What is Transition?

 IDEA Transition Services Definition  

Transition services are “a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability that (a) is designed to be within a results oriented process, that is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of the child with a disability to facilitate the child’s movement from school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education, vocational education, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation; and (b) is based on the individual child’s needs, taking into account the child’s strengths, preferences, and interests; and includes instruction, related services, community experiences, development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives, and, if appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and provision of a functional vocational evaluation (IDEA, 2004; 20 U.S.C. 1401(34)).

Iowa Code 281—41.43 (1) General.  Transition Services are a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability and meets the following description:

a. Is designed to be within a results-oriented process, that is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of the child with a disability to facilitate the child’s movement from school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education, vocational education, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation;

b. Is based on the individual child’s needs, taking into account the child’s strengths, preferences, and interests; and includes the following:

(1) Instruction;

(2) Related services;

(3) Community experiences;

(4) The development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives; and

(5) If appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and provision of a functional vocational evaluation.

41.43(2) May be special education or a related service. Transition services for children with disabilities may be special education, if provided as specially designed instruction, or a related service if required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education.