Transition to Adult Services Attorneys Throughout Connecticut
Helping to Smooth the Transition to Adult Services
Feinstein Education Law Group helps guide families through the preparation and transition process. It is important to start early especially if your student may need services beyond high school.
A successful transition from secondary education to adult life is the goal of an individualized education program (IEP) for students with disabilities. Essentially, the question is: What can we do to help the student become as independent as possible?
Ensuring the Proper Planning and Documentation of The Transition Timing and Process
Connecticut law requires that students with IEPs must receive transition services to help prepare them starting at least at age 16, or younger if they wish and the IEP team recommends it – or Planning and Placement Team (PPT) in Connecticut. In Connecticut, students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder shall receive transition services at age 14. The PPT may need to identify, explore, and connect with outside agencies to plan for transition, including but not limited to DDS, DMHAS, DPH, DORS, BRS, and BESBE.
If a student doesn’t meet their transition goals and objectives during high school it may be appropriate for the student to continue to receive transition services up through the end of the school year that they turn 21. According to Connecticut’s Transition Bill of Rights, schools must provide “appropriate individualized education services through the end of the school year in which they turn … 21 OR until graduation with a regular high school diploma.”
The transfer of rights to a student turning 18 is also a critical step for parents to consider and talk about with their student early on. Under Connecticut law, students may notify the school district (in writing) that their parents, guardian, or surrogate parent shall continue to have the right to make educational decisions with the students when they turn 18.
To find more information regarding these laws, please look here:
CT Transition Bill of Rights – Special Education.pdf and Transition Bill of Rights in Spanish.pdf
Building A Bridge – A manual for transition students.pdf and Building A Bridge in Spanish – A manual for transition students.pdf
CT Transition Services in College University and Community Settings.pdf
Writing Transition Goals and Objectives.pdf
Call or Email Our Firm
If you are facing challenges or have questions regarding your legal rights and options, we encourage you to call or email an attorney at our Mystic office to schedule an appointment. We offer free initial consultations.