SPE 480 Resource Presentation:

Transitional Services for

Students with
Disabilities

Jaqueline Lopez
Angelica Vallejo
Brenda Zamudio
Dolores Barrales
April 4th, 2018 Samantha Guizar
 Overview of Transitional Services for
Students with Disabilities
Transition Services: Individualized and coordinated services that assist the adolescent with a disability to successfully
move from school to post school activities.

Federal Definition of Transition Services

PL 108-446 (IDEA 2004) states that children with a disability is to receive transition services, transitional services are
defined as coordinated activities for students with a disability that:

A.focus on improving the academic and functional achievement of the child with a disability to facilitate the child’s
movement from school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education, vocational training, integrated
employment, continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation.

B. is based on the child’s needs, taking into account child's strengths, preferences, and interest

C. includes instruction related services, community experiences, the development of employment and other post adult
living objectives.
 District Office Transitional Services

● DOTS is responsible for the planning and delivery of transition services for all students with
disabilities, starting at the age of 14 (or younger if appropriate) to prepare them for transition
from school to adult living.
● Transition teachers are located in middle school settings and high school setting.
● In the middle school setting teachers assist students on identifying their strengths and
interests in order to facilitate lessons on career awareness and the transition to high
school.

In the high school setting transition teachers help them with:

● Job development and placement
● Vocational training
● Community College Enrollment
● Independent Living
● Community Participation
 Center for Advanced Transitional Services
CATS is a partnership between the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Los
Angeles Community College District. This program serves students with moderate to
severe disabilities and provides these students with a comprehensive transition
program to help them develop skills in the areas of work, employment and
independent living. Appropriate students are also enrolled in community college
classes.

Who is eligible to participate:

○ Students who have a current Individualized Education Plan(IEP)

○ Be at least 19 years of age by September of the enrollment year
○ Have completed 4 years of high school
○ Be on the alternate curriculum and non-diploma track
○ Have a record of regular attendance
 Skills attained through CATS

Skills in Employment: Skills in Education and training:

● Community college courses
● Interests/career planning and
● Life skills
assessment
● Technology instruction
● Job search techniques
● Self advocacy
● Job interview techniques
● Self determination
● Work based learning
● Volunteer opportunities

Independent living skills:

● Mobility needs
● Exploration of housing options
● Community service
● Appropriate social interaction
● Health & grooming

https://achieve.lausd.net/Page/4591
 Department of Rehabilitation Services

Mission Statement: “The California Department of Rehabilitation works in partnership with consumers
and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living
and equality for individuals with disabilities.”

The principles that guide them:

1. Delivering effective vocational rehabilitation services, and other programs and services in an
efficient, caring, professional, and prompt manner.
2. Attracting, developing, and retaining a competent, creative, and highly motivated workforce.
3. Maintaining public trust by being fiscally responsible and ensuring quality programs and services.
4. Sustaining our role as a respected leader in the disability community; inspiring hope in those we
serve.

They also have youth programs. They help students, young adults to find
a job that best suits them.

http://www.dor.ca.gov/About-DOR.html
The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) is the only national membership organization dedicated
solely to meeting the needs of special education teachers and those preparing for the field of special education teaching.

● NASET helps professionals understand transition services to better assist students with disabilities and their
families.
● Resources available:
1. Overview of transition Services
2.Types of Services Covered under Transition Services
3. Transition Planning: A Team Effort
4. Transition Services on the IEP
5. Post Secondary Education, among other topics.

● To join as a teacher it cost $59 per year and $95 per year
● To join as a student it cost $50 or 85 for two years

https://www.naset.org/transervices4.0.html
 Department of Developmental Services
Regional Centers and Family Resource Centers assist people with disabilities in making the
transition to independent living or semi-independent living after high school.

Some of the services and supports provided by the regional centers include:
•Counseling
• Family support
• Planning, placement, and monitoring for 24-hour out-of-home care
• Training and educational opportunities for individuals and families
• Community education about developmental disabilities

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS
• Affordable Housing
• Community Care Facilities (CCFs)
• Family Home Agency
• Foster Family Agency
• Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs)
• Supported Living Services
 Regional Centers Directory

www.dds.ca.gov/RC/RCList.cfm
California has 21 regional centers with more than 40 offices located throughout the state that serve
individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Harbor Regional Center

21231 Hawthorne Boulevard
Torrance, CA 90503

1000 S. Fremont Ave.

2500 S. Western Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90018
(213) 744-7000
https://sclarc.org
Alhambra, CA 91802
http://www.elarc.org/home
5901 Green Valley Circle #
320
Culver City, CA 90230
https://westsiderc.org
Questions?