What Transition Planning Covers
Effective transition planning is not a single meeting or a checkbox on an IEP. It is a multi-year, coordinated process that addresses four core domains of adult life:
Employment
- Vocational assessment and interest exploration
- Job skills training and workplace behavior
- Supported employment and job coaching
- Internship and work experience opportunities
Post-Secondary Education
- Community college and vocational programs
- Disability services and accommodations
- Study skills and self-advocacy
- Campus navigation and independence
Independent Living
- Daily living skills (cooking, cleaning, hygiene)
- Money management and budgeting
- Transportation and community navigation
- Healthcare self-management
Community Participation
- Social skills in adult environments
- Leisure and recreation activities
- Civic participation and volunteerism
- Building a support network beyond family
The IEP Transition Plan: What to Look For
Starting at age 16 (or earlier in Arizona), the student's IEP must include a transition plan with measurable post-secondary goals and transition services. When reviewing your student's transition plan, look for:
Age-appropriate transition assessments that reflect the student's actual interests, strengths, and needs
Specific, measurable post-secondary goals in education, employment, and independent living
Transition services and activities that are directly linked to the post-secondary goals
Identification of adult agencies and services (DDD, Vocational Rehabilitation) that will be involved
A course of study that prepares the student for their post-secondary goals
The student's active participation in developing and understanding their own transition plan
Arizona Adult Services: Starting the Process Early
Arizona's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is the primary state agency providing services to adults with developmental disabilities. Eligibility is based on diagnosis and functional assessment, and the application process can take several months. Some services have significant waitlists.
Arizona Vocational Rehabilitation (AZ VR) provides employment-focused services including job training, job placement, and supported employment for individuals with disabilities who are seeking competitive integrated employment. VR services are available to eligible individuals before age 22 and can be coordinated with the school's transition plan.
Copper Valley's clinicians are experienced in navigating Arizona's adult service landscape and can help families understand eligibility requirements, application timelines, and how to coordinate school-based and community-based services during the transition period.