The Massachusetts Disability Law Center recently published an online manual on special education transition services. You can access the entire document here.
The Manual
The Manual is based on Massachusetts and federal law, but advocates in other jurisdictions may find it to be useful as well. This Manual is written for parents and students who are advocating for better transition services, including social, vocational and independent living skills. It is written in an easy-to-understand format but also contains “Endnotes” and an Appendix at the end of the Manual with legal information for attorneys and experienced advocates.
The Manual was edited by the Disability Law Center (DLC), in partnership with the Federation for Children with Special Needs, the Institute for Community Inclusion, and Massachusetts Advocates for Children. It was written by the Northeastern University School of Law Legal Skills in Social Context program.
Transition Services
State and Federal law require that a student's IEP contain measurable post-secondary goals and services called a "transition plan" when the child reaches a certain age (14 in Massachusetts).
In my experience, some schools completely overlook this requirement while other schools' transition goals and services are inadequate to prepare the student for life after high school. This manual is an excellent resource for parents, advocates, and attorneys advocating for transition rights.
If you have questions about your child's transition plan and special education rights, contact Massachusetts special education lawyer Lillian E. Wong today.
DLC Releases Transition Manual