Transition Resources

Reference to these resources is not intended to be an endorsement by DCDT of any specific organization or developer.

New Resources

National Longitudinal Transition Study-2
Wave 3 2005 data tables of the parent and youth interviews are now available on the study website. NLTS2 has recently updated the website and features a keyword search function to help access topics of interest in the many reports currently available on the site.

IDEA (2004) Regulations Related to Secondary Transition
On August 14, 2006, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) released the official regulations for Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA, 2004). This document is designed to provide a quick reference to regulations, comments, and discussions related to secondary transition. Also see www.ed.gov/policy/speced/guid/idea/idea2004.html#final-regs for additional information.

Federal Agencies

The Department of Education
This Department of Education site is designed to help pursue the President’s initiatives, including No Child Left Behind, and advance the mission of the Department – to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence for all Americans. It also supports the work of ED offices, led by senior ED officials.

The Office of Special Education Programs
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is dedicated to improving results for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities ages birth through 21 by providing leadership and financial support to assist states and local districts and administering the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). OSEP’s IDEA 2004 News, Information, and Resources page lists helpful information on the implementation of the Act including the final regulations for Part B.

The Rehabilitation Services Administration
The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) oversees formula and discretionary grant programs that help individuals with physical or mental disabilities to obtain employment and live more independently through the provision of such supports as counseling, medical and psychological services, job training and other individualized services.

Office of Vocational and Adult Education
Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE) administers Career and Technical Education, commonly known as vocational education, is a massive enterprise in the U.S. Thousands of comprehensive high schools, vocational and technical high schools, area vocational centers, and community colleges offer vocational education programs.

Department of Labor
Getting people back to work is what this Department does. Giving people hope in their future is its job. Comprehensive Regional Laboratories.

The Office of Disability Employment Policy
The Office of Disability Employment Policy provides national leadership by developing and influencing disability-related employment policy and practice affecting the employment of people with disabilities.

Social Security Administration
SSA’s Work Site offers employment support for people with disabilities by providing a focus on matters affecting the employment of Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities. There is a separate page for youth.

NCSER and Government

OSEP National Assessments

All Disabilities

Learning Disabilities

Cognitive Disabilities

Autism and Related Disorders

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder)

Visual Impairments

Deafness and Hearing Impairments

Speech and Physical Impairments

Emotional Disturbance

Family Supports

Youth Supports

Assistive Technology

Other Educational Organizations

Human Rights and Cultural Diversity

Youth at Work
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s website for Youth provides detailed information in English and Spanish about youths’ responsibilities and rights in the workforce. Making sure that youth have access to information about is one important step in culturally responsive transition planning.

Publications and Products

There are many publications regarding the topic of transition. In making your decision to use specific materials, consider the audience to which the product is targeted, who developed the materials, the publication date of the materials, and how relevant the materials are to your specific purposes.

Early Career Awareness and Development for Students with Disabilities in Elementary and Middle School
An Overview of Early Career and Transition Programs. (2002). Shanley, J. & Gerver, M. Elementary and Middle Schools Technical Assistance Center (EMSTAC) at the American Institutes for Research (AIR) in Washington, DC. Microsoft Word version. (PDF)

Parenting Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities: Becoming the Mentor, Advocate…
Parenting Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities: Becoming the Mentor, Advocate, and Guide Your Young Adult Needs. (1992). National Center on Secondary Education and Transition.

University Programs and Personnel Preparation

Learn about university programs that can prepare you to become a transition educator or specialist. Talk with students and faculty affiliated with the college program to learn more about the quality and requirements of the program. Ask questions about the program’s accreditation and the licensure requirements in the state in which you want to work.

There are many programs at colleges and universities around this country that offer a specialty in school to work transition. Visit the National Clearinghouse for Professions in Special Education (NCPSE) at the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) website to learn more about these university programs.