Transition

The Secondary Transition Process

Secondary Transition is the process of preparing students for adult life after they leave high school. Transition planning begins at age 14, or younger if determined appropriate by the  IEP  team, as students consider their goals for the time after graduation through career awareness exploration activities. The transition process continues through high school as academic instruction and community experiences help clarify and support students’ goals. The entire process is based on individual student’s needs, taking into account each student’s strengths, preferences, and interests. 

Transition can be thought of as a bridge between school programs and the opportunities of adult life, including higher education or training, employment, independent living and community participation. 

Pennsylvania educators facilitate students’ successful transition by using a six-step process to develop the  IEP ; guide the way for students, families, educators, and service providers; and prepare students to cross the “bridge” to adult life.

Six Step Process for Addressing Secondary Transition

Steps one through five represent a process that continues each year until graduation.

When the student is ready to graduate or exit high school, the team must provide a *Summary of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (SAAFP)

IDEA  2004 requires that school districts provide a Summary of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance ( SAAFP ) to students with disabilities who are exiting high school. The  SAAFP  contains a summary of the student’s academic and functional performance, as well as recommendations for assisting the student in meeting post-school goals. The  SAAFP should clearly state what students need to do to achieve their post-school goals. It should also help students to identify needed supports to achieve their post-school goals, to articulate individual strengths, and to better understand the impact of their disabilities as they enter adult life.

General Information

• Assisting Youth & Young Adults with Linking up with the Office of Developmental Programs
• National Technical Assistance Center on Transition
• Pennsylvania Bureau Of Autism Services (BAS)
• Pennsylvania Secondary Transition Guide
• Planning for the Future Checklist (English)
• Planning for the Future Checklist (Spanish)
• Secondary Transition Resource Guide for Parents and Educators
• Secondary Transition Handbook for Parents and Educators
• Are you on-track to graduate?  Check your A, B, C’s

Estate Planning for Individual with Special Needs

• PA ABLE Savings Program
• Wright's Law - Special Needs Planning 

Employment Resources/Office of Vocational & Rehabilitation

• Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 
• OVR Application
• PA Careerlink

Independent Living

• Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living 
• Northeast PA Center for Independent Living

Post-Secondary Education

• ACT Now - NCC Disability Services Resource
• Project A Achieve
• ESU Career, Independent Living and Learning Studies (CILLS)
• Hiram G. Andrews Center
• Job Corps 
• LCCC SEED Program
• Mercyhurst Northeast OASIS Program
• Think College - College Options for People with Intellectual Disabilities
• Maryville University Resource Guide

Recreation & Leisure

• Equi-Librium Therapeutic Horsemanship
• Miracle League of Northampton County

Social Security/Work Incentives

• Social Security Disability (SSDI)
• Social Security Work Incentives
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• United States Social Security Administration (SSA)