For children with IEP’s transition services begin at age 15, but conversations about services can begin at ANY time.

Some agencies can lead your child to a smoother transition post High School. Transition planning is a process designed to prepare for life after graduation through identification of personal goals, instructional needs, and supports that are beneficial for all students regardless of the extent or type of disability. Good transition planning can start at any age, and it is recommended that transition planning begin no later than grade seven in the Salamanca CCSD. 

If your child has been identified as a student with a disability, they may be eligible for Transition Services through the Office of Special Education. The transition process is designed to prepare and support your child for life after high school.  Services can include support systems to assist your child to: 

• achieve and maintain employment

• support independent living

• training and education

• rehabilitation

• career development

Various adult agencies and organizations, such as vocational rehabilitation, community colleges, housing, and employment and training agencies, are available to students with disabilities. Please visit our organizations TAB on our website under Pupil Service for more agencies.

To take advantage of these opportunities and services, it has to be a team approach. The school, agencies, and Families need to work together to get the student what they need to be successful post-graduation. This includes getting the required paperwork in and attending informational meetings. 

We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities as early as possible in your student’s school career. Below please find the directions and steps to some specific agencies. If at any time you have questions or concerns, please contact the Special Education office at (716) 945-5142 option 2.

Office of People with Developmental Disabilities The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is responsible for coordinating services for more than 130,000 New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurological impairments. It provides services directly and through a network of approximately 700 nonprofit service providing agencies, with about 80 percent of services provided by the private nonprofits and 20 percent provided by state-run services.

Below are some links to information shared by CEC from the Office of Civil Rights on SWD services in college.

Students with Disabilities preparing for college: rights and responsibilities
https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.html

Auxiliary Aids and services at post-secondary level for SWD:
https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/auxaids.html

Parent Letter
Enhancing Supports and Services for Students With Disabilities for Postsecondary Success (SWDPS) | New York State Education Department

Transition of Students With Disabilities To Postsecondary Education: A Guide for High School Educators
https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transitionguide.html?exp=1#note12