Transition Services
Overview
About Transition
What is Secondary Transition?
Simply put, secondary transition is helping students with disabilities and their families think about and plan for their life after high school. The goal is to design the high school experience to ensure that the students gain the skills and connections needed to succeed in post-high school life. The transition from high school to young adulthood is a major turning point for all teenagers. However, for students with special needs, this stage requires extra planning and goal setting.
The process includes providing education, legal information, planning, goal setting, and community connections to our students who receive special education services in order to help them through their transition from high school to adulthood. The transition process prepares students with disabilities for adult life by focusing on the specific areas of post-secondary education, employment, community participation, and when appropriate, independent living skills.
The focus of transition planning is on students ages 14 - 21 but may continue beyond age 21 if needed. The age that services are required is determined by the student's Individual Education Plan (IEP) team. Students are encouraged to set goals for their post-high school life and are able to gain knowledge and skills through career awareness exploration activities, community involvement, and independent living skill lessons. The transition process continues through high school as academic instruction and community experiences help clarify and support students’ goals. The entire process is based on individual student’s needs, taking into account each student’s strengths, preferences, and interests.
Riverview Intermediate Unit offers a variety of Transition Services. Contact Amy Smith: amy.smith@riu6.org 814-226-7103, ext. 5212 for additional information.