The Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997 define transition as a coordinated
set of activities for a student with a disability that:
- is designed within an outcome-oriented process,
which promotes movement from
school to post-school activities, including post-secondary
education, vocational training, integrated employment
(including supported employment), continuing and adult
education, adult services, independent living, or
community participation;
- is based on the individual student's needs, taking
into account the student's preferences and interests;
and includes instruction, related services, community
experiences, the development of employment and other
post-school adult living objectives, and, when appropriate,
the acquisition of daily living skills and functional
vocational evaluation.
IDEA requires educators and their partners
to begin a dialogue about the provision of transition
services at age 14.
The transition of students with disabilities
to adult life roles can be a challenging and rewarding
experience. Collaboration of community partners is a fundamental
key to the successful transition of students to adult
life roles.
A plan for statewide technical assistance
for collaborative transition services has been developed
by an interagency team that includes staff from the Michigan
Department of Education, Office of Special Education and
Early Intervention Services (OSE-EIS), and the Department
of Career Development/Rehabilitation Services.
This technical assistance will provide community
partners with information and support for using research-based
and proven models and strategies for the coordination
of transition services.
The technical assistance, referred to as
Michigan Transition Resources, is a mandated activities
project offered through the Michigan Department of Education,
Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services.
This mandated activities project supports
a comprehensive collaborative effort of school personnel,
families, and agencies to improve outcomes of students
with disabilities transitioning from school to adult life
roles.
Michigan Transition Resources:
- supports a state level team representing special
education, rehabilitation, families, and career and
technical education;
- supports interagency collaboration through fiscal
resources, trainings, and the dissemination of transition
related materials;
- provides technical assistance to community partners
for overcoming barriers to the implementation of collaborative
transition services;
- provides transition services training for professionals,
parents, adult service agencies, and other community
partners;
- provides networking opportunities for community
partners to “showcase” best practices.
