From IEP to adult life. SPED Transition Ages 14–21.

Special-education transition planning is the bridge from school to adult life. This timeline maps every milestone, legal requirements, family actions, and adult-service connections.

Published ByDC State Board of Education

SPED Transition · Key PrincipleBefore you begin

Before you begin

Don't exit early without a plan.

Students with IEPs can receive special-education services until the end of the school year in which they turn 22. In DC, transition planning starts at age 14, earlier than the federal age-16 requirement, and the choices you make at each age cascade into adult life.

The five milestone ages

14

Begin

Transition planning starts; student is invited to IEP meetings.

16

Formal

Comprehensive transition assessment; postsecondary goals in IEP.

17

Prepare

School notifies family about transfer of rights; SOP planning begins.

18

Adulthood

Educational rights transfer to student unless guardianship; student signs own IEP.

21

Transition

Last year of school-based special-education eligibility in DC.

Connect early with adult services The Department on Disability Services (DDS) waitlists are long, apply 1–2 years before you'll need services. 202-730-1700. The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) and DC Department of Employment Services (DOES) also have youth pathways worth starting in 11th grade.

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SPED Transition · Ages 14–17In school

Ages 14–17 · in school

Building toward independence.

Three years where transition planning becomes formal, comprehensive, and student-led. Each age has its legal milestone and family action items.

14Begin

Transition planning begins

Legal: The IEP must include transition planning goals.
Legal: The student must be invited to IEP transition meetings.
Discuss your child's dreams and goals for after high school.
Ask about vocational assessments and interest inventories.
Request information about different diploma pathways.
Make sure your child attends their IEP meeting.

16Formal

Formal transition planning required

Legal: Comprehensive transition assessment is required.
Legal: Postsecondary goals must cover education, employment, and independent living.
Legal: Outside agencies must be invited if they may provide services.
Request a comprehensive vocational evaluation.
Visit potential post-secondary programs or workplaces.
Explore Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) options.
Connect with the Department on Disability Services (DDS) if eligible.

17Prepare

Preparation for adulthood

Legal: School must notify the family about transfer of rights at 18.
Legal: Student should participate actively in IEP meetings.
Legal: Summary of Performance (SOP) planning should begin.
Discuss transfer of rights at 18, the student becomes the legal decision-maker.
Consider supported decision-making alternatives to guardianship.
Apply for SSI / SSDI if applicable (can apply at 17½).
Register for the DC One Card and apply for DDS services if eligible.

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SPED Transition · Ages 18–21Adult life

Ages 18–21 · adult life

Adulthood & adult services.

At 18, the student becomes a legal adult. Adult services kick in alongside (or replacing) school-based services. Connect early; don't wait until graduation.

18Adulthood

Legal adulthood

Legal: Educational rights transfer to the student (unless guardianship).
Legal: Student signs their own IEP.
Legal: Eligible for special-education services through age 21.
Student should lead their own IEP meeting.
Complete the guardianship process if pursued.
Register to vote · register for Selective Service if required.
Apply for adult services through RSA and DDS.
Update emergency contacts and healthcare decisions.

21Transition

Transition to adult life

Legal: Last year of eligibility for school-based special education.
Legal: Summary of Performance must be provided at exit.
Finalize adult-services connections (DDS, RSA, DOES).
Confirm the housing plan: family home, supported living, or independent.
Confirm transportation: Metro, MetroAccess, Lyft, family.
Confirm health insurance and primary-care provider.
Continue community connections, advocate, mentor, peer group.

Apply early Adult-service waitlists are long. Apply 1–2 years before you'll need services so they're in place the day school exit happens. DDS 202-730-1700, RSA via osse.dc.gov.

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