This app is a tool for developing a transition plan for high-school aged students with disabilities who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan. An IEP details special education services the school is to provide to the student. The transition plan helps the student move into adult life after high school; to plan for things like having a job, where the student will live, and supports that may be needed so the student can be independent to the greatest extent possible.
To develop your transition plan using this app, you answer the questions in the brief 15 minute survey, and the app will produce your individualized draft transition plan based on your answers. You can then print your draft transition plan and take it to your IEP (or 504) meeting. You may want to make copies of your draft transition plan to share with others; your parents, your teachers, your counselor, or others who you think can help you plan for your future after high school. If you want to change your plan, it is easy. Just fill out the survey in the app again, provide new or additional information, and the app will generate your new transition plan.
A transition plan is an important part of your IEP (or 504) document. Your school must develop a written transition plan as part of your IEP. Your transition plan must be in place beginning the school year when you will turn 16, and in some states younger. In West Virginia effective 7.1.18 the transition plan is to be developed no later than the first IEP in effect when the student is 15 years or younger, and effective 7.1.19 the age will change to 14 years or younger. You, and your parents (if you are under 18 years old) have a right to help develop your transition plan, and to attend the IEP meetings when your transition plan is discussed.
Having a draft transition plan to bring to your IEP (or 504) meeting is a good tool. By using the app, you will have spent time thinking about your future and providing YOUR answers to important questions about your future that should be discussed at your meeting. It will help you to speak up at your meeting, to communicate with your team with your voice, and or show them your draft plan, when your transition plan is being discussed and developed.
Having a good transition plan is important. It helps you get the right services and supports you will need after high school. A transition plan can help you do the things you want to do like get the job you want, train for a job, continue your education, and live independently and participate in your community. A good transition plan helps you reach your dreams.
This app is intended to serve as a tool for West Virginia students, family members, and educators during the transition planning process. It is based on the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) - https://sites.ed.gov/idea/. As a West Virginia student with a disability who is a transition age student, or a family member of a transition age student, this app can help prepare for IEP meetings where transition planning will be discussed, and the transition plan will be developed, and/or modified. Individuals residing outside of West Virginia may use this free app, but the information needed for transition plans in other states may be different. The information in this app is for general information purposes only, it is not legal advice.
This app was originally designed by the Disability Rights Center of Kansas, a non-profit organization. The app was adapted by the Disability Rights of West Virginia and designed to meet transition planning needs of students in West Virginia.