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Post-Secondary Transition Planning for Students with IEPs
Grades 9-12 Texas IDEA & TWC Aligned
What is Transition?
Transition is the bridge between high school and adult life. It involves planning for:
Education/Training: College, trade school, or certificate programs.
Employment: Competitive employment or supported work.
Independent Living: Managing money, transport, and health.
Texas Legal Timeline
14
Transition planning officially begins in the ARD process.
17
Notice of "Transfer of Rights" at age 18 must be provided.
18
Student becomes their own legal decision maker (unless guardianship exists).
Self-Advocacy: The Key Skill
Know Yourself
Understanding your disability, your strengths, and the support you need to succeed.
Communicate
Clearly explaining what you need to teachers, bosses, or college disability offices.
Know Your Rights
Understanding IDEA (K-12) vs. ADA/Section 504 (College/Workplace).
"In high school, teachers find you. In college and work, you find them."
The Legal Shift
High School (IDEA)
Entitlement
Schools find you
IEP provides modifications
School pays for evaluations
Parent has legal rights
Post-Secondary (ADA/504)
Eligibility & Access
You must self-identify
No "modifications" to curriculum
You provide evaluations/proof
Student holds all rights (FERPA)
Important: An IEP does not "follow" you to college. You will need your Summary of Performance (SOP) and recent testing to apply for 504 accommodations at the college level.
Your Support Network
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
Provides Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services. They can help with:
Career counseling
Tuition assistance (in some cases)
Job placement and training
Assistive technology for work
Other Key Agencies
HHSC (Health & Human Services)
Medicaid waivers, long-term support, and independent living.
Local Authorities (LIDDAs)
Support for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Pro-Tip: Apply for Waiver Lists early!
Wait times in Texas can be 10+ years.
Next Steps
01
Complete Self-Assessment
Identify your interests and the skills you need to build.
02
Lead Your ARD
Practice sharing your goals during your transition meeting.
03
Build Your Portfolio
Gather your IEP, testing, and SOP for future use.
04
Connect with TWC
Ask your counselor to help you refer to VR services.
The future is yours. Let's get started!
My Future Assessment My Future Self-Assessment
Post-Secondary Transition Planning | Grades 9-12
Student Resource
Student Name
Date / Grade Level
Part 1: Interests & Goals
1. What kind of work or career sounds most exciting to you right now?
2. After high school, what is your primary goal for education?
4-Year University
2-Year College
Trade / Technical
Work / Training
Part 2: Self-Advocacy Check-In
Skill I do well Practice I can describe my disability to others.
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| I know which accommodations I use in class. |
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| I ask for help when I am stuck. |
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Part 3: Living Independently
Manage a schedule
Travel independently
Prepare basic meals
Manage my money
What is one skill you want to learn this year?
Texas Transition Plan Supplement Data
Counselor Initials
Accommodations Decoder The Big Shift
High School IEP vs. College 504 Accommodations
1. The Legal Frame
K-12 IDEA (IEP)
The school is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and ensuring you SUCCEED.
Col ADA & 504
The college ensures you have an equal opportunity for ACCESS.
Side-By-Side Comparison
Category High School (IEP) College / Career Responsibility School finds the student. Student self-identifies. Content Can be modified (easier tests). Remains the same. Evaluation District pays for testing. Student provides proof. Legal Rights Parents are advocates. Student holds all rights. Personal Care School provides help. Not provided.
Essential Transition Tip
Your IEP ends at graduation. To get college support, you need a Summary of Performance (SOP) and a Full Individual Evaluation (FIE) from within the last 3 years.
Launchpad Toolkit: The Shift Texas Transition & Employment Guide Alignment
Employment Readiness Checklist Employment Readiness
Workforce Skills Checklist | Texas TWC Aligned
1 The "Soft" Skills (Work Ethics)
Punctuality & Attendance
Arrive on time and notify a supervisor if absent.
Professional Communication
Use polite language and respond to feedback.
Self-Regulation
Manage stress without disrupting the workplace.
Hygiene & Appearance
Dress appropriately for the specific job role.
My Skill Goal for this Semester:
What specific work skill will you practice in school?
2 Logistics
Required Documents
Social Security Card
State ID / DL
Resume / Skills List
TWC Referral
Applied for Pre-ETS?
Yes
No
Workplace Accommodations (ADA)
Under the ADA, you can request "Reasonable Accommodations" to help you succeed at work.
Visual Schedules
Noise Management
Modified Training
Texas Transition Toolkit Ready for Work
Agency Referral Guide Referral Guide
Agency Connect
Texas Navigator for Post-Secondary Supports
Texas IDEA TWC Aligned
TWC-VR
PRIMARY
Texas Workforce Commission
Best for: Career planning, job training, and tuition assistance.
512-463-2222
twc.texas.gov
HHSC
WAIVERS
Health & Human Services
Best for: Medicaid waivers (HCS/CLASS) and long-term care.
2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905
LIDDAs
LOCAL
Best for: State-funded IDD services. Call 2-1-1 to find your local authority office based on your county.
SSA
FEDERAL
Best for: SSI/SSDI benefits and medical coverage post-graduation (age 18+).
Counselor Referral Checklist
Step 1
Obtain signed "Consent to Invite Agencies" before the ARD.
Step 2
Provide "Texas Transition & Employment Guide" to the family.
Step 3
Document referrals in the IEP Transition Supplement.
Transition Referral Navigator © 2026 Future Ready Transition
Parent Partnership Handout Parent Partnership
Transition to Adulthood: A Family Guide
18
The Legal Shift at Age 18
In Texas, when a student turns 18, all legal rights held by the parent transfer to the student. This includes signing their IEP and making medical decisions.
Legal Options:
Supported Decision-Making
Power of Attorney
Guardianship (Full or Partial)
Next Step:
Discuss these options with your student before their 17th birthday to ensure the right support is in place.
Your Role as a Partner
Early Prep
Foster independent living skills through daily chores and personal management at home.
Digital Folder
Organize a folder with the latest FIE evaluation, current IEP, and Summary of Performance.
Advocacy
Encourage your student to lead their ARD meetings and practice explaining their own needs.
Helpful Resources
Texas Transition Guide
Download at transitionintexas.org or request a paper copy from your counselor.
Conversation Starters
"Where do you see yourself living in five years?"
"What kind of job would make you feel proud?"
"How can we support you in getting to school?"
Family Resource: Future Ready Transition © 2026 Transition Toolkit
Transition Meeting Agenda Template Meeting Agenda
Transition / ARD Committee Template
Student Name
Date of Meeting
Graduation Plan
1
Student Vision & Goals
Student leads discussion on post-secondary dreams and preferences.
2
Present Levels (PLAAFP)
Data review of current academic and functional transition skills.
3
Agency Referrals
Texas Workforce (TWC)
HHSC / Waiver Lists
Local Authority
Other:
4
Action Items & Next Steps
Texas IDEA Requirement: Transition must be addressed by age 14.
Agenda Template v1.3