The transition from youth to adulthood is a critical period for students with disabilities. During this period they must address questions such as, “How will I work or continue my education after I leave high school?” “Where will I live?” and “How will I spend my free time?” Transition planning is a process where families, in collaboration with adult service providers, community members and representatives from postsecondary environments work together to answer these questions and assist the youth to achieve his or her desired post secondary outcomes. While specific transition planning requirements have changed over the years, some essential elements remain: a) determining a student’s preferences, interests, needs and strengths (PINS) through age appropriate transition assessment (AATA); b) identifying postsecondary goals in the areas of employment, education and independent living; c) identifying the course of study best matched to ensure the youth can achieve their desired goals; d) creating a set of coordinated activities to achieve those outcomes; and e) connecting the IEP goals and services to the transition goals and services. This professional development session will assist participants with creating quality transition plans for youth with disabilities by incorporating the essential elements into the transition planning process. We will also utilize a backward planning process to create a multi-year plan for transition aged youth with disabilities.

To register on STARS for this event go to https://safe.ode.state.oh.us/portal/.