The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2004 (IDEA) requires that transition goals are integrated into the Individualized Education Program (IEP) beginning not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the child is 16 or younger if determined appropriate. The Massachusetts Department of Education has interpreted this to mean that transition planning should begin at age 15.

The transition plan is meant to guide and prepare young adults with disabilities as they move from school to post school activities. Driven by a student’s own vision and appropriate transition assessments, IEP goals are developed to support student preferences and interests. In high school transition planning for each student includes exploring post-secondary educational opportunities, vocational and employment options as well as community participation. For some students transition planning may include connecting with adult service agencies that can provide young adults with services when they graduate from high school or turn 22 years of age.

Find out more information about transition at our two-day Planning a Life: Making the Most out of High School A Transition Conference

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