Learn About Transition Planning

Webinars and other materials that 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
 Secondary Transition 101- Webinars providing foundational information about the transition planning process is outlined by Iowa Transition Specialists.
 WIOA: The Basics- This video contains basic information about the provisions of the Workforce Innovations and Opportunities Act (WIOA) for parents, educators and school administrators.  It was produced as a collaborative project among Iowa's AEA Directors of Special Education, ASK Resource Center and Disability Rights Iowa.
 Transition to Adulthood Webinar Series- The University of Iowa's Child Health Specialty Clinics offers a webinar series on Transition Planning for families of youth with special needs.  Topics include: School Transition Planning, Applying for Social Security, Estate Planning, Promoting Self-Determination, A Youth and Parent Panel, Guardianship and Shared Decision Making, and a screening of the Intelligent Lives Documentary with guided discussion.  
 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.  
 ASK an Expert: Alternatives to Guardianship- Jennifer Donovan, Public Guardian at Iowa Department on Aging covers alternative strategies to use rather than guardianship.  
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.  
What is the ABLE Act and is it Right for My Child?- This webinar presented by financial planning professional, Frank Varvaris, will provide an overview of he Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act legislation, as well as discuss the comparison between an ABLE account and a special needs trust.  He will explore various future planning options for individuals with disabilities.

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- Secondary Students- Great Prairie 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- Mississippi Bend AEA
 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
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.