Transition Services
The term “transition services” means a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability that—
- 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 post-secondary education, vocational education, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation;
- 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, the development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives, and when appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation.
- Includes appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and, where appropriate, independent living skills;
- Includes transition services (including courses of study) needed to assist the child in reaching those goals;
- Begins not later that the first IEP to be in effect when the child is 16 years old, and updated annually thereafter.
Alabama Occupational Diploma (AOD)
The Alabama Occupational Diploma is designed to meet the mandates of federal and state legislation, as well as incorporate “best practices” utilized in delivering transition services. The intent of this diploma option is to prepare students for independent/competitive employment upon exiting high school. The AOD sets high expectations for students with disabilities, emphasizes challenging academic standards, personal responsibility, employability skills, and job placement.
Young Adults in Transition (YAiT)
Young Adults in Transition (YAiT, pronounced
like "Wyatt") is a newly formed panel
of young adults with disabilities who will make
recommendations to state policymakers on
improving transition services.
Their mission statement is “Young Adults Helping Other Young Adults Transition to the
Real World.”
Their goals are to:
• Increase communication
between service providers
• Increase disability
awareness in the community
• Increase
resources to provide better transition services
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS)
The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Service, helps Alabamians with disabilities achieve independence through employment. Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS) provides specialized employment- and education-related services and training to assist teens and adults with disabilities in becoming employed.
VRS places substantial emphasis on transition from school to work. Their transition teams assist junior and senior high school students with disabilities in preparing for employment and community living. VRS counselors work with students, parents, special education teachers, coordinators, and other school personnel throughout the state to provide assistance to students in developing career goals and obtaining on-the-job training opportunities.
Click here to link to Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services.
For more information about SES Transition, contact Dan Roth at droth@alsde.edu.
