How does the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) support improved service coordination?
The IDEA requires formal and systematic transition planning services for students with disabilities. This planning is accomplished by local interagency transition teams who create an Individual Education Program (IEP) for each eligible student. A statement of transition service needs must be included in each student s IEP beginning at age 14 (or younger if deemed appropriate). This statement must include, when appropriate, a statement of interagency responsibilities or any needed linkages. Specifically, IDEA requires the sharing of transition programming responsibilities among special, vocational, and general educators, employment specialists, and specialists in vocational rehabilitation, postsecondary education, social services, and mental health. Interagency coordination and alignment of services is a critical component in helping youth with disabilities make a successful transition to adult roles.
