Transition Planning

Transition is the process of preparing young people with deafblindness to move successfully from a world they know to a world they don't. (PA Partnership for the Deafblind)

Transition planning helps youth with deaf-blindness get ready for college, vocational training, employment, and community life once they leave school. The Individuals with Disabilities Act mandates that it begin by the time a student turns 16 (some states require age 14), but because students with deaf-blindness have highly complex needs, many professionals recommend starting earlier (Zatta & McGinnity, 2016). It’s a highly individualized process that takes a team effort over a number of years. In addition to the student, family, and educational team members, it involves collaboration beyond the school system with relevant adult services such as vocational rehabilitation, developmental disabilities agencies, and agencies serving adults who are Deaf/hard of hearing or are blind or visually impaired. The inclusion of members with a strong understanding of deaf-blindness on the team is essential.

Beyond formal transition planning, preparation for adult life really begins much earlier in a child’s life with activities that promote self-determination, establish community connections, and build skills that are needed for future employment and lifelong learning.

See also:

• Person-Centered Planning
• Community Living
• Transition and Adult Life Success Stories