This directory was composed by students in Dr. Lynda West’s Special Education Course: 236, Introduction to Career, Vocational and Transition Services, The George Washington University, Graduate School of Education & Human Development. Their assignment was to select 5 websites they considered their favorite transition websites. You are able to locate these sites and many others in our LINKS as well.
Posting of websites does not imply endorsement or support by the HEATH Resource Center, GWU, or Lumina Foundation. At the time this publication went to press, these sites were active. Because websites frequently change, we cannot guarantee that the links provided will remain accurate. As web site content is that of the sites’ owners, if you attempt to access a website and receive a "not found" message, it is likely that the item has been removed from the site. If you are unable to access content with assistive technology (e.g., PDFs) please contact the site's owner for alternative formats. Further, the U.S. Department of Education has not reviewed any of the cited resources, references, or Websites for consistency with Federal law, thus, they do not necessarily reflect the department’s views or policies.
Secondary Transition to Postsecondary Website Portals to further Resources
The websites listed here are portals to further resources. Sites may be hosted or funded by federal agencies, national agencies, state education agencies, local education agencies, institutes of higher education projects, private agencies or professional organizations.
The Alliance for Technology Access (ATA)
http://www.ataccess.org/
The Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) is the national network of community-based Resource Centers, Developers, Vendors, and Associates dedicated to providing information and support services to children and adults with disabilities, and increasing their use of standard, assistive, and information technologies. Includes information for students transitioning to postsecondary education.
Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT)
http://www.dcdt.org/
Division on Career Development and Transition, a division of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), is an organization whose membership promotes active engagement in transition activities for youth and adults with disabilities. The division works to improve the quality of and access to, career/vocational and transition services, increase the participation of education in career development and transition goals and to influence policies affecting career development and transition services for persons with disabilities.
Family Village
http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu
The Family Village is a web site for children and adults with disabilities, their families, staff, and their friends. Family Village brings together thousands of online resources in an organized, easy-to-use directory. The centerpiece of Family Village is the library, where visitors can find information on over 300 diagnoses. Information about assistive technology, legal rights and legislation, special education, and leisure activities are also provided.
Fairfax County Public Schools Special Education Services: Career and Transition Services
http://tinyurl.com/3y32qk
Fairfax County Public Schools’ Career and Transition Services website provides resources necessary for transition to a variety of post-secondary options. Topics include: Transition Planning, Instructional Services, Graduate Follow-up, Resource Contacts, Business Advisory Council, Transition Times Newsletter, What's New, and Items of Interest.
MacArthur Foundation: The Network on Transitions to Adulthood
http://www.transad.pop.upenn.edu/
This is a one-stop source for information and analysis of Transitions to Adulthood that include: one-click source of information, findings arranged by research question, trends and profiles for media use, extensive library of briefs for policymakers, data and publications for researchers, books, blogs, articles.
Maryland County Public School Transition Services
http://tinyurl.com/2nskw2
Transition planning specifically for Montgomery County, Maryland that includes a coordinated set of activities designed within an outcome-oriented process that promotes movement from school to post-school activities. These outcomes include postsecondary education, Vocational training, integrated employment, Continuing and Adult education, Adult services, Independent living, and Community participation. Note that a student’s transition plan becomes a part of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process beginning at age 14 or younger, if appropriate.
National Career Development Association (NCDA)
http://www.ncda.org/
The National Career Development Association (NCDA), a division of the American Counseling Association (ACA), promotes the career development of all people over the life span. Resources on this site include an extensive set of links on the topics of Self-Assessment; Career Development Process; Occupational Information; Employment Trends; Salary Information; Trade and Professional Associations; Military Information; Educational Information; Distance Education; Seminars, Short Courses, and Certification Opportunities; Financial Aid Information; Apprenticeships and Other Alternative Training Opportunities; Job Search Instruction and Advice; Job Banks; Industry and Occupation Specific Information; Researching Employers; Directory of Online Employment Information; Online Counseling.
National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)
http://tinyurl.com/2qk6v2/
Information needed to make the right transitional decisions, including useful tips, key websites, and in-depth research reports comprise this website. “Teen Topics” page offers detailed supports to help students and their parents make smart decisions about school, relationships, and building the skills needed to succeed in high school and the future.
National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET)
http://www.ncset.org
The National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET) coordinates national resources, offers technical assistance, and disseminates information related to secondary education and transition for youth with disabilities in order to create opportunities for youth to achieve successful futures.
