1. Transition: Helping Your Child Plan for the Future
Presenter: Helene Stoelker
Post Secondary Instructor
Chairperson: Family Engagement Sub-Committee/CC Transition Council

2. Carroll County Secondary Transition Initiatives
MD Transition Digital Portfolio
Way 2 Work (MIAT)
Outreach for DDA
Carroll County Transition Council
Youth
Connections
Outreach for
BHA
Communication
Transportation
Family Engagement
Transition Fair

3. Agenda
Transition
Agency Linkage
Entitlement v. Eligibility
Questions

4. IDEA's definition for "transition services"
(a)Transition services means a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability that-
(1) Is designed to be within a results-oriented process, that is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of the child with a disability to facilitate the child’s movement from school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education, vocational education, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, and/or community participation;
(2) Is based on the individual child’s needs, taking into account the child’s strengths, preferences, and interests; and includes-
Instruction;
Related services;
Community experiences;
The development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives; and
If appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation.
(b) Transition services for children with disabilities may be special education, if provided as specially designed instruction, or a related service, if required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education.

5. In layman’s terms….
Transition is a mindset which should occur early and often to empower individuals with disabilities with the skills, tools, and resources to enable them to explore, envision, and reach a variety of options which will connect them to the world beyond school.

7. Agency Linkage Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
Coordinators of Community Resources
Service Coordination
MMARS
Optimal Healthcare
Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRP)
The Arc Carroll County
Step, Inc.
Target Education & Community Services
Mosaic
Change, Inc.
Abilities Network
Goodwill of Monocacy Valley

8. Agency Linkage Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
Office of Workforce & Development and Adult Learning, Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation (DLLR)
Behavior Health Administration (BHA)

9. Entitlement v. Eligibility
In Maryland, a student with a disability who is receiving special education services is entitled to a free appropriate public education through the school year in which the student turns 21 years of age (IDEA, 2004) or has met the requirements for a Maryland High school Diploma or a Maryland High School Certificate of Program Completion. Once a student exits school he or she must meet eligibility requirements and funding availability in order to receive services from adult agencies.

10. What could you be doing now to prepare your child for transition?
ENHANCE INDEPENDENCE!
Promote Self-Advocacy & Self-Determination
Develop Communication and Social Skills—use the system!
Provide Performance Based Feedback
Remember transition planning should be early and often!
Stop Thinking …“This doesn’t have to be done until age 14”

11. Questions?