Transition Planning to Prepare Our Youth for Success

This is the fourth blog in a series of blog posts on secondary transition from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS).

Successful Transitions for All Blog Series - Post 4 - Transition Planning to Prepare Our Youth for Success!

Expect, Engage, and Empower: Successful Transitions for All!
Blog Post #4

In previous blog posts, we’ve discussed the importance of self-determination and student-led decision making as critical skills children and youth with disabilities need to develop for successful transitions to post-secondary opportunities and greater independence. In our symposia, students, young adults, and parents, and educators and vocational rehabilitation professionals shared their own transition stories — how they have successfully transitioned to life beyond high school or how they have supported youth who have made that journey.

In this post, we continue to delve into the transition planning process, to ensure that youth and their families are empowered to experience successful post-high school outcomes.

Read More

Self-Determination

This is the third blog in a series of blog posts on secondary transition from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS).

Successful Transitions for All Blog Series - Post 3 - Self-Determination

Expect, Engage, and Empower: Successful Transitions for All!
Blog Post #3

“No one rises to low expectations.”
Les Brown

December is a busy month. Preparing for and enjoying the holidays. Planning, shopping, baking and decorating. Traveling and spending time with family and friends in the community and places of worship.

December is also an important month for secondary transition for youth in their last year of high school.

Read More

Student-Led Decision-Making in Schools

This is the second blog in a series of blog posts on secondary transition from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS).

Successful Transitions for All Blog Series - Post 2 - Student-Led Decision-Making in Schools

Expect, Engage, Empower: Successful Transitions for All!

Blog Post #2

Educators, vocational rehabilitation professionals and families must engage students with disabilities in secondary transition services.

Read More

Successful Transitions for All Blog Series

Successful Transitions for All Blog Series - Introduction: Improving Systems to Better Prepare Students for Successful Secondary Transition Experiences

Expect, Engage, Empower: Successful Transitions for All!

Introductory Blog Post

Welcome to the first in a series of blog posts on secondary transition from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS).

We are dedicated to working alongside families, students, educators, advocacy groups and policymakers to rethink transition services. We want students and families to have the tools and resources necessary for successful secondary transition experiences.

Read More

Youth with Disabilities Experience Better Outcomes Thanks to Vermont’s Efforts to Advance Transition Services

NOTE: October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

A teacher and students studying at a desk

Original News item posted at Mathematica.

This blog is a cross-post from Mathematica and the Vermont Linking Learning to Careers project, which was made possible by a Disability Innovation Fund grant from OSERS’ Rehabilitation Services Administration at the U.S. Department of Education.


Youth with disabilities face many challenges as they transition from high school to adulthood. Compared with their nondisabled peers, a greater share of youth with disabilities experience higher rates of poverty, health issues, service needs, dependence on benefits, and poorer academic performance, and they face lower expectations for their education and employment achievements. More inclusive attitudes and policies, such as those promoted in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, recognize the value of continued education and work experience for youth with disabilities, and evidence has shown that they can succeed in the workforce with proper supports. As a result, federal and state agencies have bolstered their efforts to better serve youth with disabilities during this critical transition.

Read More