National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth
http://www.ncwd-youth.info
The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth) assists state and local workforce development systems to better serve youth with disabilities. NCWD/Youth is a source for information about employment and youth with disabilities. The site provides information on disability, education, employment, and workforce development. The NCWD/Youth is composed of partners with expertise in disability, education, employment, and workforce development issues.
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHY)
http://www.nichcy.org/
NICHCY serves the nation as a central source of information on: disabilities in infants, toddlers, children, and youth, IDEA, No Child Left Behind (as it relates to children with disabilities), and research-based information on effective educational practices. It includes information relevant to students, families, staff regarding transition.
National Transition Network
http://ici2.umn.edu/ntn/default.html
The National Transition Network (NTN) was funded by the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs until September 30, 2001. NTN provided technical assistance and evaluation services to states with grants for Transition Systems Change and School-to-Work. The general mission of NTN was to strengthen the capacity of individual states to effectively improve transition and school-to-work policies, programs, and practices as they relate to youth with disabilities. In addition to direct technical assistance to states with projects, NTN developed and disseminated a variety of policy publications and other networking activities.
PACER
http://www.pacer.org
The mission of PACER Center (non-profit organization in Minnesota) is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents. Information provided includes individual assistance, workshops and resources that can be printed on a variety of topics.
Postsecondary Education Programs Network (PEPNet)
http://www.pepnet.org/default.asp
The Postsecondary Education Programs Network (PEPNet) website includes information from its four regional centers’ activities, and contains practical, informative resources that advance postsecondary educational opportunities for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Project C3
http://www.c3online.org/
Project C3 is a partnership between several organizations offering a variety of services to youth and young adults. Its goal is to help young adults in transition become successfully employed or to continue their education in high school, colleges or universities.
Think College http://www.thinkcollege.net
This website provides for students, family members and professionals information and links on postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities. The site has a searchable database, discussion board, listserv, and resources.
Transition Coalition
http://www.transitioncoalition.org
The Transition Coalition provides online information, support, and professional development on topics focusing on the transition from school to adult life for youth. The site provides options for training, collaboration, and resources.
Virginia College Quest
http://www.vacollegequest.org
The site is a resource to lead students for students with disabilities to college success. The site provides information specific to Virginia universities. Resources for transitioning students with disabilities and families are included.
Virginia Commonwealth University RRTC on Workplace Supports
http://www.worksupport.com
The purpose of the Virginia Commonwealth University RRTC on Workplace Supports and Job Retention is to study those supports that are most effective for assisting individuals with disabilities maintain employment and advance their careers. The primary stakeholders for this project are persons with disabilities, with an emphasis on those who are unemployed, underemployed or at risk of losing employment. This site specifically targets those individuals from traditionally underrepresented populations with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, since this group is most at risk in America. The secondary stakeholders include rehabilitation professionals, families, and persons working in business and industry.
Vocational Rehabilitation State Offices
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/SBSES/VOCREHAB.HTM
Transition teams often include a member from Vocational Rehabilitation, a state-supported division of services who assists individuals with disabilities who are pursuing meaningful careers. The nation’s State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies may be located through this Web page.
WDY Collegiate Consortium of Disability Advocates
http://www.ccdanet.org
The consortium, better known as CCDA, is comprised of a group of postsecondary and secondary education professionals, and community and government agency representatives who are directly involved in working with students with disabilities. The group was originally formed to address the needs of students with disabilities on WNY college campuses, and has expanded its focus to include the preparation of students with disabilities for the transition from high school to college.
Youthhood
ttp://www.youthhood.org
This is website is designed for students with disabilities who want to discover possibilities of transition from high school to college or high school to employment for themselves. Activities included for aid students to determine their goals for postschool life.
Disability Support Services Resources for Transitioning Students with Disabilities
Institutes of Higher Education provide disability support services for students with disabilities so they may have benefit of equal access to courses and campus life under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). So that transitioning students with disabilities are informed of their civil rights under ADA, many universities and colleges provide online information for prospective students with disabilities. Below is a small sampling of resources found on college/university DSS websites.
Disability Support Services for Students at University of North Carolina Charlotte
http://tinyurl.com/32hox9
This site provides information for transitioning students including links to information pertinent to the high school student with disabilities planning for college. Topics include legal information, student responsibilities, accommodations, and student rights.
