Secondary transition refers to the process a student with a disability goes through as they move from high school to whatever comes next, including postsecondary education, employment and independent living. In Florida this begins at age 14 or earlier and may not end until 22 for students with significant disabilities.

The term “transition services” or “transition planning” means a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability that:

• Is designed to be within a results-oriented process, that is focused 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 education, integrated employment (including supported employment); continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation
• Is based on the individual child’s needs, taking into account the child’s strengths, preferences, and interests
• Includes instruction, related services, community experiences, the development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives, and, if appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation

Access the transition Padlet to view many resources for students with disabilities during their transition years. Resources include information about graduation and deferral options, Post Secondary Education and Vocation options, community providers, vocational programs, financial support, housing assistance, supported transportation options, college readiness, and local and state community resources. 

To view the Padlet - click here. 

What is Project SEARCH?

Project SEARCH is a one-year internship program for students with disabilities between the ages of 18-21. It is targeted to students whose goal is competitive

employment. The program takes place at NCH Baker Downtown Hospital, where students will participate in three unpaid internships to explore a variety of career paths. 

Students begin and end each day with classroom instruction on the NCH campus. The following topics will be covered throughout the program: Team Building, Workplace Safety, Financial Literacy, Health and Wellness, Technology, Self-Advocacy, Preparing for Employment, and Maintaining Employment.

What is LIFE?

The L.I.F.E Program is an internship program for students with disabilities between the ages of 18-21. The program provides authentic structured work-study opportunities in a community-based setting based on students’ interests and strengths.  The program takes place through a partnership with Royal Poincianna Golf Club.

Students begin and end each day with classroom instruction on the Barron Collier High School campus. The following topics will be covered throughout the program: Team Building, Banking Skills, Workplace Safety, Self-Advocacy, Preparing for Employment, Confidence Building, Work-related Vocabulary, Responsibility, and Maintaining Employment.

The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA; 2008) defines inclusive postsecondary education programs as those where students with intellectual disabilities take college courses and work in internships and employment, both with their typical peers. The initiative calls for the establishment of meaningful credentials for students with intellectual disabilities; credentials that speak to employers of capability, skills, and self-initiative. Finally, the initiative focuses on gainful employment outcomes; postsecondary education must result in paid employment (FCIHE, 2016).

This is a list of Florida’s inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs serving students between the ages of 18 and 43, according to a recent survey (FCIHE, 2016). Programs listed here meet the definition of inclusive postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities, as defined in the TPSID initiative of the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA, 2008). 

  Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Inclusion Postsecondary Education Programs (IPSE) Comparison Chart

Partners in Transition (PIT) Meeting Dates for 2024-2025:

Partners In Transition is a multidisciplinary team that addresses the unique needs of  persons with disabilities post-high school, including employment and training, postsecondary education and their desired living accommodations. Partners In Transition works with students, young adults, families and community stake holders in a variety of ways to increase and enhance the post-school lives of students with disabilities.