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 postsecondary outcomes. 

This professional development will assist participants with:

= Creating quality transition plans for youth with disabilities by incorporating the essential elements into the transition planning process, including:

= Age-appropriate transition assessments

= Preferences, interests, needs, and strengths of the youth

= Post-secondary goals and transition services

= Utilizing a backward planning process to create a multi-year plan for transition-aged youth with disabilities

= Using the indicator 13 checklist to create a monitoring structure to ensure the implementation of the content of the transition plans.