Transition services for students in special education are services that help students move from school to adult life. They should reflect the student’s own goals for his future.
Federal special education law defines transition services as a coordinated set of activities for a student with a disability that –
- Is designed within an result-oriented process, which promotes movement from school to post-school activities, including post-secondary education, vocational training, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation;
- Is based upon the individual student’s needs, taking into account the student’s preferences, strengths and interests; and
- Includes instruction, related services, community experiences, the development or employment and other post-school adult living objectives, and, when appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation.
[20 U.S.C. Sec. 1401(34); 34 C.F.R. Sec. 300.43(a).]
One court has found that a student’s services may include driver’s education, self- advocacy, and independent living skills such as cooking and cleaning. [Yankton School District v. Schramm, 93 F.3d 1369,1374 (8th Cir. 1996).]