Transition Planning and the IEP

Agency Assistance in Transition

Two important agencies to include in transition planning are Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and County Boards of Developmental Disabilities (CBDD). Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), Ohio's Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, provides Pre-employment Transition Services for eligible or potentially eligible students beginning at age 14. County Boards of Developmental Disabilities (CBDD) are the local connection to Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD). Families and teams work directly with their own County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CBDD) rather than the state department.

In most counties, the CBDD does not provide direct service, but instead coordinates the authorized services that an individual receives through the funding that flows through the CBDD. This coordination is provided by the Service and Support Administrator, often referred to as SSA or SA. Prior to graduation, many SSAs or SAs will participate in multi-agency planning with the family and team in order to prepare for future support needs.

Transition Team Members

Examples of those other than school professionals and family who may be included in transition planning:

  • Local Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

  • Local County Board of Developmental Disabilities Service and Support Administrator (SSA or SA)

  • Vocational school career center teacher or counselor

  • Local Job and Family Services representative - Ohio Means Jobs (workforce development) or Family Assistance

  • Therapists and counselors from community agencies

  • Parent Mentor (school or other organization)

  • Autism organization advocate or parent support

  • Mental health professional

  • Social Security Administration representative

  • College disability services coordinator

Explore several important adult service agencies in the resource section for element six:

  • Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)

  • Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)

  • Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS)

  • Social Security Administration (SSA)

  • Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS)

Since 2013, when Ohio became an Employment First state, both OOD and CBDD have increased partnerships with schools and support for transition youth. Employment First has helped to create an environment that promotes the collaborative partnerships and multi-agency planning that is critical for successful outcomes for youth with disabilities.