Learn About Transition Planning

Webinars and other materials are available to support people who would like to have a deeper understanding of the different pieces of the transition planning process for youth with disabilities are available here.  To learn more about transition planning explore the following materials. 

Transition Modules

These training modules have been developed with funding by the Iowa Department of Education in partnership with the PACER Center, a Parent Center that also serves as the National Center for Transition and Employment.  They focus on preparing for living, learning and working after high school for students with disabilities. 
 The Road to Discovery: The Secondary Transition Planning Process for Students with Disabilities- The goal of this module is to help families understand and effectively participate in the special education secondary transition planning process in Iowa. 
 From Disabilities to Possibilities: The Power of High Expectations- The purpose of this training is for students and families to explore the process of creating high expectations for youth with disabilities.  
 Exploring and Preparing for Adult Work- The goal of this module is to help parents understand and explore work as an adult and what they can do to help prepare their students for life after high school.
 Taking the Next Step: Planning for Success in Postsecondary Education- The goal of this module is to help parents understand and explore postsecondary education and what they can do to help prepare their students for life after high school.

Webinars
ASK an Expert: Post-Secondary Transition in an IEP- This webinar will prepare you to be involved with the IEP team as your child prepares for life after high school.  Learn about how transition assessments help identify unmet transition needs, how to create post-secondary expectations, and the importance of the course of study.  Understand how the team develops goals, supports and services around transition.  Presented March 2025.
ASK an Expert: Understanding Iowa's 4-3-3-3 Graduation Requirements- Iowa requires each school district to have minimum graduation requirements.  Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) should be given the chance to meet these requirements.  This might require some creative solutions from the IEP team.  This webinar discusses how graduation requirements affect students with IEPs and emphasizes the need to understand the specific requirements in each district.  It also will offer tips for IEP teams to help plan a path to graduation for students with IEPs.  Presented March 2025
ASK an Expert: Transition 4 Plus Services- Learn about 4 Plus (4+) Services and how to engage with an IEP team during these discussions.  We will help you understand eligibility requirements, what services could look like, where services could take place, and identifying unmet transition needs. Presented March 2025
ASK an Expert: Transition 101- This webinar provides an introduction to secondary transition in the State of Iowa.  Critical components of transition planning in IEPs are addressed by consultants from the Iowa Department of Education.  Presented March 2022.
 ASK an Exert: Graduation Information and Guidance- Information about the graduation requirements for students with disabilities is explained by Kirsten Lane and Kim Drew, Consultants from the Iowa Department of Education.  Presented March 2022.
 ASK an Expert: What are 4 Plus Services and Are They Right for my Child?- Four Plus services for students with IEPs beyond the fourth year of high school are explored with experts from the Iowa Department of Education.  Presented March 2022
 Secondary Transition 101- Webinars providing foundational information about the transition planning process is outlined by Iowa Transition Specialists.  Presented March 2022.
 ASK an Expert: Guardianship and Conservatorship- Jennifer Donovan, Public Guardian at Iowa Department on Aging covers Guardianship and Conservatorship and the changes effective 1/1/ 2020.  Presented August 2020.
 ASK an Expert: Alternatives to Guardianship- Jennifer Donovan, Public Guardian at Iowa Department on Aging covers alternative strategies to use rather than guardianship.  Presented August 2020.
What Are Host Homes and Are They Right for Your Child?- Are you wondering if host homes are right for your child?  The webinar includes commentary from a host home provider, a parent who has an adult son living in a host home, and an agency coordinator for host home services.  Presented 2016.
 ASK an Expert: Work Incentives and Planning Assistance- Join Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) as they discuss transition strategies and work incentives.  Work Incentive Planning and Assistance is a grant funded-program from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provides individualized benefits planning. Presented 2023.
 ASK an Expert: Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Service Delivery- Join Mary Jackson for an overview of services available through Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services for students with disabilities, including Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).  Presented 2023.
 ASK an Expert: The Transition Iowa Website and Roadmap- Mari from ASK Resource Center provides a tour of the Transition Iowa website, including key features.  Presented November 2022.
 ASK an Expert: What is SSI and How to Apply- Learn about the basics of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program and who may be eligible for financial support.  The presenter, Suzie Paulsen, provides tips for parents and answers a variety of questions. Presented 2024.
 ASK an Expert: Iowa ABLE Accounts- Learn about Iowa ABLE accounts including who is eligible, options for contributing to and accessing an ABLE account and what the funds can be used for.  Understand how your eligibility for social security benefits and Medicaid can be protected with an ABLE account. Presented 2024.

Transition Resource Guides

The following resource Guides provide a wide range of information and resources to help support Iowa students with disabilities in the transition planning process.
 Transition Information Iowa- Autism Speaks
 Community Resources- Central Rivers AEA
 Transition Resource Guide- Grant Wood AEA
 Transition Resource Guide- Heartland AEA
 Transition Information Packet (for youth in foster care)- Iowa Department of Human Services
 Transition Resources- Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services
 Transition Planning Guide (for Individuals transitioning from a facility into the community)- Money Follows the Person
 Transitioning Youth to Adulthood- Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parents Association

Transition Video Vignettes
 These short videos explain the basics on transition topics.
 IVRS Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-Ets): What services are available at age 14?-  The services that are available to students starting at age 14, called Pre-Ets, is explained.
 IVRS Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-Ets): Who, what, where & why- The term "Pre-Employment Transition Services" is defined and includes information about the "Pre-Ets Agreement".
 IVRS Transition Services: What Potentially Eligible Means- The term "potentially eligible" is described along with the services that "potentially eligible" students may qualify for.
 IVRS Transition Services: Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) for Students- An explanation of the IPE for a student in high school is described, along with how it coordinates with an IEP (Individualized Education Program).  
 ASK Us: Transition Fairs- A parent of a transition age student describes the benefits of participating in Transition Fairs 
 ASK Us: Identification Cards- A parent, Cindy Blackford, discusses how to obtain an identification card for your child with a disability. 
 Graduation Guidance- This brief video describes the changes to Iowa's graduation requirements (4,3,3,3).

Transition Info Sheets
Graduation Requirements: Options for a Student with an IEP- Learn about Iowa's 4-3-3-3 graduation requirements and how these apply to students with IEPs in Iowa.
4+ Services- 4+ (Four Plus) Services are transition services for students with IEPs ages 18 to 21.  These services are for students with an IEP who continue to need special education services to achieve their IEP goals and/ or graduation requirements.
Transition Terms- As youth and their parents prepare to exit high school and begin life as an adult, they are faced with many new terms and acronyms.  Listed below are definitions of some terms often used as youth transition to adulthood.
 Life After High School: 10 Transition Questions for Teens and Parents to consider- These questions are designed to help start meaningful discussions between students, parents and IEP team members.  The answers to these questions will be useful for future planning.  
 Age of Majority- Age of majority is the legal age when a person is no longer a minor and has the right and responsibility to make certain legal choices that adults make.  The IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) affords parents certain rights which will transfer to their child at age 18.  
 Legal Resources- A list of legal resources in Iowa including some attorneys who specialize in guardianship, conservatorship, and Special Needs Trusts. 
 Competitive Integrated Employment for People with Disabilities: Setting High Expectations with Employment First (E1st)- The idea that everyone can work with the right supports is explained, including frequently asked questions.