In Ohio, planning for the transition to adulthood starts years before eligibility for services through the school district ends. I asked Lee Ann Derugen, co-director of the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities in Marion, to give us a quick overview of adulthood-transition services and planning in Ohio and suggest some things parents can do to get started.

How does the transition from special education to adulthood work in Ohio?

The IEP includes a Transition Plan that focuses on facilitating the child's movement from school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education, vocational education, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation.

Who should a parent contact about transition services?

The parent may address transition services within the context of their child's IEP team meeting when their child turns 14, if not sooner.

The Ohio Department of Education also provides regional transition services via sixteen State Support Teams. [Download State Support Team contact information.]

Do you have any advice about transition to adulthood in Ohio?

Parents must be vigilant that their child's transition plan is written and implemented so that their child will have a successful life as an adult.
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About Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities:OCECD is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the educational interests of children with disabilities. OCECD offers information, training and support to parents of children with any disability, ages 0-26. Parents new to the site can start by calling the 800 number listed under "Need Assistance?" Next, click on the tabs for Trainings and for Resources.