IEP – Individualized Education Program
Once you reach age 16, a transition Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting must be held by the IEP team to discuss future services.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 04) requires that in the first IEP that will be in effect when the student turns 16, his/her annual IEP must include a discussion about transition service needs.
The IEP must include a statement about your future needs along with any services that will help you develop the skills necessary to meet these goals. It should list any non-educational agencies that might provide you with additional support and consider what strategies would assist you in taking steps toward vocational, employment, independent and post high school educational plans. In other words, it is creating goals for your future.
Note: The transition IEP must be signed at least one year before you reach the age of 18. It declares that you been informed of your rights and are aware that these rights transfer to you after the age of 18.
“Who is rich? He/she who rejoices in his/her portion.”
In the IEP document, focus on: vocational education, adult education programs, employment goals and independent living skills. Include factors such as: academic preparation, community experience, development of vocational and independent living objectives and, if applicable, a functional vocational evaluation.
A summary of performance is also required. Provided by the schools, this document assists in the process from school to post school activities and includes the following: a summary of your academic achievements and functional performance, recommendations on how to assist you in meeting post-secondary goals and a list of the accommodations and modifications that were used in high school.
The law also requires that a statement of your transition goals and services be included in the transition plan. Schools must report to your parents on the progress towards meeting these transition goals.
Transition Planning Programs
School districts and county offices offer specific programs that you can participate in once you reach the age of 16. Check with your local school district or county Department of Education to see what types of programs are available and ensure that if a meeting is held that any supporting organizations and specialists are brought to the table. Some example programs include:
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- Workability: Prepares high school students with disabilities for successful employment with an emphasis on work-based learning opportunities.
Best for students with mild to moderate disabilities
- Workability: Prepares high school students with disabilities for successful employment with an emphasis on work-based learning opportunities.
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- Transition Partnership Project: Provides service coordination, job development and job coaching for students with significant disabilities.
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- Adult Transition Program: Emphasizes community-based instruction and job training experiences with goals of independent living and self-sufficiency.
For students over 17 with developmental disabilities
- Adult Transition Program: Emphasizes community-based instruction and job training experiences with goals of independent living and self-sufficiency.
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- Bridges: Provides benefits planning and counseling to people with disabilities and their families. Sponsored by the Social Security Administration and Department of Rehabilitation; for people with moderate to severe disabilities who are receiving SSI or who are eligible for SSI.
Programs in Jewish Baltimore
Governors Transitioning Youth Initiative (GTYI): Jewish Community Services will work with students with developmental disabilities who are transitioning out of their 21st year from a school system to help develop a career path.
Camp Klal: The Jewish Community Center offers a full-time vocational and recreational summer camp to help students prepare for their transition into adulthood. Students learn life skills and make vocational connections. The program also meets on Sundays throughout the year.
The Exit Document: The Exit Document is a companion document to the Maryland High School Diploma and Maryland High School Certificate of Completion. All students with disabilities who are receiving special education services through an IEP will receive the Exit Document when they graduate or exit from school. The Maryland Exit Document summarizes the student’s skills, strengths, and interests while also providing important information that may be useful to use as they transition from school to postsecondary activities.
