What are Transition Services?

Transition Services is a coordinated set of activities for a student with a disability that is designed to be within a results-oriented process, that is focused on improving the academics and functional achievement of the student with a disability to facilitate the student’s movement from school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education, vocational education, and integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation.  These coordinated set of activities are based on the individual student’s needs, taking into account the child’s strengths, preferences, and interests; and includes – 

• Instruction

• Related services

• Community experiences

• Development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives

• and if appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and provision of a functional vocational evaluation

Transition Resource - Next Steps to Independence: Skills and Strategies

The Next Steps to Independence checklist (birth-18+) provides a framework to develop skills for independence in adulthood for individuals with disabilities. Families might use this tool to reflect on their child’s achievements, consider any areas of concern, or collaborate with educators. Educators might use this tool to identify critical skills to address, adaptations to consider, or as an informal transition assessment for self-determination skills. Within each age group, you will see lists of activities and suggestions for teaching these critical skills and connecting with community partners.