New Students and Transition: University of Montana
http://www.umt.edu/dss/new_students/default.htm
UM provides a wealth of information that is applicable for many prospective college students as well as those admitted to UM. Included is a transition guide for parents, students, and high school counselors.
Resources for Future Students-Montana State University-Billings
http://www.msubillings.edu/Future/
The University site provides information applicable to transitioning students. Topics cover relevant information needed for high school or college transfer students, students who have been out of school for more than three years, international students, graduate students and distance/online students.
Resources, Products, Toolkits, Factsheets
10 Things that Every Parent Should Know
http://tinyurl.com/3dud2q
Parents are a significant influence in their children’s success in college. Skagit Valley College lists 10 items helpful for parents to understand as their child matriculates to college. Items guide parents on what to expect, where to go for assistance, and how to fit into their student's lives at college.
10 Things That Students and Faculty Need to Know about DSS
http://gwired.gwu.edu/dss/faculty/tenthings/
The George Washington Disability Support Services site compares what students and faculty need to know to improve their teaching/learning relationships in class. Topics covered include: Interaction, Guidance, Confidentiality, Eligibility, Accommodation, Exams, Note taking, Rights, Grievances, and Advocacy.
Academic Innovations: My 10 Year Plan
http://www.academicinnovations.com/
This online tool allows students, teachers, counselors and parents to easily track students’ individualized, career and education plans. The site also includes articles and materials for transition planning.
Access Transition
http://www.ataccess.org/resources/fpic/transition.html
Access Transition is resources utilizing a question/answer format created to help teenagers with disabilities develop a plan for postschool transition. The information provides basic understanding of the transition process, legal rights, and possible options. Detailed information on many topics may be found by following the links provided.
CollegeBoard.com: Services for Students with Disabilities
http://tinyurl.com/2raf7q
The College Board is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities receive appropriate accommodations on its tests. The site explains in question/answer format information needed to determine eligibility for accommodations for College Board Tests.
College: Continuing and Higher Education
http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/college.index.htm
A variety of content collected on this website provides information for families and students investigating college, seeking the "perfect" college fit, navigating financial aid, or who are just curious as to what's out there and when to start planning. Added links at the end of each of the articles, guides and resource booklets provide information.
College Readiness for All
http://tinyurl.com/2uxryr
College Readiness for All is a toolbox for increasing postsecondary preparation and access for all students. The Toolbox contains sections of Tools, Lessons Learned, and Resources & Links, all designed to support the collaborative efforts of educators, counselors, outreach professionals, and policymakers.
Domain Skill Inventory and Skill Tracker
http://tinyurl.com/3d5ak4
Colorado Department of Education’s skill inventories and skill trackers are designed to assist teachers in determining what specific skills a student possesses or may need to work on in further depth. These forms of assessment can be ongoing, as well as, being easily accessible and interpreted for IEP transition planning.
FAQ by parents and teachers about Vocational Rehabilitation
http://tinyurl.com/2qkz7e
A student’s transition is a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability that may include Vocational Rehabilitation. Frequently asked questions by teachers and parents about Vocational Rehabilitation are presented on The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation(OVR) website. OVR is an agency created under a federal/state partnership to provide and facilitate direct services to people with disabilities in order to promote independent living, skills development and eventual employment (Title I).
General Rubrics and Checklists
http://www.nald.ca/clr/btg/ed/evaluation/general.htm
The site includes the following collection of templates: Rubric Template Learning Skills Rubric Learner’s Self Evaluation Checklist Unit Self-Assessment Checklist Generalized Task Rubric.
Guidance and Career Counselors' Toolkit: Advising High School Students with Disabilities on Postsecondary Options
http://www.heath.gwu.edu/node/15
This 192 page online book in pdf contains answers to counselors’ most frequently asked questions about postsecondary opportunities for students with disabilities. While written with the guidance and career counselor in mind, it is a wonderful resource for students and their families to help guide their transition planning for college and career.
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY): Connections to Transition 101
http://www.nichcy.org/resources/transition101.asp
This Web resource page of the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) provides resources on transition services for youth with disabilities. NIICY serves the nation as a central source of information on: disabilities in infants, toddlers, children, and youth, IDEA, which is the law authorizing special education, No Child Left Behind (as it relates to children with disabilities), and research-based information on effective educational practices.
