Student’s Role in Transition

In Massachusetts, transition begins at age 14. This is a natural time in the life of a student when the focus is on planning for the future.

For all students, but especially for those with more significant disabilities, support often comes from the family, advocates, and school personnel. This fact sheet addresses the student’s role, but is intended to acknowledge the additional support provided by other individuals to assist in the transition process.

The suggestions below fall into three different environments: education, home, and community. There is some overlapping, as many skills can be taught in multiple settings and by multiple individuals.

Education

» Learn your personal learning style (how you learn best and what accommodations you will need).

» Become aware of options for further education through your guidance counselor/special ed teacher (or workplace coordinator).

» Identify course requirements for middle school, high school, and post-high-school programs.

» Complete interest and career inventories/assessments.

» Begin career exploration, including visiting employment sites.

» Understand the purpose of your Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Transition Planning Form (TPF), and assist in the development of both.

» Take part in informational interviews or job shadowing.

» Learn to use public transportation.

» Join a club or organization in your school or community.

» Be able to explain your abilities and disabilities and any accommodations you might need.

» Learn and practice how to make informed decisions.

» Participate in self-advocacy training.

» Find out about your educational rights.

» Start financial planning, budgets, money management.

» Learn about acceptable intimate/sexual behavior. Talk with people you trust.

» Explore technology to enhance learning.

Home

» Learn to act and dress for a variety of social situations.

» Start financial planning, budgets, money management.

» Learn to order and dine in restaurants.

» Learn how to plan recreation and leisure activities, where, when, cost of transportation.

» Learn to schedule medical and dental appointments.

» Learn the names and purposes of the medications you take.

» Learn to recognize an emergency and how to use 911 for assistance.

» Begin learning skills you’ll need for independent living.

» Learn to use public transportation.

» Explore technology to enhance learning.

» Get an ID card and learn when and how to give out personal information.

» Establish exercise routines.

» Develop personal care skills, including hygiene, knowledge of health needs, private and public behavior.

Community

» Share your vision for your child’s future.

» Network with other families, community groups, and advocacy groups.

» Attend transition-related workshops, fairs, and conferences.

» Provide opportunities for your children to see people at work in different settings.

» Identify the human service and provider agencies and understand the work that they do.

» Encourage relationships and nurture friendships.

» Use Family Support Centers and understand the work that they do.

» Explore volunteering and connections to community activities.