Secondary Transition Services(Age 14 through completion of high school)

Goal 9 of the National Agenda describes transition as:

Families, students and professionals working together must plan for the mostappropriate next environment for each student and develop plans to achieve the competencies necessary for success in the identified environment. Collaboration with community-based adult agencies and employers is also encouraged when developing and implementing transition plans. Successful transition from school to adult life requires assessment and instruction in all areas of the expanded core curriculum content areas as well as an understanding of the vision of both students and families for the students’ futures (p.25).

Huebner, K., Merk-Adam, B., Stryker, D., Wolffe, K. (2004). National Agenda for the Education of Children and Youths with Visual Impairments, Including those with Multiple Disabilities AFB Press.

The following link provides information about all goals of the National Agenda.

Implementation of the transition process for Statewide System for Vision Services in Iowa is guided by the Iowa Department of Education. The necessary components to be included on the IEP for secondary transitions begin at age 14 and can be located at:

Secondary transition begins at age 14 and includes all members of the IEP team. The student and family drive the direction of the goals and services by their vision for the student’s future. The student and parent are present and included in development of future goals. Necessary areas to address include working, living and learning. Transition planning must be based on assessment prior to the IEP. The Iowa Transition Assessment website is a resource for these assessments.

Process

To assist students with vision impairments and blindness with a seamless transition from high school to post-secondary services a process has been developed. The Teacher of the Visually Impaired initiates the transition referral by completing referral forms prior to the IEP at which the student will turn 14 years of age.

The referral process includes:

  • Signed confidentiality waiver
  • Assessment for vocational potential and quality of life needs (Community Support Services)
  • Planning beyond high school services to post-secondary education and employment.
  • Counseling and guidance to understand preferences, capabilities, and opportunities to work
  • Information on Supports, Services, Activities, Linkage

The transition process focuses on developing a seamless coordinatedpath whichincludes living, learning, and working so that students can realize their maximum potential as they move into adult life.

The forms are submitted to the designated Regional Director for the Statewide System.

Kay JahnelGwen Woodward

Contact any of the individuals below for information and resources concerning the transition process.

  • Keri Osterhaus, Transition Specialist,
  • Tai Blas, Transition Specialist,

Iowa Department for the Blind

  • Roger Hoffmann

Center for Disabilities and Development

  • Phyllis McGowan

Statewide System for Vision Services

Partnerships are in place to assist with transitions for students receiving vision services. This includes the Statewide System for Vision Services, Department for the Blind, and Center for Disabilities and Development. Additional information about partnership services can be found by clicking Transition Overview.