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Federal Definition of Transition Planning

From the 1999 regulations implementing the 1997 federal special education law IDEA:

The term “transition services” means a coordinated set of activities for a student with a disability that:

(A) Is designed within an outcome-oriented process, that promotes movement from school-to-post-school activities, including post-secondary education, vocational training, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation;

(B) Is based upon the individual student’s needs, taking into account the student’s preferences and interests; and

(C) Includes instruction, related services, special education, community experiences, the development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives, and when appropriate, the acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation.
SEC 602 (30)

(vii) (I) beginning at age 14 and younger if appropriate, and updated annually, a statement of the transition service needs of the youth under the applicable components of the youth’s IEP that focuses on the student’s courses of study (such as participation in advanced-placement courses of study or a vocational education program)

(II) beginning at age 16 (or younger, if determined appropriate by the IEP team), a statement of needed transition services for the student, including, if appropriate, a statement of the interagency responsibilities or any needed linkages and

(III) beginning at least one year before the youth reaches the age of majority under State law, a statement that the student has been informed of his or her rights under this title, if any, that will transfer to the student on reaching the age of majority under section 615(m) (of IDEA)
SEC 614 (d) (l) (A) (vii)

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Introduction | Federal Definition of Transition Services
Transition Planning | Critical Connections | Other Useful Information