Secondary Transition
Definition
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 12 and may not end until 22, pursuant to federal and state law.
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 participatio;n
- Is based on the individual child’s needs, taking into account the child’s strengths, preferences, and interests; and
- 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.
State Lead Contacts
Florida Statues and Rule
- Section 1004.6495, F.S., Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program and Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities
- Section 1003.5716, F.S., Transition to postsecondary education and career opportunities
- Section 1003.4282(10), F.S., Requirements for a standard high school diploma
- 6A-1.09963, F.A.C., High School Graduation requirements for Students with Disabilities
Florida Department of Education Resources
- Best Practices for Transition Services and Programs in Florida School Districts (PDF)
- The 2021 Florida Legislature passed, and Governor DeSantis signed into law, House Bill (HB) 173, requiring the Florida Department of Education in collaboration with the Project 10: Transition Education Network to review existing transition services and programs for students with disabilities to identify best practices. The deadline for completing this review and publishing the best practices was July 1, 2022. More information on HB 173 (2021) can be found at the following link: https://info.fldoe.org/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-9224/dps-2021-91.pdf.
- Florida became an Employment First state by Executive Order in October, 2013. Employment First is both a philosophy and policy, and means that employment is the first option for all individuals, including those with significant disabilities. Employers and individuals with disabilities can get information from the Abilities Work Web Portal. Employers can also contact the Abilities Work Help Desk at (844) 245-3405 or AbilitiesWorkHD@vr.fldoe.org.
- Secondary Transition Roadmap for Families
- Guía para familias sobre la transición después de la escuela secundaria (Spanish)
- Plan Detaye Tranzisyon nan Etid Segondè pou Fanmi yo (Haitian Creole)
- Family Guide to Secondary Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities
- Employment Transition Plan Template (Word)
- Employment Transition Plan Template Instructions (PDF)
- Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities
- Vocational Rehabilitation STAR Program