POSTSECONDARY TRANSITION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Transition-Only Services (18-22):
As stated in the CSDE Transition Bill of Rights for Parents of Students Receiving Special Education Services, Students with an individualized education program (IEP) have the right to:\ Request consideration for receiving transition-only services (for students with disabilities who have completed all academic requirements for graduation) if all transition goals and objectives have not been met during their previous year in high school. The PPT makes the recommendation for transition-only services, which must be reviewed at least annually.
PPT Considerations when Determining the Need for Transition-Only Services for a Student:
1. Transition-only services may be discussed at the first PPT meeting when a student reaches the age of 14 but not later than the PPT meeting that occurs approximately two years prior to a student’s anticipated exit from school. 2. Transition-only services must be a coordinated set of individualized activities but do not need to be a specialized “program”. 3. Transition-only services should be based in the local community to the greatest extent possible in order to prepare students for life after high school. 4. Transition-only services should provide students with the opportunity to maximize their time with nondisabled peers. 5. Transition-only services are not required for graduation but may include academic, vocational, and independent living activities that will help students meet their postsecondary goals. 6. Students are entitled to participate in graduation exercises and related activities upon completion of academic requirements or at the conclusion of transition-only services. This decision is made by the PPT. 7. If students participate in transition-only services, the date on their diploma will be the date that they exit high school due to graduating with a regular high school diploma. A parent/adult student may request that the date on the student’s diploma reflect the date that the student fulfilled academic requirements to graduate. This request should be made to the school district just prior to the student’s exit from special education.
Links to Additional Resources:
Transition Bill of Rights (Spanish)
A Parent's Guide to Special Education revised 2021
CT IEP Manual revised April 2023
Building a Bridge from School to Adult Life
Building a Bridge from School to Adult Life (Spanish)
Department of Developmental Services Case Management
Department of Aging and Disability Services Level Up Programming