Transitions For students With Low-Incidence Disabilities

The reauthorization of IDEA in 2004 required that transition planning for any student with a disability to begin by the time that student reaches the age of 14 years. It is at this point in the student s education that the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) must include a statement of the student s transition service needs that focus on the student s course of study. Once the student has reached the age of 16, they have the right to a Transition Plan that is attached to the student s IEP. The intent of this plan is to include both instructional goals and linkage goal statements for all areas of need in order to prepare the student for the movement to the post-high school world. The successful transition of students with disabilities to post-school life includes obtaining meaningful employment or post-school activities. This can only be achieved through the appropriate design, development, and implementation of an educational program that equips students with skills and prepares them for employment and community involvement outside the educational arena (Stuart & Smith, 2002, p. 235).