A Word from the Executive Director
As the Executive Director of ECAC, I am reminded every day of the incredible journeys that families like yours experience. Watching my own son, Joey, grow into adulthood has taught me so much about the importance of preparation, self-advocacy, and embracing the challenges along the way. It’s my hope that "Transition Trove" becomes a valuable resource for you and your family, providing the guidance, tools, and inspiration to help your child achieve their dreams. We’re here to ensure that every family has access to the resources they need as they navigate the transition to adulthood—because time truly does fly.
Warmly,
Aimee Combs, Executive Director
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Time flies, whether you're having fun or not, lol.
It’s hard to believe that my son Joey turned 27 last month. Joey has autism and it feels like only yesterday we were navigating early intervention services and preparing him for school. Time moves quickly, and before you know it, the transition to adulthood is here. There’s immense joy in seeing our children grow, gain skills, make progress, and reach milestones. Joey, for example, went on to graduate high school and has been working at Lowe’s Home Improvement for eight years and was recently recognized as MVP. This past December, he got his driver’s license which was exciting and a lil' bit stressful for the "momma bear" in me. He is now picking up his own groceries and recently started making homemade stromboli and delicious fried chicken. These are just some of the huge accomplishments that remind me of how far he’s come. But his journey hasn’t always been fun or without its challenges because let's be honest- setbacks, not knowing what the future may hold and navigating complicated systems can be tough.
As parents, we pour so much into helping our children thrive in the present that we don’t always think about the future—until it arrives. We need to be prepared for that day when the school bus stops coming. It’s also hard to let go and allow our children the dignity of risk—the opportunity to make decisions, face challenges, and learn from them, just as any young adult would. We should always have high expectations for our children, while also recognizing that some things will take more time or require extra support.
That’s why ECAC's "Transition Trove" exists—to help parents prepare and equip their youth with the tools they need for the future. Our goal is to support families, youth, and professionals by providing the resources and guidance necessary to navigate the journey from school to adulthood. We want every family to have access to the resources and information they need, empowered with the skills and opportunities to succeed, no matter how fast time flies.
A Word from Joey:
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The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act states the following regarding Transition Services:
300.43 Transition services.
(a) Transition services means a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability that—
(1) Is designed to be within a results-oriented process, that is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of the child with a disability to facilitate the child’s movement from school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education, vocational education, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation;
(2) Is based on the individual child’s needs, taking into account the child’s strengths, preferences, and interests; and includes—
(i) Instruction;
(ii) Related services;
(iii) Community experiences;
(iv) The development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives; and
(v) If appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and provision of a functional vocational evaluation.
(b) Transition services for children with disabilities may be special education, if provided as specially designed instruction, or a related service, if required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education.
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In North Carolina, beginning not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the child turns 14, or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP Team, and updated annually thereafter, the IEP must include a statement of initial transition components including the child’s needs, preferences and interests, and course(s) of study (such as advanced placement classes or a vocational education program)
Beginning not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the child turns 16, or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP Team, and updated annually, thereafter, the IEP must include -
(i) Appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and, where appropriate, independent living skills; and (ii) The transition services needed to assist the child in reaching those goals, including if appropriate, a statement of interagency responsibilities or any needed linkages.
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FREE Pre-ETS Program for NC Youth! | |
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Pre-Employment Transition Services, known as Pre-ETS, are services and activities to help students with disabilities prepare for postsecondary education and employment.
ECAC's ACHIEVE Transition Program is a statewide, virtual Pre-ETS program designed for NC students with disabilities, ages 14 to 21. This program is available to those enrolled in an educational program who are eligible or potentially eligible for EIPD services and have a recognized need for Pre-Employment Transition Services. ACHIEVE is accessible to students in various educational settings, including those who are homeschooled, or enrolled in traditional public schools, charter schools, virtual schools, private schools, early college programs, vocational schools, college courses, or training programs. The ACHIEVE Transition Program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need for successful transitions from school to work and into adult life.
TOPICS COVERED:
- Job Exploration Counseling
- Self-Advocacy Skills
- Workplace Readiness
- Resume Development & Job Application Practice
- Interviewing skills
- Financial Literacy
- Handling Work Related Conflict and Social Interactions
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(CLICK ON DOCUMENT IMAGES BELOW TO DOWNLOAD) | |
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To aid in a seamless transition from school to post-school activities, the U.S. Department of Education (Department), Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, created this transition guide address the following topics:
• Transition planning: opportunities and programs;
• Transition services and requirements, as authorized by IDEA and the Rehabilitation Act;
• Education and employment options for students and youth with disabilities after leaving secondary school; and
• Supporting the decisions made by students and youth with disabilities.
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With the start of the new school year, high school seniors are looking toward their next big milestone: graduation.
Graduation signifies the transition from youth to adulthood, and the successful transition from high school to postsecondary education for all students requires early planning and collaborative efforts between educators, students and families.
In the seventh Expect, Engage, and Empower: Successful Transitions for All! blog post in the 3E series, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) addresses postsecondary education options for students with disabilities.
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Work Together NC is a statewide initiative focused on the transition to adulthood for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We bring together self advocates, families, employers, state agencies, and service providers to improve access to opportunities and resources.
The goal of Work Together NC is to help individuals find the community supports they need to transition and thrive as adults. This might include finding a job or a place to volunteer, postsecondary education, housing, social and recreational opportunities, and more. We help individuals, families, service provider organizations, and employers work together, so that transitioning to adulthood can be a better experience for all.
On their website, you can find action plans and resources for key areas of the transition to adulthood. You can customize each Action Plan based on the individual’s needs and goals.
Whether you are a person with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD), a family member, an IEP team member, or an adult service provider, this page will help you work together to turn possibility into opportunity.
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The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C) is a Technical Assistance Center co-funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA).
NTACT:C has created guides for families to provide a basic understanding of the purpose of transition assessments as well as how their involvement in the transition assessment process can assist their child in making informed choices about their future.
They have also created a guide for students to help them understand why they are being assessed and how to interpret and utilize the assessment information to assist in making informed choices as they transition to adulthood.
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