What is Transition?

Transition is any movement from one phase of life to another, including the movement of persons with disabilities from school to successful adult community living including employment.

Transition by:

Council on Exceptional Education (CEC)

 Division on Career Development and Transition

Transition refers to change in statue from behaving primarily as a student to assuming emergent adult roles in the community. These roles include employment, participating in post-secondary education, maintaining a home, becoming appropriately involved in the community and experiencing satisfactory personal and social relationships.  The process of enhancing transition involves the participation and coordination of school programs, adult agency services and natural supports within the community.  The foundations for transition should be laid during the elementary and middle school years, guided by the broad concept of career development.  Transition planning must begin no later than age 14 and students must be encouraged, to the fullest extent of their capabilities, to assume a maximum amount of responsibility for such planning.

Transition by:

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1990

Transition services means a coordinated set of activities for a student, designed within an outcome oriented process, which promotes movement from school to post-school activities, including Postsecondary education, vocational training, integrated employment, including supported employment, continuing adult education, adult services, independent living or community participation.  The coordinated set of activities shall be based upon the student's needs, taking into account the student's preferences and interests and shall include instruction, community experiences, employment development, and other post-school adult living objectives, and when appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation.

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