Transition to Adult Life
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Transition to Adulthood Resources A comprehensive resource guide to Transition to Adulthood. SPAN has compiled this information in collaboration with: NJ Department of Health and Senior Services Family WRAP Academies @ Englewood NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities Champions for Progress |
The 1997 amendments of IDEA expanded its purpose to include preparation for employment and independent living. What does this mean? Simply stated, it means that students with disabilities have the same right as typical peers to be fully prepared for their future at the point of graduation. Beginning at age 14, or earlier if appropriate, planning in the areas of post secondary education, vocational education, employment, leisure time activities, and independent living should become the strategies that drive your child’s IEP process. Transition from School to Adult Life is SPAN’s project that provides training in all areas of Transition planning, including overview of transition, preparing for college, making a successful linkage with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Individual Plan for Employment (IPE), and Self Advocacy for Students. The Transition project, funded by the IOLTA Fund of the Bar of New Jersey, also provides phone technical assistance to families having questions regarding transition planning.
What is transition?
Transition is the process that prepares students for adult life after high school. Starting at age 14 (by the day your child turns 14) there needs to be a statement of transition service needs. This is the long-range educational plan that ensures students take the appropriate classes in high school. It prepares them either for college or for the world of work, depending on the interests and wishes of the student and his/her parents.
There must be a transition statement (long range goal) in the IEP, based on the student’s preference, and it must take into consideration the student’s needs and desires. In other words, the IEP should now focus on what your child wants in adult life. Starting at age 16, or younger if appropriate, there needs to be a statement of needed transition services.
This is a much broader plan and includes areas of instruction, employment, community experiences, post-school adult living, related services, and if appropriate, daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation. At least one year prior to turning 18, the IEP must address that your son or daughter will reach the age of majority and begin making IEP decisions for him/herself. Transition is based on long-range outcomes, not annual goals.
It is critical to start with transition planning at the beginning of the IEP when a student is 14 or older. Transition should become the strategy that guides the rest of the IEP. Students are required to be invited to their IEP meeting if transition will be discussed.
To
read the "On Point" article from the
National Institute for Urban School Development, entitled,
On Transition Services for Youth with Disabilities,
click
HERE
Guidelines for Transition: Basic Stuff to Know!
Transition - Terms and Concepts
For more information on Transition to Adult Life, contact Alice Hunnicutt at (973) 642-8100, or send email to transition@spannj.org