Transition Services

Transition services means a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability that— 

1. 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;
2. 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 provision of a functional vocational evaluation.

Transition services for children with disabilities may be special education, if provided as specially designed instruction, or a related service, if required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education.

The Legal Framework  

FEDERAL AND STATE REQUIREMENTS

Websites

• MHMR of Tarrant County  Services for youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD); mental health conditions; substance use disorders; and babies / young children with developmental delays  
• Pecan Valley Centers - Johnson County  Services for youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD); mental health conditions; substance use disorders; and babies / young children with developmental delays
• Texas Workforce Commission  Assistance for youth and students with disabilities to help prepare for post-secondary education and employment opportunities
• Texas Health & Human Services  A range of services to Texans with disabilities that help ensure their well-being, dignity and choice as well as support family members who care for them.
• Social Security Administration  Detailed information about disability benefits and what to expect from Social Security during the disability process
• Disability Rights Texas  Protection and advocacy for children and adults with disabilities 
• Texas Transition Student-Centered Transitions Network  Transition information and resources from the Texas Education Agency
• 211  Connections to services/assistance when you’re not sure where to turn
• Navigate Life Texas  Resources and supports for families raising children with disabilities
• Texas Project FIRST  Information resource for parents and families of students with disabilities - created by parents, for parents
• Garrett Center at Sam Houston State University  Information for transition team members including educators, students with disabilities, their families, agencies and community partners
• Texas Parent to Parent  Support, information, and education for families of children of all ages who have disabilities or chronic illness
• Special Olympics Texas (BISD contact Monetta Smith email)  Sports training, athletic competition and a variety of other activities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities
• Tarrant Cares Easterseals North Texas  Resources for various issues families may be facing
• IDD Council  Supports for a more inclusive community where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) thrive
• The ARC of Texas  Advocacy for community inclusion, quality supports and services to meet the needs and choices of individuals with disabilities
• REACH Resource Centers on Independent Living  Services for people with disabilities so that they are able to lead self-directed lives 
• Texas ABLE - A Savings Program for Texans with Disabilities  Savings program for Texans with disabilities
• Wills and Trusts - Financial Planning  Financial planning for a child with a disability or special health care needs

Transition Tools

Documents and Information

• TEA Graduation Toolkit
• Texas Transition & Employment Guide
• Your Rights, Your Voice Transition Guide
• Autism Speaks Transition Toolkit
• Beyond High School:  Your Rights at College, Trade School and More

Texas Medicaid Waiver Programs

•  Navigate Life Texas
• TEXAS-Health and Human Services
• Children's Health
• Medicaid.gov  Keeping America Healthy

 Guardianship & Alternatives to Guardianship

• A Texas Guide to Adult Guardianship
• Supported Decision-Making Agreement
• Statutory Durable Power of Attorney 
• Medical Power of Attorney
• Social Security Representative Payee
• Texas Guardianship Association
• Legal Aid of Northwest Texas

Burleson ISD Transition Contacts

Monetta Smith 

Transition & Related Services Coordinator

msmith@bisdmail.net

817-245-1222

Lesa Schaffer 

Transition Specialist

lschaffer@bsidmail.net

817-245-0208