Secondary Transition
Welcome to Secondary Transition. The main focus of secondary transition is to assist students with disabilities and their families in preparing for life after graduation. All good plans take time. At age 16 (and often earlier) the student’s IEP team begins to actively address transition issues. Areas of focus include post-secondary education, vocational training, integrated employment, residential life/independent living, and community involvement. Transition planning is student-focused and looks at a student’s strengths, preferences, and interests. Through the use of assessments, interagency collaboration, and student and family involvement the team works to develop a plan that helps the student move toward adulthood.
A student with a disability may be eligible for a wide variety of services as they turn 19 years of age. Possible services include SSI benefits, Medicaid, Assistance to Aged, Blind, or Disabled, the SNAP program (formerly known as food stamps), or housing assistance. Once a student graduates and turns 21 years old, services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) become available if the student is qualified. It is critical for a student to place their name on the DDD waiting list for day and/or residential services before the age of 21. Navigating this required paperwork can be confusing and overwhelming for families. If a student/family would like assistance in completing this paperwork, the transition consultant at ESU 13 can help. To schedule an appointment, please call Diane Reinhardt at 308-635-3696 or email dreinhardt@esu13.org.