Transition
Transition is the results-oriented process focused on improving academic and functional achievement of students with disabilities in order to prepare them for post-school activities. Post-school activities include post-secondary education or training, employment, and independent living. These areas are the driving focus for IEP teams as they develop plans for secondary-age students. Transition planning begins the IEP year in which the student is going to turn 14. It is required to be documented on the annual IEP once a student reaches transition age. Transition planning is based on the individual student’s needs, strengths, and interests.
General Information
- Lancaster County Transition Coordinating Council (TCC)
A network of parents, consumers, educators, and community service providers helping students with special needs in their transition from school to adult life. TCC is facilitated by the IU13 Special Education Services. - Lancaster County Career and Technical Center
Career and workforce training programs for adults and high school students. Includes news and information on locations, programs and services. - IU 13 Transition Information
The Intermediate Unit 13 (IU 13) provides information to parents and students regarding transition services. Links to other transition resources are available on their site. - PYLN Transition Toolkit
Developed by Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network to help youth with disabilities in their transition to adulthood. "Developed by youth for youth." - PA Secondary Transition Guide
The purpose of this website is to provide youth, young adults, parents, and professionals with secondary transition resources to facilitate a young person’s progress toward the attainment of post-secondary goals related to education, employment, and community living. Check back often for updates! - Autism Transition Handbook
The website assists individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families by providing access to the most current and comprehensive information on the transition to adulthood. - What Families Need to Know
A guide from the PA Department of Education on what families need to know for effective transition planning. - National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
Resources and information regarding transitioning from school-aged to adult life. - Securing your child's financial future
Resources and information regarding helping your children transition with financial security. - #ASDNext
This is an excellent resource to connect students and adults to helpful resources, information and others in their community.
Post-Secondary Education
- Best Colleges
Their goal is "to provide students with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed. We’ve created a free guide to college planning for students with learning impairments, an excellent source of information breaking down the transition process, accommodations, scholarships, and more that learning-impaired students should be prepared with." - National Center on Secondary Education and Transition
Coordinates national resources, offers technical assistance, and disseminates information related to secondary education and transition for youth with disabilities in order to create opportunities for youth to achieve successful futures. - Hiram G Andrews Center
The Hiram G. Andrews Center provides a comprehensive program of services featuring the integration of education on campus at the Commonwealth Technical Institute (CTI), counseling, evaluation, and physical restoration in a barrier-free environment. - Entitlement to Eligibility
Explains the differences between Public Education and Post-Secondary Education for individuals with disabilities. - ThinkCollege.net
Think College is a national organization dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving research and practice in inclusive higher education for people with intellectual disability. - Maryville University
Maryville University provides a 100% free guide that covers educational opportunities, preparation steps, knowing your rights, different types of disabilities, and recommended resources for additional information. This is a great fit for any student, family member, or educator looking for information on how to prepare for higher education regarding disabilities.
Employment Resources
- Works for me
Employment solutions for people with disabilities including connections with agencies and resources to improve employment potential and financial security. - PA Department of Labor & Industry
The Department prepares job seekers for the global workforce through employment and job training services for adult, youth, older workers, and dislocated workers. - PA Career GuideThe Pennsylvania Career Guide contains information about growing occupations, educational requirements, training opportunities, and salary information.
- PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
OVR is the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, a State Agency that helps persons with disabilities help themselves to prepare for, start, and maintain a career. OVR has fifteen offices located around the State with over 400 professional vocational rehabilitation counselors. These counselors work every year with thousands of persons who have physical, mental, and emotional disabilities.
Independent Living
- Special Olympics Lancaster
Special Olympics of Lancaster County is a year-round sports training and competition program for individuals from ages 6 and up with intellectual disabilities. Lancaster County offers 15 different Olympic-type sports at no cost to the athletes or their families. - Transition Health Care Checklist
Developed by the PA Department of Health to provide a checklist, resources, and steps to assist youth and families to make a successful transition to adult living that includes health and health care. - Guide to Housing Options
A list of resources and services available to support individuals with disabilities as they explore community housing options. - PYLN Health Care Toolkit
Developed by Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) to include topics such as healthy living and relationships. - Tabor Community Services
Provides free financial workshops to students and parents to improve personal financial management skills.