Transition planning is a collaborative process that helps special education students prepare for life after high school. It involves the student, family, school staff, and community agencies to support independence, employment, and community participation. The goal is to help students become confident, self-sufficient young adults ready for the transition to adulthood.
In Connecticut, transition services must be included in an IEP no later than the first meeting after a student turns 14, or earlier if the PPT decides it’s appropriate. The plan must be updated yearly and include measurable postsecondary goals for education, training, and employment, along with the services needed to reach them.
Connecticut Core Transition Skills
Students with disabilities are supported in developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for independent, successful adult lives. They learn to understand their disability and personal strengths, practice self-determination and self-advocacy, and actively participate in their IEP and PPT processes. Students build leadership, social-emotional, and interpersonal skills while learning about their rights and responsibilities under disability laws. They develop the ability to manage daily living tasks, access healthcare and community resources, and build meaningful relationships and support networks. Additionally, students gain the skills needed to pursue postsecondary education, employment, and lifelong learning; request necessary accommodations; use technology effectively; and navigate both public and private transportation to fully engage in their communities and future goals.
The following are key components of the transition planning process:
Assessment: The student's strengths, interests, preferences, and needs should be assessed to identify their post-school goals. This can be done through a variety of assessments, including vocational evaluations, academic assessments, and interest inventories.
Goal-setting: Based on the assessment results, the student should set goals for their post-school life. These goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
Transition services: The student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) should include a description of the transition services needed to help the student achieve their post-school goals. These services may include vocational training, job coaching, independent living skills instruction, and community-based instruction.
Agency collaboration: The school should collaborate with relevant agencies and service providers to ensure that the student's transition needs are met. These agencies may include vocational rehabilitation, adult education programs, and community-based organizations.
Progress monitoring: The student's progress towards their post-school goals should be regularly monitored and documented. The IEP should be reviewed and revised as necessary to ensure that the student is making progress towards their goals.
Graduation and post-school outcomes: The student's IEP should include a statement of the student's expected graduation date and post-school outcomes. The school should provide the student with a summary of their academic achievement and functional performance, as well as any recommendations for further education or training.
Students should apply for a Connecticut State ID at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
The card will arrive by mail within one week.
Required Documentation:
Two (2) forms of identification – at least one must be from the Primary Document List
Primary Documents (U.S.-born):
U.S. Birth Certificate or Registration of Birth (Hospital-issued not accepted)
U.S. Passport or Passport Card
Proof of Social Security Number – bring one of the following:
Social Security Card
W-2 Form (issued within 5 years)
1099 Form (issued within 5 years)
Proof of Connecticut Residency – provide two (2) different documents showing:
Your name and CT address
Dated within 90 days
Computer-generated (typed)
May include emailed or mailed correspondence
At age 18, apply for SSI through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
This step helps officially establish your child’s disability for adult services.
How to Apply:
Schedule an appointment with SSA by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local office.
Begin the online application before your appointment.
Complete all sections with your child’s information only (not family income).
Have medical and doctor information ready.
Once approved for SSI, apply for HUSKY C (Medicaid).
Apply online at www.ct.gov/dss
Enrollment in HUSKY C (Title 19 Medicaid) is required to receive funding from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
Important Information:
The individual must have less than $1,600 in assets.
On the application, note:
“Purpose of this application is to become eligible for HUSKY C Medicaid.”
Parent or guardian insurance remains the primary insurance.
Contact the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Eligibility Unit to request an application.
Phone: 866-433-8192
Documents Needed:
Birth Certificate
State ID
Social Security Card
Recent Physical
Recent Psychological Evaluation
Current IEPs
In Connecticut, all individuals become legal adults at age 18.
If your child needs support making personal, financial, or medical decisions, you may apply for limited or full guardianship through Probate Court.
Process:
File an application at your local Town Hall (Probate Court) up to 180 days before the 18th birthday.
A hearing is scheduled within 45 days.
The filing fee is $225 (fee waivers available based on income).
DDS will conduct a Guardianship Assessment covering:
Residence
Educational/Vocational status
Release of records
Medical/Dental needs
Other relevant services
An attorney will meet with your child to protect their rights during the process.
DDS submits the completed assessment to the court; DDS does not attend the hearing.