Overview
What it is
Transition planning prepares a student with an IEP for life after high school — postsecondary education, a career, and independent living. It becomes a formal part of the IEP by age 16 (earlier in many states), and it's built around the student's own goals, with growing emphasis on self-advocacy.
How It Works
How it works
- Postsecondary goalsThe plan sets measurable goals for education/training, employment, and (as needed) independent living
- Transition servicesCourses, experiences, and connections that move the student toward those goals
- Student voiceThe student is invited and increasingly leads their own planning
- Agency connectionsLinks to vocational rehabilitation and adult-service agencies
- Age of majorityRights transfer to the student at 18 (unless other arrangements are made) — plan for this
For Families
What families can do
- Start earlyEven before 16, think about your child's interests and goals
- Build self-advocacyHelp your child understand and speak to their own needs
- Explore optionsCollege (with disability services), career/technical paths, apprenticeships, and supported employment
- Connect to adult servicesVocational rehabilitation and community agencies
- Understand rights at 18Educational rights transfer to the student unless arranged otherwise
Key Terms
Terms to know
- Postsecondary goalsGoals for after high school (education, work, independence)
- Self-advocacyA student's ability to understand and speak to their own needs
- Vocational rehabilitationA state agency that supports employment for people with disabilities
- Age of majorityWhen rights transfer to the student (usually 18)
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- When does transition planning start?By age 16 in the IEP — earlier in many states.
- What does it cover?Goals and services for education/training, employment, and independent living.
- Does my child take part?Yes — students are invited and increasingly lead their own planning.
- What happens to rights at 18?They generally transfer to the student unless other arrangements are made.
- How does college support work?Colleges provide accommodations under Section 504/ADA — the student requests them.
At a Glance
Key facts
- WhatPlanning for life after high school
- Starts byAge 16 (earlier in many states)
- GoalsEducation/training, employment, independence
- BuildsSelf-advocacy
- At 18Rights transfer to the student (plan ahead)
Learn More
Where to learn more
Learn more: