Secondary Education and Services

Secondary Education and Services

The transition to adulthood for students with disabilities typically begins around age 14, or during their 8th-grade year, depending on state guidelines. At this stage, students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), along with their families and educational teams, begin focusing on goals related to life after high school, including postsecondary education or training, employment, and independent living.

These postsecondary goals form the foundation of the student's Transition IEP, a personalized plan that outlines what the student will learn, the types of jobs they might pursue, and where or how they might live as adults. Each year, the Transition IEP is updated to reflect the student’s evolving interests, strengths, and needs. This process may include a variety of activities, services, and real-world experiences designed to help the student move successfully from school to adult life.

What We Do

The Center on Community Living and Careers helps improve the transition process for Indiana students by providing training, resources, information, and supports to:

  • those involved in education: middle and high school educators, administrators, transition coordinators, academic advisors, students, and their families
  • those involved in employment: community employment providers, employment specialists and consultants, Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation staff, students and young adult job seekers, and their families

For more information about secondary transition services, contact the Indiana Secondary Resource Center team at the Center on Community Living and Careers. Email us at INSTRC@iu.edu or call (812) 855-6508.

Secondary Transition Focus: Education

The Center on Community Living and Careers is home to the Indiana Secondary Transition Resource Center (INSTRC).

INSTRC:

  • Creates and provides professional development activities, including webinars, podcasts, workshops, and comprehensive training and technical assistance for educational professionals.
Members of the northwest Indiana Cadre of Transition Leaders.
Members of Indiana's Northwest Cadre of Transition Leaders
  • Develops and coordinates the statewide Cadre of Transition Leaders to more effectively support students with disabilities and their families by focusing on student-focused planning, student development, family involvement, interagency collaboration, and program structures.

The Transition from School to Work: Employment

CCLC also provides a number of transition activities funded through Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), including a variety of trainings to give educators and adult service providers the tools necessary to develop and implement quality transition employment services. Some activities include:

  • Facilitating collaboration between VR counselors, employment providers, and schools.
  • Conducting webinars and creating outreach materials to help students and families in transition understand how to access Indiana VR and other services and benefits. 
  • Developing fact sheets and materials for VR counselors so that students, families, and schools can better understand roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Resources