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Transition is the process of planned activities for students with disabilities that may result in changes in services and the personnel who provide those services. This Web page describes required transition activities for school-age students with disabilities that are intended to facilitate their move from special education services to community life.
For Students at Age 14:
According to PL 105-17, Section 614 (d)(I)(A)(vii) (I)], "beginning at age 14, and updated annually, [is] a statement of the transition service needs of the child under the applicable components of the child's individualized education program (IEP) that focuses on the child's courses of study (such as participation in advanced placement courses or a vocational education program);"
The secondary and post-secondary awareness activities and initial planning for students should "start no later than age 14." The intended outcome of this process should result in the identification of the "courses of study and other educational experiences" that students need to move them towards their identified post-school visions, goals or outcomes. These may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Required courses;
- Elective courses;
- Modified courses;
- Specially designed courses;
- Educational experiences in the school; and/or
- Educational experiences in the community.
It is important to recognize that as the student grows and changes, so does his/her interest in school and post-school outcomes. Flexibility is a major component of all aspects of transition planning.
For Students at Age 16
Requirements according to [Section 614(d)(I)(A)(vii)(II)] are: beginning at the age of 16 (or younger, if determined appropriate by the IEP Team), a statement of needed transition services for the child, including when appropriate, a statement of the interagency responsibilities or any needed linkages."
The "statement of needed transition services" is a long-range plan or map to assist the students in their steps towards adult life.
This required statement at age 16 is more comprehensive than the "statement of transition service needs" required at age 14. When both statements are coordinated together, they increase the support necessary for each student to achieve his or her post-school visions and goals.
The statement of "interagency responsibilities or any needed linkages" (when appropriate) directs the IEP team to jointly plan with other agencies and service providers to ensure that the student's needs are met both during and after the student completes his or her secondary education.
What does "Age of Majority" Mean?
The age of majority is defined in Section 614 (d)(1)(A)(vii)(III): Beginning at least one year before the child reaches the age of majority under state law, (age 18 in Ohio), a statement that the child has been informed of his or her rights under this title, if any, that will transfer to the child on reaching the age of majority under section 615(m).
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