Transition Map

Planning the transition from school to adult living is much like scheduling any trip -- you gather a bunch of travel brochures, pick a destination, decide how you'll get there, what stops you'll may make along the way, and prepare for any unexpected detour or roadblock.

The key to a successful trip lies in the planning. It should start early, be detailed, and build in some flexibility for the unforeseen bends in the road. The same is true for transition planning when your son or daughter is still in school.

IDEA 2004 (Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act) mandates that transition services must be "results-oriented" to "facilitate the child's movement from school to post -school activities . . ." The law requires IEP transition services to be place by the student's 16th birthday.

We have ideas and suggestions and resources to plan for the transition from school to post high school education or to work and have posted some success stories to motivate your planning.