Transition

Transition. Going from here to there. Making changes. It’s what everyone does all the time. And the word is especially meaningful for parents – how will my child make the transition to adulthood, to independence, to a happy and fulfilling life? If your child has a disability, these questions may have even greater significance. The good news is that transition planning is a team effort of you, your child, your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team, health care providers, and other service providers in the community. If your son or daughter has a disability, Transition Planning and Services are a federally required part of your child’s public education. What is the goal of Transition Planning and Services? It’s simple. From wherever your child is today to an adult life of learning, meaningful work, friends and a role in the community… in other words, what we all want for all of our children.

While this part of Maryland Learning Links includes sections for children and for educators, it is primarily meant to provide parents with the information they need to support the successful transition of their children to adulthood. It’s filled with real-world practical information and tools like our K-8 Career Explorer Tool [link] and several timelines that can help you better understand and make the most of Transition Planning and Services, no matter where your child is in the process. You will also find a wealth of resources on the subject of transition planning so that you will be connected to useful information beyond this site.

Some of the big ideas presented here include:

• The importance of self-determination and self-advocacy – The more your child can know and do what is best for himself and share this information with others, the more likely he will have a successful transition to adulthood.
• Transition is more than getting a job after high school – Transition planning is meant to help your child get a job, but it’s also about helping your child prepare for and select postsecondary education and training … and to improve his personal, social and daily living skills—all key components of adulthood.
• Every aspect of the transition planning process should be built around your child’s strengths and interests – Transition is different for every single child, so your child’s Transition Planning and Services must be tailored to his or her goals for employment, postsecondary education and training, and other aspects of adulthood.
• Knowledge is power – The more you know about your child’s strengths, interests and preferences, your child’s school, the laws that are the basis of special education/transition planning services, the better you can help your child achieve the future she desires.
• You must be proactive – Every school system is deeply invested in its students, but no one is as invested in your child’s future as you are; your child needs you to be involved throughout the special education process, including transition planning for future employment, education and independent living. By thinking and acting proactively, you may find resources and solutions before other Individualized Education Program (IEP) team members.
• Transition is all about teamwork – While you will always be your child’s greatest champion, transition planning is most successful when it’s a team effort; the team of course, includes you and your child, but it also includes your child’s teachers and other school staff, medical personnel and therapists and other service providers in the community.