TRANSITION PLANNING

Thank you for visiting our transition planning guide. The guide is meant to support and empower students throughout their transition process. However, we acknowledge that some students will need more parental support than others and hope it can be of help to both audiences.  (Updated July, 2023)​

The transition planning process

If you are a student receiving special education services or the parent of a student who receives special education services, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) entitles you to certain rights in planning for the transition to life after school. Make sure you are familiar with those rights and consider ways transition planning can help. 
Under law, a transition plan to support employment after graduation and further education must be developed for every student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) as early as age 12 and by the time they reach age 15. The plan must include goals for moving to adult life.  It must take into account information about your unique needs, preferences, and interests. The plan should lay out goals for training, education, employment, and independent living skills necessary for success as an adult.  

Your rights in transition planning

Assessments 

Beginning at age 12, your IEP team is required to conduct an annual Level I Vocational  Assessment.  This assessment uses information from interviews with you, your parent/guardian, and teachers to help you identify your interests and plan for life after high school. 
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There are currently three levels of career assessments available to students, but NYCPS is only required to conduct a Level 1 assessment. Level 2  and Level 3   assessments are more detailed and take more time to complete. They can only be done if the results from the Level 1 assessment do not provide enough information to make a career programming decision.  
In addition to vocational assessments, external agencies like ACCES-VR can conduct assessments to help you identify occupational therapy, speech and language, and assistive technology needs. Another resource that NYCPS provides are Transition & College Access Centers (TCACs) which can support you as you prepare for life after high school. Find your borough's TCAC here: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/special-education/help/contacts-and-resources. ​

A Strong IEP​

Your IEP can and should include services and goals that will help you become who you want to be after high school. You can find transition services in the “Measurable Post-Secondary Goals,” “Coordinated Set of Transition Activities,” and “Measurable Annual Goals” sections of your IEP.   
What are measurable post-secondary goals?
Your post-secondary goals are your plans for living, working, and learning as an adult after high school. These goals will help you identify which activities and services you’ll need to prepare for adulthood. They address education and training, employment, and independent living skills.  ​
  1. Education and Training Goals: Should answer the question “where will I develop the skills to become who I want to be?” For example, “I will complete a training program as a Certified Nursing Assistant.”  
  2. Employment Goals: Should answer the question, “How do I want to earn a living?” For example, “I will gain job experience by working for at least one year in a retail store.”  
  3. Independent Living Skills: Should answer the question, “How independently do I plan to live after high school and which skills do I need to learn to live independently?” For example, “I’ll learn how to travel on my own through NYCPS’s Office of Travel Training (OTT).”  
What is a Coordinated Set of Transition Activities? 
In this part of the IEP, you will list and describe activities in school and outside of school that will help you prepare for adulthood. There are 6 categories of transition activities that you should discuss with your IEP team:  
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Instruction: What will you be working on in the classroom to build the skills you need in order to meet your academic requirements and achieve your post-high school goals? 
Related Services: Which related services will you need to be prepared for adulthood? This includes services like occupational or physical therapy, speech therapy, rehabilitative counseling services, assistive technology, travel training, or other professional preparation.  
Community Experiences: Which in-school or out-of-school experiences do you want to participate in to help you progress toward your goals? (e.g., volunteering, residential tours, college tours, recreation and leisure activities, etc.) 
Development of Employment and Other Post-School Adult Living Objectives: How will you build work-related skills for finding and keeping a job? (e.g., career planning, job shadowing, job training, supported employment, etc.) 
Acquisition of Daily Living Skills: How will you build and improve the skills you need to live independently? (e.g., dressing, grooming, hygiene, self-care, household chores, shopping, managing finances, etc.) 
Functional Vocational Assessment: NYCPS generally conducts a Level I Vocational Assessment for this section. If that assessment does not provide enough information, you can ask for a Level 1 or 3 assessment listed above.  ​

What are measurable annual goals? ​
For this section of the IEP, you need to think about the goals you want to achieve each year, the criteria to measure whether the goal was achieved, how the progress will be measured, and when the progress will be measured. 

