How to Use This Guide

This guide consists of four sections and ten appendices. Each section addresses one aspect of the transition process and may be removed from the guide, photocopied, and used independently. Transition from high school includes all areas of life and more topics than can be adequately described on paper; however, this guide provides you with a detailed introduction to what lies ahead and descriptions of enough resources to get you started in the transition process.

The Introduction provides a philosophical framework for transition and gives you a broad understanding of the ideas underlying successful transition from school to post-school life. Section II, Transition PlanningThe Process, goes into more depth regarding the actual stages of the process, such as Person Centered Planning, which can enhance positive student outcomes. The third section, Managing the Process, offers students and other advocates tips, tools, and resources to assist themselves through the transition process. The information and resources found within this section should provide assistance and encouragement to enable a student to make his/her own decisions. Section IV, So What's Important Anyway?, introduces seven primary areas of the adult service system and transition, including housing, post-secondary education, employment, community membership, transportation, health, and assistive technology. The appendices provide resources, an overview of the laws relating to transition, sample IEPs, examples of funding sources for community-based supported employment, policy letters, information about the Massachusetts Transition Initiative, a glossary, and a listing of acronyms. Each section is preceded by a brief introduction.

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