Secondary Transition

  • Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS), Department of Special Education and The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services are committed to the meaningful movement of individuals with disabilities from school to postsecondary outcomes. Early planning is critical for students to successfully exit high school prepared for college, career, and community. In Maryland, transition planning and the delivery of services should begin no later than the IEP year in which the student turns 14 years of age.
     
    This booklet provides parents with information about secondary transition and includes information about other agencies and services that students may engage with once they leave high school. It also provides parents and students with tips and steps that they can take to facilitate this important transition.
     

    Maryland Service Agency Linkages
    The following four state agencies may provide services or supports for eligible individuals in Maryland. Each agency has specific eligibility criteria that must be met to receive services. Please get in touch with the appropriate agency with questions regarding services or their eligibility process. You may refer to:

    DORS-Division of Rehabilitation Services. The Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) offers programs that help individuals with disabilities to go to work, stay on the job, or prepare for the world of work. DORS helps high school students, college students, and students in other approved programs by providing or arranging for services that may include career counseling, assistive technology, vocational training, and/or job placement assistance.

    DDA-Developmental Disabilities Administration. The DDA provides a coordinated service delivery system so that people with developmental disabilities receive appropriate services oriented toward the goal of full inclusion in their community, including obtaining and maintaining integrated competitive employment. The DDA’s community-based service delivery system includes various home and community-based services and supports provided to eligible people through either a Medicaid State Plan, Waiver program or via DDA State-funded services.

    BHA-Behavioral Health Administration BHA is part of the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) that serves people with mental illness and/or problems with alcohol and drug use. Through its local agencies, called Local Behavioral Administrations (LBHA) or Core Service Agencies (CSA), BHA funds and administers programs including but not limited to psychiatric inpatient care, residential treatment, routine and intensive outpatient care, crisis services, rehabilitation services, family support, supported housing, and supported employment.

    MDL-Development and Adult Learning, Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations. The Maryland Department of Labor’s Office of Workforce Development Youth Service Division provides programs and services to help young adults reach educational and employment goals. Through the Maryland Labor local America’s Job Centers and Workforce Investment Boards, Maryland Labor provides career consultation, training, computer access, and other support services. Maryland Labor, in conjunction with the American Job Centers, provides an array of employment services and connects customers to work-related training and education opportunities through funding from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).