VDOE :: Special Education & Student Services :: Transition Services for Students with Disabilities



Virginia Intercommunity Transition Council
Planning for Success!
The key to a successful transition is careful planning. Students must be actively involved in the planning process.

Education Options After High School

Students continue to learn after high school. With support from parents, teachers, and employers, students can continue their education in programs that match their interests, abilities and needs. Students receiving special education services must have transition goals in their IEP's by age 14 or earlier if appropriate and be actively involved in the planning process. Education options include: Community colleges Four-year colleges On-the-job training Apprenticeships Military service Adult education Technical schools Independent living skills

Accommodations for students with disabilities? Yes! Many continuing education programs, colleges and universities have Disability Support Services staff. Some colleges have programs specifically for students with disabilities.

Two federal laws, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, require schools to provide all students equal access to education opportunities. Students with disabilities may receive certain accommodations that give them equal opportunities to participate and learn. The need for the accommodation must be documented.

Accommodations for post secondary students may include:
Wheelchair accessible buildings Textbooks on tape or in Braille Extra time for assignments or test Assistive technology
Planning for technical school or college
In addition to questions about the type of program and costs, students may want to ask: What are the admission requirements? Are there specific technical skill requirements? What support services are available? How do you get support services and are any fees charged? Are there course waivers or substitutions, e.g., foreign language? If there are disagreements about accommodations, how are they resolved? What documentation of disability is required? Do you offer an orientation program for new students
Planning for employment training or an apprenticeship Who will be the direct supervisor? How long will the program last? Is union membership required? How many continuing education classes are required? Are salary and benefits such as insurance offered? Do you help trainees find permanent jobs? Is there a proficiency test requirement?

Needed School Records Most programs require proof of a student's abilities and disabilities. It is important to have copies of the most recent test reports and IEP's and secondary transcript, letters of reference from teachers, student profile or resume.

When to begin planning

Students should start planning in middle school and take courses that prepare them academically for college or technical training. Students will need independent living skills, and self-advocacy skills, to be successful in postsecondary education Students can work with their teachers and counselors in high school to develop a plan to achieve their educational goals. Transition planning as required in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the ideal way to plan for student educational choices What are the program requirements Proficiency tests Program length Continuing education classes Counseling Job placement Peer support groups Tutoring Housing assistance

Resources Teachers Guidance counselors Federal, state and local agencies, departments and programs Disability Support Staff Technical schools State Employment Commission Employment training programs College and career fairs Parents and family members

For more information, contact your local Special Education Director, local Rehabilitative Services Office, or the Virginia Department of Education

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