Transition Toolbox—Transition 101

Transition services as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are intended to help youth with disabilities make the transition from the world of secondary school to the world of adulthood. A good transition plan should consider the individual’s strengths as well as needs in determining the best fit for the individual in terms of vocation, living arrangements, post-secondary education, etc.

It is important to understand that when the individual leaves public secondary school, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), not IDEA, becomes the law that guides access to rights and services for the adult. Inherent in ADA is the expectation that the individual will advocate for his/her own needs.

• Can s/he evaluate and state his/her strengths and preferences?

• Should s/he disclose anything about his unique learning and performance needs? 

• Can s/he effectively self-disclose about his needs and define accommodations that will enhance his/her performance in post-secondary education and work?

• Do the parents and the student recognize the importance of self-advocacy in post-secondary education and work?

Because of this law, it is crucial that the secondary educational program promotes the capacity for self-determination in the individual, supports the individual in self-identifying strengths and preferences, and helps the individual define accommodations and needs that will help him/her succeed in the adult community. 

(We invite you to follow our blog by email to be sure to get the latest information regarding JobTIPS Transition Toolbox and other great Do2Learn educational information.)

Previous Transition Toolbox blogs from Do2Learn.

Transition Toolbox—What's the Plan?

Transition Toolbox--Do2Learn Does It Again

Transition Toolbox—Where Do We Start?