What are Transition Services?
Transition services refer to a set of activities designed to help individuals, particularly students with disabilities, move from school to post-school activities. These services aim to support students in achieving their goals related to further education, employment, and independent living.
Key components often include:
Individualized Planning: Developing a personalized plan that outlines the student's strengths, interests, and goals.
Skill Development: Providing training in life skills, job readiness, and social skills necessary for adulthood.
Coordination of Services: Collaborating with various agencies and organizations to provide comprehensive support.
Work Experience: Offering opportunities for internships or job shadowing to gain real-world experience.
Support Systems: Ensuring students have access to resources, mentorship, and counseling.
Transition services are typically mandated by laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of preparing students for life after high school.
As a part of transition planning, an IEP team may determine that a student with a disability may benefit from participation in Aurora Public School District’s 18-21 Transition Services Program, designed to support 18-21-year-old students’ movement from school to post-school activities. Services are determined by the IEP team and adapt and align to an individual’s unique needs.
Transition Services ARE:
Designed to bridge the gap from K-12 education to post-school/adult life.
Focused on connecting students to adult services, fostering community engagement, supported employment, and providing inclusive or alternative education opportunities.
Tailored with specialized instruction and activities that align with each student’s individual transition needs and goals.
Aimed at building independent living skills by offering flexible experiences that reflect the student’s preferences, interests, strengths, and postsecondary aspirations.
Transition Services ARE NOT:
A continuation of high school.
Limited to the student’s neighborhood school or chosen location (parent input will be taken into account).
Full-day or full-time programs.
Exclusively focused on leisure or social activities.