Transition is the process that facilitates the move throughout school to postsecondary adult living. Planning the transition from school to adult life begins, at the latest, in high school for students with disabilities. Transition planning is required by law to begin once a student reaches the age of 14 (or younger when appropriate). This transition planning becomes formalized in school as part of the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). The student’s needs, interests and preferences must be considered in the planning and students are therefore strongly encouraged to take part in the IEP meetings.
The student and their family are expected to take an active role in preparing the student to take responsibility for life once school is finished. After students leave school, they will need to organize their own life and navigate their way through a maze of adult service providers. This can be a daunting task, one for which the student and family need to be prepared.
The full collaboration of the student, family, educators and community service providers is needed for successful transition. The planning process helps to ensure that the students participate in making decisions related to areas of education, medical, employment, social, and daily living needs.
Job Placement / Transition Specialists develop job placement sites, place participants in job sites, and monitor progress of students in the Job Preparation Program. They also teach employability skills, assist with supervision of job coaches, and monitor transition plans. Select high schools have an assigned JPTS to assist with post secondary services and options. Please contact your child’s school for more information
The Family Guide to Secondary Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities, is highly recommended for all students and families to download and review to understand the transition process.
Agencies
There are several state and area agencies that provide services to individuals with disabilities assisting with job training, post-secondary options, and other critical needs. Please visit FLDOE Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for more information.
Brochures
ESE Graduation Information Brochure
ESE Graduation Information Brochure – SPA
ESE Work Evaluation Brochure
ESE Work Evaluation Brochure – SPA
General Resources
Family Support Center on Disabilities: Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc.
FYI Transition
National Center on Secondary Education and Training
National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
Postsecondary Education and Training Schools
Americans with Disabilities Act Office
American Youth Policy
FYI Transition
Marchman Technical College
Pasco Hernando State College
Saint Petersburg College
Think College (College options for students with Intellectual Disabilities)
Scholarship Information
Applying for Financial Aid
Financial Aid Information Page
Free service of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
College View
College Scorecard (Comparative college information)
College Scholarships (Listing of 500,000 private sector awards)
Scholarships.com Database (Scholarship search and information)
Proyecto Vision Scholarship Listing (Scholarships available specifically for students with disabilities)
