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Transition: In the educational system, a transition occurs when students move from one educational program to another, such as from middle school to high school or high school to post-secondary education, an independent living program or to the workforce. A place where professionals, parents, students and the community can access transition information. Photo: a girl is inspecting the car's engine.

Transition

Welcome to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Transition Resources Section!

A place where professionals, parents, students and the community can access transition information.

In the educational system, a transition occurs when students move from one educational program to another, such as from middle school to high school or high school to post-secondary education, an independent living program or to the workforce.

Transitions are critical periods in a student’s journey. Students need the right tools and skills to successfully move from one educational program to another. When students are equipped, they are prepared to complete their education, career, or life goals as independently as possible.

“A truly successful transition process is the result of comprehensive team planning that is driven by the dreams, desires, and abilities of youth. A transition plan provides the basic structure for preparing an individual to live, work and play in the community, as fully and independently as possible.”

Transition Planning

A successful transition requires planning to identify the right services and resources. Planning for transition can begin when the child is 14 years old. Through transition planning, students can make informed choices about their goals.
 
Transition planning may include:
  • assessments to identify  strengths, abilities, and desires to develop goals or skill targets.
  • a review of requirements for career pathways
  • Transition considerations in a student’s IEP
  • Skill assessment and development such as self-advocacy, disclosure, accessibility needs, or independent living.
  • Graduation planning
  • Dual credit courses
  • Post-secondary (college) preparation
  • Independent Living
  • Career Preparation and Exploration Opportunities
  • Employment experience or training
  • Summer and year-round activities, such as camps, workshops, or seminars
  • Vocational rehabilitation (VR) counseling
  • Pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS)
 
Start transition planning by reviewing the Texas Transition and Employment guide, learning your rights, and contacting the school. We list some resources below!

Your Bright Future!

Supported by the Texas Workforce Commission, K-12 students and their parents can begin transition planning. Assessments, tool kits and contact information for the closest vocational rehabilitation counselor.


Individualized Learning Plan

The US Department of Education offers a guide, KICKSTART, to support students with their individualized learning plan (ILP) with a checklist and additional resources. 

National Deaf Center on Post-Secondary Outcomes

The National Deaf Center is a technical assistance and knowledge center, offering resources and individualized support on transition planning or accessibility in post-secondary education. They offer a self-assessment interactive game, Deaf Verse. 

Texas Health and Human Services Commission Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

The Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services is the center for awareness and education on deaf and hard of hearing issues and services in Texas. Their goal is to (1) help connect people to resources and services, (2) raise awareness, and (3) improve communication access.

 Texas Transition

The Texas Transition Guide provides youth, young adults, parents and professionals with secondary transition resources to facilitate a young person’s progress towards post-secondary goals to education, employment, and community living. 

Texas Workforce Commission

A variety of information is available for service providers, job seekers, employees, businesses and employers as well as policy makers. In addition, details about the different initiatives in place for employment are also available. Students can receive vocational rehabilitation services if they qualify.

 DeafTEC at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)

DeafTEC, a technological education center, provides training, events and resources for high schools and community colleges. Their aim is to improve education and employment in the STEM field for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

TexasCTE

Career and Technical Education (CTE) is an important part of transition. CTE begins in the classroom. This website provides TEKS-aligned resources and activities for education professionals.
 
This special education-focused website is a support hub for students, parents and educators. Educators can take advantage of their many resources and online training on transition.
 

Texas Transition

The Texas Transition Guide provides youth, young adults, parents and professionals with secondary transition resources to facilitate a young person’s progress towards post-secondary goals to education, employment, and community living.

 

Texas Workforce Commission

A variety of information is available for service providers, job seekers, employees, businesses and employers as well as policy makers. In addition, details about the different initiatives in place for employment are also available. Students can receive vocational rehabilitation services if they qualify.

 

National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC)

The National Deaf Center is a technical assistance and knowledge center, offering resources and individualized support on transition planning or accessibility in post-secondary education.

 

DeafTEC at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)

DeafTEC, a technological education center, provides training, events and resources for high schools and community colleges. Their aim is to improve education and employment in the STEM field for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

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