NEXT STEPS: Transitioning to Adult Life-The Guide to Future Planning for Students with Disabilities
http://www.peatc.org
The Parent Education, Advocacy, and Training Center of Virginia developed an online set of guides to assist in the planning of students’ adult life. The Guide provides a way to identify the steps students need to take to reach their postschool goals. It helps students work as a team with other people who have information and ideas as they collaborative plan for the students’ adult life.
Office of Civil Rights (OCR) Dear Colleague Letter Re: Legal Rights and Responsibilities of Students with Disabilities as They Transition from Secondary to Postsecondary Education Settings
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/letters/colleague-20070316.html
In a “Dear Colleague/Parent” letter dated March 16, 2007, Stephanie Moore, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights explains the legal rights and responsibilities of students with disabilities as they transition from secondary to postsecondary education settings. The Secretary encourages visitors to disseminating. OCR enforces Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Title II), which prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability.
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS) – Products and Publications (that are available to the public)
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/reports.html
Specific and basic information disabilities and employment are provided on this Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS) web site. OSERS, through its many programs, projects and activities, develops a wide range of information products, publications and data resources.
On-Campus Outreach (OCO)
http://www.education.umd.edu/oco/
This site provides articles, fact sheets, on-line training modules, contacts for programs in Maryland, and related websites on serving students with intellectual disabilities in postsecondary settings who still receive special education services in public schools. Of special interest are "Resources" and "Training and Support" on this site.
On the MOVE: Helping Young Adults with Serious Mental Health Needs Transition into Adulthood
http://www.connectforkids.org/PYT_brief.pdf
On the MOVE: Helping Young Adults with Serious Mental Health Needs Transition into Adulthood presents findings and future directions from an initiative to develop and implement transition programs for adolescents with mental and emotional difficulties as they enter adulthood. Topics include the unique challenges of moving from adolescence to adulthood for adolescents and young adults diagnosed with a serious emotional disturbance or serious mental illness, matching services to the needs of adolescents and young adults, and the Transition to Independence Process Model.
PEPNet: Gates to Adventure
http://www.pepnet.org/traingates.asp
PEPNet is dedicated to advancing the educational opportunities and the successful transition for people who are deaf or hearing impaired. The Gates to Adventures series is a set of e-Learning transition modules to assist high school students and first-year college students (and other adults) with their successful transition from high school to college.
Postsecondary Innovative Transition Technology (Post-ITT)
http://www.postitt.org/
Post-ITT website is a collection of resources and activities to help students, parents and educators plan for transition from secondary to postsecondary schools. Activities and information were developed at Washington Research Institute in Seattle, Washington
Preparing for College by Liz Getzel
http://www.ncld.org/content/view/894/
NCLD posted with permission an excerpt from Chapter 4 of "Going to College: Expanding Opportunities for People with Disabilities" by Elizabeth Evans Getzel and Paul Wehman. The book was published in 2005 by Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Baltimore, Md.
Quickbook of Assessments
http://www.tslp.org/docs/QuickbookIEPChecklistFinal091407.pdf
This guide provides technical assistance to school districts and/or agencies that provide special education or special education and related services to youth with disabilities.
San Diego City College Disability Support Programs & Services Transition Guide: Catching the Wave
http://www.sdcity.edu/dsps/misc/Wave-Transition.pdf
This publication is designed to help students with disabilities transition from high school to college. It will guide students, parents, teachers and administrators as they begin planning for college.
Seattle University Center for Change in Transition Services
http://www.seattleu.edu/ccts
The Seattle University Center collects post-school outcome data from all school districts in the State of Washington, conducts transition WorkDays for teachers and other professionals, and provides assistance to school personnel and families pertaining to transition and post-school outcomes. Many publications are available for families to use for transitional planning in the state of Washington.
Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.html
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in the U.S. Department of Education provides information in this pamphlet to explain the rights and responsibilities of students with disabilities who are preparing to attend postsecondary schools. This pamphlet also explains the obligations of a postsecondary school to provide academic adjustments, including auxiliary aids and services, to ensure that the school does not discriminate on the basis of disability.
The 411 on Disability Disclosure: A Workbook for Youth with Disabilities
http://www.ncwd-youth.info/resources_&_Publications/411.html
The 411 on Disability Disclosure: A Workbook for Youth with Disabilities is designed for youth and adults working with them to learn about disability disclosure. This workbook helps young people make informed decisions about whether or not to disclose their disability and understand how that decision may impact their education, employment, and social lives. Based on the premise that disclosure is a very personal decision, the Workbook helps young people think about and practice disclosing their disability.
