During high school, students with special needs have a variety of experiences with transition and ideally – carefully planned their transition to postsecondary education with help and support of parents, school counselors, special education teachers and general education teachers. As an active member of the transition team, a student assumes greater responsibility for their own learning outcomes and takes as active role in the decision making process affecting their long term goals. As you enter college, emphasis is placed on continuing to set short- and long-term goals for yourself and promoting independence and self-awareness during your postsecondary education.

Transition planning for college is really a subset of planning for adult life because postsecondary education is not an end in itself; it is one choice that a student might make in preparing for adulthood. If students and their families are to make informed choices, they must be aware of the options and their consequences, and be given opportunities for making meaningful choices based on a self-knowledge of their strengths, interests, and needs. With appropriate preparation and continuing supports, postsecondary education provides an extended educational opportunity for developing skills needed for a successful career and meaningful life.

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