A Student Exit Summary from your high school

In the year that you graduate, your school must complete a Student Exit Summary that looks at present levels of performance, any accommodations or supports you still need, post-high school education goals, and a list of agencies that can help you achieve those goals.  ​

The right to stay in school until age 21

You have a right to stay in school or return to school until the year you turn 21, or achieve a Local, Regents, or Advanced Regents Diploma (see below for more detail). After you complete high school or turn 21, you will no longer be entitled to special education services under the IDEA, but you will be entitled to accommodations for disabilities and services from government agencies listed below. Once you turn 21, it becomes your responsibility to look for services.  ​

Tips for transition planning

 Transition planning works best when students are involved and ready to advocate for themselves as much as possible.  To that end: 
  • Use the above guidelines to assume an active role in making your transition plan 
  • Get familiar with your IEP and transition plan.  If you need help understanding it, it's ok to ask for help  
  • Make sure you understand your disability and any medical or mental health needs  
  • Practice asking for help and support. One place you may be able to get support is from the Transition Team Leader (TTL) at your school.  TTLs are usually teachers or guidance counselors. Talking to others- role models, other teachers, and internship supervisors for example-can be helpful too.   
  • Think about your own strengths, weaknesses, interests, and goals. Which are most important to you?  Does one of your goals need to come before others?  What do you need to get to that goal?  
  • Find some adult role models with disabilities like yours 
  • Practice independence but don’t be afraid to ask for support as appropriate too.  ​

​Parents: What can you do to support your child?

  • Inform your child’s teacher if your child wants to lead the IEP meeting 
  • They can always ask for help during the meeting if it gets too tough 
  • Communicate with the rest of the IEP team early about assessments  
  • Talk to agencies already working with your child and ask them to help with transition planning 
  • Look for new resources to help with this transition time too 

​Diploma Options in New York State 

In thinking about life after high school, it is important to think about your educational path in high school. You should learn about your diploma options and know your diploma goal.  

New York State currently offers four different diploma options: Advanced Regents Diploma, Regents Diploma, Local Diploma, and non-diploma options that include the New York State Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement Credential and the Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential (SACC). As much as possible, you should learn about the requirements for each option so you can make sure you are on track to complete all you need to before graduation or turning 21. 
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The New York State Education Department has a document answering frequently asked questions on the safety net options for students with disabilities.  Advocates for Children of New York also has some helpful fact sheets too, one on Graduation Options for Students with Disabilities and another on High School Credential Options for Students with Disabilities. ​

Post-secondary Education and Career Options

As you begin to think about life after high school, you need to consider your options-- college or a trade school or finding a job right away.  Here are some resources to help you during that transition period.  ​

Disability Disclosure

It is totally up to you whether and when you want to share information about your disability with employers and schools after you graduate. For more information, see the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability (NCWD)’s 411 on Disability Disclosure. To get services based on disability in college (remember this is different from high school) you will need to self-identify and ask for those services from your new school. Every college has an office of accessibility; Hunter College's Office of AccessABILITY has a particularly helpful website.  ​

Parents:

By law, students can legally make their own decisions by age 18. But, if your child has an intellectual or developmental disability, they may need a guardian to help them make decisions and maximize their well-being. If your child needs support, consider Guardianship and Supported Decision-Making.  ​
  • Guardianship: If your child has an intellectual or developmental disability and will need support making decisions when they turn 18, you (or another person) will become their legal guardian. You must file for guardianship in court. (TIP: It can take up to a year to complete the guardianship process, so begin early so that you will have guardianship in place when your child turns 18.) Visit www.nycourts.gov/courthelp/guardianship/17A.shtml for more information 
  • Supported Decision Making: Supported Decision Making (SDMNY) helps families make decision-making agreements. This alternative to guardianship empowers your child to maintain their legal and civil rights while receiving assistance from trusted individuals in making decisions. For more information, visit sdmny.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/170509-Guardianship-and- Alternatives-FAQs.pdf. To sign up for the pilot program, complete the online form: sdmny.org/contact-us 
  • If your child has or could have access to at least $10,000, you may want to set up  a Supplemental Needs Trust (also called a Special Needs Trust), which will allow you to save funds for your child without losing the right to benefits like Medicaid. For more information, visit htps://www.pacer.org/publications/possibilities/planning-your-childs-future.asp  ​

