The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) administers programs that assist in educating children and youth with disabilities and provides funding for vocational rehabilitation (VR) services for youth and adults with disabilities.
Transition services help secondary students successfully transition from school to post-school employment and/or active participation in their communities.
Transition Publications
Expect, Engage, and Empower: Successful Transitions for All! Blog Series (2023 - Present)
OSERS released a series of blogs on secondary transition to highlight tools and resources necessary for successful secondary transition experiences.
A Transition Guide to Postsecondary Education and Employment for Students and Youth with Disabilities, August 2020
As students and youth with disabilities prepare to transition to adult life, we must do everything we can to provide them with the information, services, and supports they need to ensure that they have the opportunity to achieve their goals. To aid in a seamless transition from school to post-school activities, this updated transition guide addresses the following topics:
- Transition planning: opportunities and programs;
- Transition services and requirements, as authorized by IDEA and the Rehabilitation Act;
- Education and employment options for students and youth with disabilities after leaving secondary school; and
- Supporting the decisions made by students and youth with disabilities.
Letter on the Importance of Collaboration Between Special Education and VR Related to Secondary Transition, August 2020
A letter to vocational rehabilitation and special education partners highlighting partnerships where coordination and collaboration are crucial for individuals with disabilities, particularly students and youth with disabilities, to achieve high quality employment outcomes.
Collaboration Opportunities: WIOA Youth and Vocational Rehabilitation Programs
On May 16, 2019, the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor issued a technical assistance resource titled Collaboration Opportunities: WIOA Youth and Vocational Rehabilitation Programs. This resource is intended to provide a high-level overview of these two programs and improve coordination of workforce preparation activities and employment services between these two core programs. The document offers strategies and resources to increase collaboration between the State and local agencies under these two programs, as well as program providers, so they may more effectively serve youth with disabilities.
Information, networks, and strategies to improve continuing education and training for deaf people.
Info, tools and supports to assist in delivering effective services and instruction for secondary students and out-of-school youth with disabilities.
A central clearinghouse for vocational rehabilitation information for individuals with disabilities and the VR and education community.