Transition Initiative

Transition Initiative

transition Initiative LogoThe Connecticut Transition Task Force was formed in 1992 in conjunction with a five-year federal transition grant that was awarded to Connecticut. During this time period, areas of model program development, interagency planning, training and technical assistance to families and professionals, and expanding opportunities in post-secondary education, generic employment, and training were addressed. Today, the Task Force is a vital, active committee, which meets bi-monthly to continue/expand upon the work initiated during the grant period.

Downloadable Resources

NEW! A Directory of Community Rehabilitation Providers for Youth in Transition and Adults with Disabilities in Connecticut: The purpose of this directory is twofold:

1: To provide school districts who are seeking to contract with an outside agency, with a comprehensive listing of agencies and services that could provide transition services to young adults with disabilities; and

2: To provide families with a resource directory of the potential programs and services available to their son/daughter once they graduate from high school, so they can make more informed choices about post-school options.

Transition IEP Checklist: This checklist was designed by the Connecticut Transition Task Force to assist Planning and Placement Team (PPT) members to determine if transition goals, objectives and services have been developed in a coordinated, measurable, sequential and age-appropriate manner. District personnel may find it helpful to use this tool during PPT meetings following the student’s 15th birthday where transition services are being discussed. This checklist will document the thoughtful process that the PPT used to identify individual transition goals and objectives.

NEW! Topic Brief: Writing Transition Goals and Objectives: One of the greatest difficulties in the provision of quality transition services is that transition goals and objectives have not, traditionally, driven the development of an IEP. Transition planning in many instances, remains an “afterthought.” Ask yourself a simple question: If we are to prepare students to successfully transition to the responsibilities of adult life, how can we accomplish this without knowing where the student is going?

Building a Bridge: A TRANSITION MANUAL FOR STUDENTS and their parents to help them take an active role in developing transition goals and objectives as part of the Individualized Education Program (IEP).

 

GOALS 2006-2007

  • To support interagency activities that promote transition planning in Connecticut at the state, regional, and local levels.
  • To provide training and technical assistance activities for professionals.
  • To provide training and technical assistance activities for families and students.
  • To expand the inclusion of students with disabilities in post-secondary education and training opportunities.

 

The Connecticut State Department of Education has created two documents especially for students:

An Educational Journey from Self Discovery to Advocacy: A Handbook for Students .
Self-Advocacy means speaking up for yourself. It requires knowledge of your personal strengths and needs and rights as a citizen, and involves acting in an assertive manner to make your needs known to others.

Transition planning involves thinking about your goals after high school and developing a long-range plan to get there. This includes having a high school experience that focuses on developing the skills you will need to achieve your life goals. It also involves helping you identify and link with any post-school adult service programs or supports you may need.

This handbook was created for high school students with disabilities as an instructional tool for the development of self-advocacy skills and transition planning.

For more information please contact:

SERC Consultant: Karen Stigliano, (860) 632-1485, ext. 317 or Project Assistant: Cortney Sharpe, ext. 245.

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