Do We Know Enough to Plan for Transition? A National Survey of State Agencies Responsible for Services to Persons wtih Severe Handicaps

Transition of students with severe handicaps from school to community life has become a principle concern of parents, advocates, and professionals. The failure of students with disabilities to access appropriate vocational and residential services following school has highlighted the need for comprehensive transition planning at both an individual and systems level. Through interviews with state administrators of educational, vocational, and residential services, this study attempted to define the scope of the postschool service needs of individuals exiting public school programs on a national level. The results of the survey are discussed in terms of the implications for state agencies in effectively planning the transition of students with severe handicaps from school to postschool services.