This T.R.E.A.T. Resource Guide has been prepared as a tool for teachers and parents to assist students who are transitioning to work, school or home after graduation.

"The Transition from school to work and adult life requires sound preparation in the secondary school, adequate support at the point of school leaving, and secure opportunities and services, if needed, in adult situations."

Madeline Will, 1984

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services

A major concern in transitioning from school for students with disabilities is the issue of transferring assistive technology devices, that have been purchased by the school system, from the education agency to the work site, post-secondary school or the agency providing work - related services such as VESID (Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities -or call (1-800-272-5448) or CBVH (Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped) @ http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/cbvh/

Provisions have been made in IDEA and the Rehab. Act to allow for individuals to purchase equipment from school systems, however barriers still exist that make this difficult at times. When purchasing equipment from the school is not an option there are other avenues to pursue:

    Insurance/Medicaid.

    Rehabilitation Agency.  Often equipment is only purchased when the family can prove financial need. Most Assistive Technology evaluations are paid for by the agency. For specific questions contact the rehabilitation agency for which the student qualifies. Most rehabilitation agencies have time lines for identifying and providing services to students transitioning. Typically students should contact the agency in the fall of their junior year. Applications can begin in January of the junior year and eligibility can be determined within 60 days of intake. At this point goal and plan development can occur so that crucial components of the transition such as Assistive Technology can be resolved before the student is set to graduate. 

Private funding and grants.

Web Sites and Articles Related to Transition:

AssistiveTechnology Devices and Services - September, 1995 NYSED/VESID Field Memo    http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/transition/atds.html

Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH)http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/cbvh/

Guidelines to Allow for the Transfer of Asstistive Technology When a Student Moves from School Jurisdiction to Higher Education, Other Human Service Agency or Employment ñ July, 1996 NYSED/VESID Field Memo

http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/transition/aatws.html

National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET) http://www.ncset.org

National Transition Network http://ici2.umn.edu/ntn

PostSecondary Education Planning for Assistive Technology

http://cat.buffalo.edu/transition/at.php

Transferring Assistive Technology from School to Work, United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) Organization   http://www.ucpa.org/ucp_channeldoc.cfm/1/12/69/69-69/736

Transition (NYSED/VESID)   http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/transition

Transition Research Institute http://www.ed.uiuc.edu/SPED/tri/institute.html

Transition Services in Capital Region BOCES Special Education Division

ìThis program assists school staff and parents as they prepare 14 to 21 year old students with disabilities to fully participate in adult life in the community.  Program Coordinators provide information and referral services about community resources as they relate to the studentsí educational, vocational, residential, recreational and/or legal needs.  Training and technical assistance are provided top districts to ensure compliance with federal and state mandates.î  For more information, please contact:  Mary Leach, Carron Rutnik, Lin Polster, Suzanne Hasko or Laura Thomson at (518) 464-6363.  Website:  www.capregboces.org

This T.R.E.A.T. Resource Guide is a publication of the Technology Resources for Education (T.R.E.) Center, Maywood School, Capital Region BOCES, 1979 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12205; (518) 464-6346; Toll free in NY (800) 248-9873; Fax: (518) 464-6353; Website: http://www.trecenter.org The T.R.E. Center is a co-sponsored project of the Capital Region BOCES and the New York State Education Department’s Vocational Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID).

September, 2002