Transition Programs: School-to-School and School-to-Work

Making a transition to higher learning or the job market is difficult for all students, but students with disabilities face unique challenges. That’s why transition programs were created. Students with disabilities can take advantage of these special programs to continue on a productive path. Whether that’s moving on to college, receiving vocational training, or heading directly to the job market, persons with disabilities can use transition programs to make the most of his/her opportunities.

Parental Support
But students need family support. Parents and siblings play a key role in getting their young adult headed in the right direction. Help and guidance for the entire family are hallmarks of a good program. The organizations listed below under Transition Resources are here to help, providing information, online articles, workshops, and other useful tools.

But first, hang on to the A.T. device!
In the past, students moving out of the school system had to give up assistive technology devices and services. These devices and services allow students to participate in a productive life.

Once a need for special services and assistive technology devices has been established, needs don’t disappear, so the technology shouldn’t have to either! That’s why the Department of Education determined that these vital devices are needed to facilitate transition into adult services and a productive adult life. The Department of Education also has determined that equipment can be transferred to other federal programs.

Individual Education Plan (IEP)
Most of us in the disability community are familiar with early intervention programs for pre-school children, as well as individual education plans for students in grammar, middle-, and high-school. When a student is no older than 14, his/her IEP should begin An IEP includes strategies for transition? An evaluation is made for children no older than 14 and serves them until age 21, in order for students to successfully transition to college and/or work. Talk with your IEP manager or high school guidance office to find out what kind of transitioning programs they offer.

Transition Resources:

National Center for Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET)
http://www.ncset.org/ NCSET coordinates national resources, offers technical assistance, and disseminates information related to secondary education and transition for youth with disabilities, in order to create opportunities for youth to achieve successful futures. On the NCSET Web site, visitors can find online articles, transcripts, workshop information and reports, state contacts, youth employment organizations, and more.

Transition Research Institute of Illinois
(Look for similar organizations in your state)
http://www.ed.uiuc.edu/sped/tri/institute.html
The Transition Research Institute at the University of Illinois (TRI), established in 1985, identifies effective practices, conducts intervention and evaluation research, and provides technical assistance activities that promote the successful transition of youth with disabilities from school to adult life. TRI also serves as an information resource for teachers, service providers and researchers statewide, nationally and internationally.

Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)
http://www.isbe.state.il.us/spec-ed/html/transition.htm
ISBE offers information, resources, and workshops on successful transition practices for students in actual settings. Participation of family members is welcome and encouraged.