What is Transition Planning?

The post-school outcome for students with disabilities does not look as bright as it does for their non-disabled peers.  Individuals with disabilities are more likely than their non-disabled counterparts to be unemployed or under-employed.  The transition plan, developed by the Team during regular IEP meetings, should improve the post-school outcome of individuals with disabilities by planning for their future in several different areas.  Transitional planning considers an individual's needs based on his or her disability and then draws up a plan for for the education of a student with disabilities that takes into account the students' interests, skills, deficits, community and social needs, and independent living.  The Team addresses long-term goals that student may have with the assumption that planning ahead will provide the student with better options in the future and lead to a satisfying life experience and community involvement. Federal mandates state that transition planning begin by age 16, but Massachusetts law mandates transition planning begin for students at age 14.