Federal and state regulations mandate that transition planning must occur for all eligible students with disabilities in Special Education as part of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process no later than age 16 and younger if appropriate. Appalachia IU8 provides transition services, through the IEP process, for all eligible students, ages 14-21 throughout a four county area. Transition planning involves students, their families, educators and community service providers in a unified effort to develop services resulting in successful preparation for their adult lives. At age 14, a functional vocational assessment is completed and a course of study is determined for each student to enable them to achieve academic and /or vocational goals. At age 16, transition goals are included in the IEP. These goals are written with the students, parents, educators and community service providers. Academic/vocational skills training, exploration of post secondary education sites, recreational and leisure activities development, job training volunteer and/or paid work experiences and community competitive employment are targeted areas for transition services. Transition teachers also work with many community agencies while students are in school. Some students may be in need of supported employment and/or supported living arrangements after graduation. In this case, the transition teacher works with community agencies and parents to ensure that a natural, smooth progression to adult life is in place for each student prior to their graduation.

Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 assists school districts in providing transition services. These services include but are not limited to:

• assistance in writing IEP's
  
• interagency collaboration
  
• development and monitoring of worksites
  
• completion and review of follow-up sites
  
• assistance with school to work activities
  
• coordination of transition council activities
  
• preparation for post secondary education/training and work opportunities.