TRANSITION PLANNING BY CHRISTINE WILLIAMS SPED 51520 What

TRANSITION PLANNING BY CHRISTINE WILLIAMS SPED 51520

What is Transition Planning ? �An Individualized Transition Plan (ITP) that outlines specific transition services and supports that an individual with a disability will require in order to successfully move from the school system to postschool activities. �Coordinated set of activities designed within an outcome-orientated process including postsecondary education, vocational training, supported employment, adult services, independent living, and community participation. � National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET)

CHAPTER 688 �Chapter 688 is a law developed in partnership with parents, advocates and educators to address the needs of young adults who will lose their special education services upon graduation or at age 22. �Chapter 688 is not a continuation of special education. It does not guarantee services after the age of 22.

Who is eligible? �Automatically eligible for Chapter 688 include anyone receiving SSI and/or SSDI based on his or her own disability, and anyone listed in the registry of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. �Referrals to Chapter 688 include anyone receiving special education services in Massachusetts paid for by the school district, anyone in need of continuing services because of the severity of their disability, and anyone who is deemed unable to work 20 hours or more per week in competitive employment.

How does the process work? �Two years prior to graduating or turning 22, the school district, through the IEP team, makes a referral if the student will require additional services. �The school district must acquire consent from the parent, guardian, or student in order to send school records to the appropriate human services agency. �The Human Services Agency must develop an ITP with the family, student, and school system. �The ITP outlines the day, vocational, residential, and support services necessary, as well as the agencies responsible for providing the services. �The ITP must be completed before graduation or the age of 22.

The Transition Team �Student �Parent’s or Guardians �Special and General Education Teachers �School Administrators �Service Providers (Speech, Physical , and Occupational Therapists, Behavioral Consultants) �Representatives of Outside Agencies (Human Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, etc)

Creating the Transition Plan �At age 14 planning must start. The student’s post school goals should be developed and transition service needs identified. �The IEP team determines what instruction and educational experiences will prepare the student for transition from school to post school life. �The following areas are considered: community participation, adult services, post-secondary education, vocational education, and independent living.

Implementing the Plan �By age 16 the necessary transition services must be implemented �Instruction �Related Services �Community Experiences �Vocational Evaluation �Integrated Employment �Acquisition of Daily Living Skills

Resources �National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET). Promoting Effective Parent Involvement in Secondary Education and Transition, 7/ 2008 �Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Special Education Chapter 688 �Special Education Planning and Policy. A guide to Chapter 688: Massachusetts’ Transitional Planning Program, 4/2007