The Career Pathways How-To Guide
http://www.workforcestrategy.org/publications/WSC_howto_10.16.06.pdf
This report from the Workforce Strategy Center outlines a step-by-step approach for locally implementing career pathways between K-12 education and the workforce and discusses how state-level officials can support those efforts.
The Transition Process from High School to Post-Secondary Education for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
http://www.handsandvoices.org/needs/transition.htm
Hands & Voices is a non-profit, parent-driven national organization dedicated to supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. This article describes how to plan for transition if you are a student who is deaf/hard of hearing.
The Why, When, What, and How of Disclosure in an Academic Setting, After High School
http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/fact/wwwh.htm
This Office of Disability Employment Policy fact sheet guides decision making on disclosure of disability. Find other fact sheets by visiting the home site: http://www.dol.gov/odep/
Transition Initiative
http://www.ctserc.org/transition/index.shtml
Provides downloadable resources on transition topics including: A Directory of Community Rehabilitation Providers for Youth in Transition and Adults with Disabilities in Connecticut, Transition IEP Checklist, and Topic Brief: Writing Transition Goals and Objectives.
Transition to College
http://www.mcc.edu/disability/ds_transition.shtml
Mott Community College provides a checklist and discussion of things students need to be aware of that can make that transition a little easier. They include: Know what steps to take before transitioning, College terms you should understand, The new role of parents, Differences between High School and College, and What colleges are not required to do.
Transition Toolbox
http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/transition/toolbox/home.html
This site provides tools and resources such as checklists, how-to guides, helpful hints and brochures, to assist students, families, schools and community agencies in developing and implementing effective transition planning and services.
United States Department of Education: IDEA Building the Legacy-Topic: Secondary Transition
http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/,root,dynamic,TopicalBrief,17
This is one in a series of documents, prepared by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) in the U.S. Department of Education that covers a variety of high-interest topics and brings together the regulatory requirements related to those topics to support constituents in preparing to implement the new regulations.
University of North Carolina Charlotte: Self Determination Assistance Center
http://www.sdtac.uncc.edu
The Self-Determination Technical Assistance Centers project at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte focuses on improving and expanding the “exemplary practices” for promoting self-determination currently used in the four sites, as well as providing each site with support to assist with providing training and materials to others (school administrators and teachers, parents, and students) in their state. The project disseminates such products as research papers, conference handouts, a replication manual, lesson plans, and a curriculum guide.
Wrightslaw: Transition, Transition Services, Transition Planning
http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/trans.index.htm, and http://www.wrightslaw.com/idea/art/defs.transition.htm
Drawing on case law, and IDEA regulations, this site explains what transitions services are for children with disabilities and how it is designed to be result oriented. The sites explain the definition of transition services and according to the IDEA 2004 law.
Youth Health Facts
http://www.waisman.wisc.edu/hrtw/YFS.pdf
This pdf is a collection of fact sheets for and by youth by Wisconsin’s Healthy and Ready to Work Advisory. Its practical, hands-on information include resources about technical college, self advocacy, career planning, how to stay safe, and university life.
Transition Checklists
The URLs included below are transition checklists found on the internet. The transition activities guide students, parents, teachers and others on the transition team in the preparation of transition plans for the students’ postschool outcomes. The lists help guide students with disabilities, their families, the teachers, and members of the college and/or adult agencies to ask whether or not transition issues should be addressed at IEP transition meetings. Responsibility and timelines for carrying out the specific transition activities should be determined at the IEP transition meetings.
http://www.listen-up.org/rights/tchklst.pdf
http://tinyurl.com/3bmmch
http://www.eed.state.ak.us/tls/sped/handbook/FORMS/appg_sec3.pdf
http://depts.washington.edu/healthtr/Checklists/intro.htm
http://www.ctserc.org/transition/trans-iep-checklist.pdf
http://www.eed.state.ak.us/tls/sped/handbook/FORMS/appg_sec3.pdf
http://internet.dscc.uic.edu/forms/psu/0596A.pdf
This document was published in part under a grant from Lumina Foundation for Education with The George Washington University. No official endorsement by Lumina Foundation or of any product, commodity, service or enterprise mentioned in this publication is intended or should be inferred.
Permission to use, copy, and distribute this document for non-commercial use and without fee, is hereby granted provided that appropriate credit to the HEATH Resource Center is included in all copies.
November 2007
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