Preparing for College

If you’re thinking about going to college, you should understand how the supports and services you get in high school will stay the same or change when you enter college: 
If you are looking for academic support as you head to college programs: 
  • The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), available at colleges in the SUNY system, gives access, academic support, and financial aid to students who show promise for mastering college-level work, but who may not otherwise be admitted  
  • The Door offers a number of college advisement and tutoring programs, as well as support transitioning to college life. Students 12-24 can become members free of charge. Fill out a membership request form here 
  • Goddard Riverside Community Center provides one-to-one college counseling, tutoring, and other assistance for students ​

Exploring Career Options

  • Career Zone, maintained by the New York State Department of Labor, is a good place to explore careers related to strengths, skills, and talents maintained by the New York State Department of Labor 
  • Going to College guides students through each step of the college process, from application to self-advocacy while in school 
  • New York State Job Zone is another online tool to help identify strengths, skills, and talents, explore occupations, and search education and training databases 
  • O-Net Online allows individuals to search careers by keywords and identify the necessary knowledge bases, skills, abilities, education, technological skills, and employment outlook for jobs of interest  
  • Career Cluster Videos can help students find out more about job possibilities  
  • Disabled Person is a database where people with disabilities can search by job title, job description, key words, and location to find possibilities for life after high school 
  •  Exploring Your Career Options is another good place to look for help regarding career options  ​

Job Training and Placement

You should consider going to job fairs run by your schools or NYCPS. Here are some other resources and programs run by outside organizations. Go to their websites for information about eligibility and application processes: ​
  •  Covenant House provides job training for homeless youth interested in working as bank tellers or certified nurses' aides, or in the culinary arts, construction, customer service, or computer fields. Open to individuals between 17 and 21 years old experiencing homelessness; offices in all five boroughs 
  • The Door offers work readiness training, paid internship programs, individualized coaching, and more. Students ages 12-24 can become members free of charge. Fill out the membership request form here 
  • Exalt is a 10-month intensive training and internship program for court-involved youth between the ages of 15 and 19 who are enrolled in school  
  • Henry Street Settlement, based in Manhattan, has  job training courses and provides job placement, job referrals, and help for ESL job seekers 
  • Next Generation Center provides college application and enrollment guidance and a scholarship program 
  • Non-Traditional Employment for Women (NEW) runs programs preparing women for careers in the construction, utilities, and transportation industries. Participants must be 18 and have high school diploma or GED; call (212) 627-6252  
  • NYC Workforce 1 Career Centers, run by the City, offer job placement services, job listings, computers and printers, some on-site training in computer skills, and possible vouchers for additional job training. Offices in all five boroughs; submit in inquiry here 
  • STRIVE New York offers job training programs in green construction, light maintenance, office operations, and medical information technology. Call (212) 360-1100 for more information 
  • Year Up is a one-year intensive job training program (with pay) for youth between 18 and 24 years old who have achieved their high school diploma or GED; call (212) 785-3340 for more information and apply here ​ ​

Services for Adults with Disabilities

The definition of disability at adult agencies is different from the definition of disability for students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  The fact that you have an IEP does not automatically qualify you for services as an adult. Visit agency websites for more information about eligibility and application processes. ​

