Page 13 - FamilyGuidetoTransitionServices-English

What Is the Student’s Role in Transition Planning?

tudents are at the center of the transition planning process and need to be
S encouraged and supported to take an active role in this process. This can be
done through activities such as:
 Participating in, or even leading, their annual IEP meeting
 Developing their own Vision Statement to share at the IEP meeting
 Identifying career options that match their interests and skills
 Taking courses in school to prepare them for postsecondary life
 Participating in extracurricular activities relevant to their interests

A great tool to aide in this planning is “The Positive Student
Profile” found on the SPAN website. First refer to the
Sample Profile and then Create Your Own Profile.

Regardless of a student’s disability, they must be invited
to any meeting in which transition will be discussed.
Although the student may choose not to attend, they
should be supported and encouraged to actively
develop self-advocacy skills.

Creating opportunities for choices and preferences
at an early age encourages decision-making skills.
Early participation in the IEP process prepares
students for their expected participation at age 18,
when they will be a decision-making member of the IEP team.
Students need to begin exploring post-school options while still in school. This may
include developing a portfolio of interests and experiences, visiting college
programs, job-shadowing at a work-site, or contacting an adult agency to apply
for services.
One of the most helpful activities that students can pursue while still in school is
gaining work experience—a summer job, an internship, a volunteer position at a
local community organization, and so on.

Research shows that students who have work experience during high
school are more likely to get and keep a job after high school and will
earn more money after they leave school. This is where networking
with family, friends, neighbors, teachers, and local businesses can help
with locating job possibilities in the community. The student will have
the opportunity to learn work habits and new skills as well as develop
self-confidence and friends in the workplace. 13