Outside Agency Referral Information

The IEP team should create connections for the student and their family with outside agencies that can provide service for the young person after they leave school. School staff should be knowledgeable about the services and policies of community agencies in order to invite the appropriate people.

Outside agency representatives invited to the IEP meeting may include*:

• Tennessee Division of Rehabilitative Services (Vocational Rehabilitation)

• Career Center–Workforce Investment and Opportunities Act (WIOA)

• Independent living center staff

• Disability support staff from a postsecondary educational or technical school

• A person knowledgeable about assistive technology

• A person knowledgeable about financial benefits such as supplemental security income (SSI) and Medicaid or Medical Assistance (MA)

• Personal care or health care providers, including mental health care providers

• Probation officer or teacher from a juvenile justice center

• Leisure and recreation service providers

• Transportation agency staff

• Child Advocacy Centers (CASA)

*Not an exhaustive list. Visit www.transitiontn.org for a more comprehensive list of supports and partnerships.

The financial responsibility for meeting a student’s transition goals is not meant to apply solely to the education system, but also to the agencies that the IEP team involves in meeting the transition objectives set out in the IEP

Each agency or service provider generally has a different set of criteria for eligibility and may have a waiting list for services. Part of transition planning can address the logistical issues and identify who families can call on for support and coordination. Best practice would be to identify a case manager for the family and other team members, in regard to the transition services, and to begin inviting outside agencies early in the transition process.

Agencies can only be invited with the consent of the parent/legal guardian or student who has reached the age of majority. Consent must be obtained each time a school district wishes to invite an outside agency representative to a meeting that will address postsecondary transition services. This includes CMCSS employees who will be asked to speak about services offered through Vocational Rehabilitation. The parent/legal guardian or adult student must understand that the granting of consent is voluntary and maybe be revoked at any time.