Disability Services & Advocacy, LLC

"Lifetime Planning and Services for 

People with Disabilities and their Families"

1. At age 14 (the birthday, not the entry into high school, all students must be invited to their IEP meeting. Further, the letter to the parents must indicate that transition will be discussed. The specific word, "transition" must appear in the letter.
   
2. By the student's 14^th birthday, there must be a statement of Transition Service Needs. This is the long-range educational plan for each student. All prospective concerns, based on the students desired outcomes upon graduation from high school should be included. Remember some students will change their minds!
   
3. By the student's 16^th birthday, there must be a Statement of Needed Transition Services. This is a coordinated long range plan for life and shall include instruction (already in place at age 14), community experiences, the development of employment and other post-school living objectives, and if appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional evaluation.
   
4. At least one year prior to students reaching age of majority (18) the IEP team must meet with students and provide information to them about reaching age of majority - their rights, etc.

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) can provide consultation to a student as early as age 14. They will determine eligibility up to two years prior to graduation.

Families who have children eligible for the services of the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) can determine eligibility from birth. These families can choose to link with DDD before DVRS in terms of adult having support. These agencies have agreed to determine eligibility of a person, independently of the other.

The child study team case manager is responsible for transition planning!