Transition Services, as mandated under the Individuals with
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) 2004,
include a coordinated set of activities for a child (age 14+) with a
disability that
- 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 post-secondary
education, vocational education, integrated employment (including
supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services,
independent living or community participation;
- is based on the individual child's needs, taking into account the child's strengths, preferences and interests; and
- includes
instruction, related services, community experiences, the development
of employment and other post-school adult living objectives and, when
appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional
vocational evaluation.
The Special education facilitator or
transition specialist at each school ensures appropriate transition and
transition IEP planning for students. These staff also work closely
with other school personnel to initiate, implement and monitor
transition services within the school. Additionally, the facilitator
collaborates with vocational rehabilitation and adult service agencies
to assist in the development of new programs and the restructuring of
existing programs to accommodate the needs and desires of students as
they exit the school system
Transition activities include:
- Staff development/training in best practices
- Informational parent meetings and workshops
- Parent support and assistance
- Coordination with city and state agencies
- Linkages to adult services
- Consultation during individual transition planning meetings
- Dissemination of information regarding new programs within each borough
- Participation at professional forums with agency representatives
- Representation at borough councils (MR & MH) and committees
- Advocacy for needed services from city and state agencies as well as service providers
- Preparation
for supported or competitive employment through work-based learning and
school-based career and technology education programs and courses
- Assurance of college and/or career readiness