IDEIA 2004: Transition Services Defined

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA), uses the term "transition services" to mean:

• a coordinated set of activities

• within a results-oriented process

• a focus to improve academic and functional achievement

• movement from school to post-school activities, including: postsecondary education, employment, and independent living/community participation

• a plan based on the individual's needs, strengths, preferences, and interests

• a plan that can include instruction, related services, community experiences, the development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives and, when appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation

This means that the IEP should clearly outline how the school program and transition services will lead to adult competitive integrated employment, postsecondary education and successful adult living. If the plan focuses solely on the accomplishments during the school year, the coordinated movement towards adult life outcomes will be slowed or possibly even absent.