In this brief, the perspectives of special education administrators from Massachusetts and Indiana, who have been engaged in college-based transition services (CBTS), are shared. It summarizes the conversations they had during a fall 2019 Think College webinar and a follow-up discussion in summer 2020. Each administrator has had extensive…

Postsecondary education is a realistic and necessary option for successful adult outcomes. An understanding of the realities in postsecondary education is necessary if students with disabilities and their families are to be prepared to make wise choices for successful transition. School personnel should use the high school years to implement…

This paper addresses transition for deaf and hard of hearing youth as a longitudinal and developmental progression of experiences that lead to economic self-sufficiency; self-determination in personal, educational, vocational, social, and leisure pursuits; and participation in community life. The paper proposes 18 premises that describe how…

This document summarizes the proceedings of a regional symposium held to discuss issues and develop recommendations regarding strategies for providing a continuum of lifelong learning opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities. Presented first are an overview of the symposium and summaries of the opening roundtable discussion and a…

This paper highlights specific issues surrounding implementation of Titles I and II of Public Law 99-457, and illuminates how federal rules and regulations and the states' positions on the law should reflect the needs of rural and remote communities. The issues include: legislative planning and appropriations to meet the needs of rural handicapped…

This article on transition for students with learning disabilities (LD) reviews the transition concept from a life-span perspective and considers transition planning, including the role of the planning team, the importance of timing, and forces influencing transition programs. It then provides background information, themes, and highlights for…

Discusses the need for all secondary students, particularly individuals with disabilities, to undergo transition assessment. Topics discussed include the definition and purpose of transition assessment, policies that facilitate the provision of assessment services, and an overview of the methods and people involved in the transition assessment…

Parents of 25 infants/toddlers with handicaps were surveyed to gain perspectives on easing the transition from home-based infant programs to preschool programs. Analysis of the results led to 4 major recommendations and a series of steps that infant program staff can follow to facilitate transition to preschool program options. (JDD)

Illustrates with a hypothetical adolescent with a disability the use of the McGill Action Planning System for initial and follow-up transition planning. Shows how the system promotes self-advocacy for students and families and provides information useful in the Individualized Education Plan. (SK)

Participants from five states (Colorado, Minnesota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin) met to establish a national network to promote state and community-based models of comprehensive coordinated planning and service delivery to adults who survived pediatric disorders in their childhood. Results of state caucuses, which discussed and listed…

The core of the education system must be transformed to make it supportive of exceptional students in transition. Attempts to improve the system by adding on programs rather than instituting core changes have not been effective. A "teaming" process that promotes school-community and interagency collaboration and infuses transition into the core of…

The conceptualization of more innovative transition-intervention frameworks has become crucial for students with disabilities. A model incorporating school counselors as an additional resource in facilitating special education students' transitions to adult life is proposed. Systemic alternatives that creatively use counselor expertise within…

This paper outlines the arrangements for assessing school leavers under Sections 5 and 6 of Great Britain's Disabled Persons Act, summarizes the results of research in Avon (England) following the lives of 50 people with severe learning difficulties just before and after they left school. Presents a model for individual and strategic planning to…

A future-based assessment/intervention model is proposed for improved programing for students with mental retardation. The model is an extension of curriculum-based assessment but takes into consideration students' abilities and individual goals and objectives. The assessment model is linked closely with instruction and is particularly valuable…

This article outlines six values that should form the basis of transdisciplinary team alliance in planning transition from school to integrated employment for students with severe disabilities. The values are organized into principles of shared responsibility, and recommendations are provided for their implementation. (JDD)