the U.S. Department of Education's I.D.E.A site. I am listing the link under the wording in case anyone wants to explore other parts of the law.

Sec. 300.43 Transition services

Statute/Regs Main » Regulations » Part B » Subpart A » Section 300.43 300.43 Transition services. (a) Transition services means a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability that— (1) Is designed to be within a results-oriented process, that is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of the child with a disability to facilitate the child’s movement from school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education, vocational education, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation; (2) Is based on the individual child’s needs, taking into account the child’s strengths, preferences, and interests; and includes— (i) Instruction; (ii) Related services; (iii) Community experiences; (iv) The development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives; and (v) If appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and provision of a functional vocational evaluation. (b) Transition services for children with disabilities may be special education, if provided as specially designed instruction, or a related service, if required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education.

https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/a/300.43 The link will open a new tab and will not redirect you away from this site.

The next post will be about what we need to do to start the transition process. (hint), it has to do with assessments.

Thanks for reading, and please ask any questions you have in the comment box.

Neal Lieberman Ph.D. Student