INTRODUCTION

Educators

Education is a lifelong process with various key points or transitions. Transition is the term used in Special Education to refer to the planning process that happens with a student to help him or her prepare for life after high school—whether it is being prepared to enter the workforce or post-secondary education. The primary areas in transition planning are post-secondary education, employment, and living independence. Educators are required to know about the Individual Education Plan (IEP), Person Centered Planning, community services, self advocacy, assistive technology, vocational assessments to discern career interests and abilities, medical benefits planning, and more.

When done well, the transition planning process and resulting plan are comprehensive, involve important people in the student’s life and are based on concrete data and experiences. The plan is a road map that reflects a student’s current aspirations, and is intended to grow and change with the student as he or she progresses through high school.

At MCST, we strive to provide educators with access to the most up-to-date transition resources. To assist you in finding the most comprehensive array of transition materials, check out Exploring A World of Transition Resources. (download PDF)

Other key transition areas:

Individual Education Plan - IEP
Understanding the key elements of transition planning is critical for a student’s success. This link will provide you with an understanding of the NHSEIS system. (download PDF)

Person Centered Planning

Person Centered Planning is a process of discovery: discovering strengths, challenges, hopes and dreams. It is when a group comes together to listen to a person’s desire to create their future and to devise a plan of action. There are different types of Person Centered Planning. PATH & MAPS are two of the most common. Click here to learn more:
www.ncset.org/publications/viewdesc.asp?id=1431
www.inclusion.com/

Assessment

GUIDEPOSTS for SUCCESS (download PDF)

We are all unique in our own way.

Stephen has technology to thank for being in college, and he is giving back. His self-designed independent major at Keene State College—Disability Studies—will allow him to work in the assistive technology field, offering training and technical support for other blind and visually-impaired computer users. Currently, Stephen advises fellow students in the field of technology, and his enthusiasm is noticeably contagious.

“Stephen is passionate about social change. He is active on both regional and national levels as an organizer in the civil rights movement working towards justice for people with disabilities. His work inspires those around him. I see Stephen as an emerging leader in the field of assistive technology.”
Susan Theberge, Professor, Keene State College