Government agencies

  • ​The Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services (ACCES–VR): Provides vocational and rehabilitation services, including job training and counseling for youth and adults with physical, psychiatric, mental health, or learning disabilities, and may provide support for individuals with disabilities while attending college 
  • ACCES-VR application guide 
  • ACCES-VR guίa para aplicar 
  • The Office of Mental Health (OMH): The state agency that serves New York residents with mental health needs. Programs overseen by OMH include inpatient and outpatient programs, community support, residential supportive housing, and family care programs  
  • Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD): OPWDD provides services to eligible individuals, including independent living assistance, supportive and supervised residences, work and day activities, health care services, and service coordination. Find information about eligibility, assessment, and housing initiatives on their website, or contact a center 
  • OPWDD application guide 
  • OPWDD guίa para aplicar 
  • The Social Security Administration (SSA) funds programs that provide benefits for people of any age who cannot do substantial work and have severe mental or physical impairments. Apply online or call (800) 772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) for an appointment  
  • Social Security Disability Income (SSDI): Adults with disabilities may be able to receive social security disability income as a “child” benefit under a parent’s social security earnings record if they became disabled before reaching adulthood.  A person who is eligible for SSDI will automatically become eligible for Medicare after receiving SSDI benefits for two years. This government publication [PDF] has more information 
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI benefits are available to adults or children who are disabled or blind. They are not based on prior work history. The applicant must have limited income and resources to qualify. SSI recipients qualify for Medicaid. This booklet has more information 
  • PLANS To Achieve Self-Support (PASS): An SSI provision to help individuals with disabilities return to work by allowing individuals with disabilities to set aside money and/or other things they own to pay for items or services needed to achieve specific work goals. 
  • U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP): ODEP works to influence national policy and promote effective workplace practices to ensure that the workforce is inclusive of all people, including people with disabilities. ODEP’s website includes some helpful information for youth with disabilities seeking employment  ​

Independent Agencies

  • ​AHRC offers a wide range of services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in all five boroughs 
  • INCLUDEnyc offers a variety of workshops on navigating the transition process and aids families and youth on understanding and accessing a wide range of services and supports   
  • Independent Living Centers (ILCs) help people with disabilities to achieve and live self-sufficient lives within the community by providing information and advocacy services: 
  • Bronx Independent Living Services, Inc.  
  • Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled 
  • Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York (Manhattan and Queens) 
  • Harlem Independent Living Center 
  • Staten Island Center for Independent Living 
  • Institute for Career Development: Works to help individuals with disabilities achieve competitive employment and offers support services for a wide range of disabilities 
  • Lighthouse Guild serves persons of all ages who are visually impaired, blind, and multi-disabled. They offer a broad range of programs, including medical, vision, low vision, psychiatric, and rehabilitative services, managed long-term care, residential services, day health programs, schools and educational training programs for independent living  
  • Vibrant Emotional Health: (Formerly called the Mental Health Association of NYC) Ask about their Adolescent Skills Center, which prepares youth with emotional and behavioral challenges to succeed in the workplace through comprehensive training and programs    
  • Sinergia: Call (212) 643-2840 to ask about their Day Habilitation Program, which helps people with developmental disabilities to acquire educational, social, recreational, and vocational skills   
  • United Cerebral Palsy of New York City: Works to advance the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people with cerebral palsy 
  • Young Adult Institute (YAI): YAI offers a range of services to children and adults with developmental disabilities. Learn more about their services here 
  • Department of Youth and Community Development: Has a Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) which helps people ages 14-24 to get work experience, life skills training, and income during summer months. Though not all applicants get accepted, youth with disabilities receive priority in the lottery 
  • Project SEARCH’s Transition to Work Program: Prepares young people with significant intellectual and developmental disabilities for the workplace through a business-led one-year program that takes place at the workplace 
  •  Client Assistance Program (CAP): Supports individuals with disabilities in New York by helping them get the training, equipment, and services they need for employment ​

Other Transition Planning Resources

​This web page represents only a partial list of organizations offering resources for people with disabilities. It is a list in progress; please feel free to contact our Coordinator if you have suggested additions. The ARISE Coalition does not endorse any of the websites or programs listed on this page.