DC State Board of Education Special education · Ages 14–21

From planning
to adult life.

A transition timeline for families of students with IEPs — your legal rights at each age, and the action steps to take alongside them.

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Key principle

Students can receive special education services through age 22.

Don't exit early without a plan. Eligibility runs through the end of the school year in which the student turns 22 — that's an extra runway most families don't know they have.

Age
14
Transition planning begins
Legal requirements
  • IEP must include transition planning goals
  • Student must be invited to IEP meetings about transition
  • Appropriate transition assessments must be conducted
Family action items
  • Discuss your child's dreams and goals for after high school
  • Ask about vocational assessments and interest inventories
  • Request information about diploma pathways
  • Ensure your child attends their IEP meeting
  • Start exploring career interests together
Age
16
Formal transition planning
Legal requirements
  • Comprehensive transition assessment required
  • IEP must include postsecondary goals: education, employment, and independent living
  • Transition services must be listed in IEP
  • Outside agencies invited to IEP if they may provide services
Family action items
  • Request a comprehensive vocational evaluation
  • Visit potential post-secondary programs or workplaces
  • Explore the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)
  • Discuss transportation and independent living skills
  • Consider guardianship or alternatives if needed by 18
  • Connect with the Department on Disability Services (DDS)
Age
17
Preparation for adulthood
Legal requirements
  • School must notify family about transfer of rights at 18
  • Student should participate more actively in IEP development
  • Summary of Performance (SOP) planning should begin
Family action items
  • Discuss transfer of rights at 18 — student becomes the decision-maker
  • Consider supported decision-making as an alternative to guardianship
  • Apply for SSI / SSDI if applicable (can apply at 17½)
  • Register for a DC One Card (ID)
  • Apply for DDS services if eligible
  • Explore DC Department of Employment Services (DOES) programs
Age
18
Legal adulthood
Legal requirements
  • Educational rights transfer to student (unless guardianship)
  • Student signs their own IEP
  • Can continue special education through age 21
  • Eligible for adult services
Family action items
  • Student should lead their IEP meeting
  • Complete 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
  • Create a supported decision-making agreement if helpful
Ages
19–21
Transition to adult life
Legal requirements
  • Can remain in school until end of school year of turning 22
  • Entitled to free appropriate public education (FAPE) until 22
  • School must provide Summary of Performance (SOP) upon exit
  • Should have plan for post-school services in place
Family action items
  • Maximize time in school to build skills, if beneficial
  • Ensure all adult services are in place before exiting
  • Request a complete Summary of Performance
  • Connect with adult service providers — DDS, RSA, Medicaid Waiver
  • Explore post-secondary education options
  • Develop employment plans through supported employment
  • Establish independent-living supports
  • Plan for a meaningful adult life

Key contacts for transition

OSSE Special Education202-727-6436
Department on Disability Services (DDS)202-730-1700
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)202-442-8400
Advocates for Justice and Education202-678-8060
DC State Board of Educationsboe.dc.gov
DC Office of the Ombudsman202-741-4692