Secondary Transition
What is Post-Secondary Transition?
Secondary Transition is the process of preparing students with disabilities for life after they leave high school. Transition includes participation in training, employment, and independent community living. These three areas are targeted in every IEP (Individualized Education Program) for students with disabilities ages 14+ in Pennsylvania. The transition plan will be revised during the annual IEP.
Secondary Transition Links and Resources
Pennsylvania's Official Secondary Transition Guide
Click here to view the online Pennsylvania Secondary Transition Guide sponsored by the PA Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education on behalf of the Pennsylvania Community on Transition.
Secondary Transition: What Families Need to Know
Transition planning is a process required by federal and state law. Any student who will be turning 14 during the duration of the IEP must begin the transition planning process; transition now becomes the focus of the IEP. By law, the student must be invited to attend his/her IEP meeting. Although he/she can refuse to attend, parents can not request the student be excused from the meeting.
Secondary Transition: Frequently Asked Questions
More information about the secondary transition process presently in a FAQ format
Planning for the Future Checklist
The purpose of this checklist is to provide information to parents as well as empower and enable students with disabilities in planning for life beyond high school. This checklist is created by PDE and starts at ages 14-15.
Pennsylvania Link to Community Care
This PA site connects individuals with a disability and older Pennsylvanians to services and supports available in their community.
OVR - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
OVR offers eligible students with disabilities vocational guidance and assistance in preparing for, obtaining, or maintaining competitive employment. Referrals can be made by the school with parent permission, the parent, or the student him/herself.
PA ABLE Savings Program
A PA ABLE account gives individuals with qualified disabilities (Eligible Individuals), and their families and friends, a tax-free way to save for disability-related expenses, while maintaining government benefits. Federal and state law authorized the creation of PA ABLE accounts.
Special Needs Alliance - Attorneys
The Special Needs Alliance (SNA) is a national, not for profit organization of attorneys dedicated to the practice of disability and public benefits law. Individuals with disabilities, their families and their advisors rely on the SNA to connect them with nearby attorneys who focus their practices in the disability law arena. You can use this site to find an attorney in your area. These attorneys are skilled in many disability related issues, including establishing Special Needs Trusts.
Special Needs Financial Planning
The Academy of Special Needs Planners has created the following website to help families with financial special needs planning, including Special Needs Trusts.
My Next Move
My Next Move is a web-based interactive tool for new job seekers, students, and other career explorers to learn more about their career options. Users can: explore over 900 different careers and see important information including skills, tasks, salaries, and employment outlook on easy-to-read career reports; look at related apprenticeships and training; search actual job openings.
PA Career Zone
The Pennsylvania CareerZone is a state-supported career exploration and planning system designed to support career and college readiness, district strategy, and transition planning.
Transitioning from High School to College
Shared by Penn State Harrisburg's Office of Disability Services, this document outlines major differences between secondary and post-secondary settings; typical accommodations in post-secondary settings are included.
List of Trade Schools & Vocational Schools in Pennsylvania
There are many advantages to choosing a trade or vocational school over a traditional college. It's faster and more affordable entry into a dream career. Since these jobs tend to be in demand, students are ready for the future. Begin work on your own terms by searching the schools on the site below.
http://www.best-trade-schools.net/locations/pennsylvania/
Disability Laws in High School and College
This document outlines the differences between disability laws that govern individuals with disabilities in secondary and post-secondary settings.