Transition Services

As a parent and advocate, I’ve come to see IEP transition planning as a powerful opportunity. My oldest child has begun the transition process, and while it’s emotional to think about life after high school, it’s also empowering. We’re planning for their future, not someone else’s version of success.

Transition services, legally required under IDEA, are designed to support students with disabilities as they prepare for life after school, whether that includes further education, employment, or independent living. But too often, these plans are generic, rushed, or based on what the school has available rather than what the student actually needs.

I help families recognize the importance of this stage. Transition planning should be individualized, grounded in a child’s strengths and interests, and focused on real-world experiences. That means advocating for thoughtful assessments, pushing for opportunities beyond the classroom, and making sure students don’t leave school with a certificate when a diploma is possible and meaningful.

The IEP is not just paperwork. It’s a springboard toward independence, purpose, and possibility.