Transition planning helps students with disabilities prepare for life after high school by setting long-term goals, building necessary skills, and fostering collaboration among families, educators, and agency partners. This process is life-long, but typically starts at age 14.

IEP PROCESS

Each student’s IEP team meets annually to review progress toward IEP goals, consider special factors, and determine placement. IEPs can be revised as appropriate to address lack of expected progress towards annual goals and in the general education curriculum: results of any reevaluation, information provided to, or by, parents,  the student’s anticipated needs, or other matters.**

The following IEP Process is implemented for all students with an IEP: 

   1. Contact parent(s) and arrange a mutually agreeable time and place for the IEP team meeting
   2. Send notice – invitation to an IEP team meeting
   3. IEP team meets to develop the IEP and determine placement
   4. Provide parent(s) with notice of placement and copy of IEP 
   5. Implement IEP and placement
   6. Periodically review and revise as appropriate

IEP and Placement Timelines

^{**After the annual IEP team meeting, parent(s) and the local educational agency (school administrator) may agree to revise the IEP without an IEP team meeting. If a placement change is being considered, an IEP team meeting is required.}

ANNUAL EVENTS

Parent University
If you have a child in our school district who has an IEP and is part of our special education program, or if you would just like to learn more about PWSSD’s special education program, we invite you to Special Education Parent University. Meet staff and learn about our special education program. Topics vary from semester to semester but have previously  included IEP navigation, social skills, the referral process, and other special education-related topics.

Fall Transition Night
A presentation geared towards 10th graders but open for all high schoolers and their parents to attend. The night will include various topics, breakout sessions, and resources from several resources and programs in our community.

Ozaukee County Resource Fair
Ozaukee County has some wonderful community resources. Come discover what’s available for children, teens, and adults with disabilities. Information available regarding vocational, educational, recreational, legal, guardianships, day services, and transition resources.

Obtaining a Driver's License

Learner's Permit Info
   > If you are under 18, you must complete a Drivers Education Program.
   > Pass Knowledge and Sign Test at DMV (Individuals with a documented disability may apply to take this test with necessary accommodations) 
   > Complete Required Road Hours and Behind-the-Wheel Lessons.

Getting Your License
   > After completion of the requirements listed above, the individual must schedule and pass a Road Test with their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Additional Transportation Resources/Options

   > Forward Careers (Age 18+) – Work N’ Wheels

   > Ozaukee County Shared Ride Taxi

   > Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (If currently receiving services through DVR, individuals can receive 1-to-1 services if there is an Individualized Plan for Employment.)

Department of Workforce Development
The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) supports the regional workforce by connecting job seekers with employment opportunities and providing services like career counseling, job search assistance, skills workshops, and training programs.

DVR Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is a state and federal program that helps individuals with disabilities overcome employment barriers by providing support services and collaborating with schools, employers, and community organizations.

Forward Careers
Forward Careers is a Wisconsin nonprofit that connects individuals with in-demand careers by offering skills training, career services, and job search support while helping businesses attract and retain talent.

Harrigan Development Services
Harrigan Development Services (HDS) provides vocational and supportive services for individuals with disabilities and those who are at-risk, offering job development, coaching, mentoring, and life skills training.

Inspire Wisconsin
Inspire WI is a centralized hub that connects employers, educators, and students to create meaningful career-based learning experiences, helping businesses build strong programming, supporting schools in academic and career planning, and strengthening connections between education and the workforce across local communities.

Portal
Provides employment, life skills, and recreation services for adults and transitioning youth with disabilities.

Project Search
Project SEARCH is a 9 to 12-month high school transition program that prepares youth with disabilities for competitive employment through internships in a business setting, in collaboration with a school district and vocational rehabilitation services.

Turning 18

Checklist
What should I know about turning 18?

Additional Resources

ADRC
The mission of the Aging and Disability Resource Center is to empower and assist all seniors, adults with disabilities, and their families by providing services which help them make informed choices, maintain independence, and remain safely in their home and community.

Forward Careers
Provides supportive career opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Ozaukee and Washington Counties.
   > Independent Living 18-21
   > NEXT: Ages 17+ Looking into Healthcare Careers
   > Employment Now

DVR
Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
   > Referral Information
   > Process Information
   > Application

IRIS
A program for adults with disabilities and elderly people in Wisconsin. It is a self-directed program. That means that you will have the freedom to decide how you want to live your life.