The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that mandates access to Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). This legislation was first passed in 1975. Requirements concerning transition services were included in 1990 after several studies noted significant problems with post-school outcomes of students with disabilities.

IDEA Section 300.323300.323, When IEPs must be in effect; IDEA Section 300.43300.43, Transition Services; and WAC 392-172A-01190, Transition Services state that:

At the age of 16, or earlier if the IEP team determines it is appropriate, transition planning must be part of the IEP and is defined as a coordinated set of activities for a youth with a disability that is:

Designed to be within a results-oriented process
Focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of the youth with a disability to facilitate the youth’s movement from school to post-school activities including postsecondary education, vocational education, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation
Is based on the individual student’s needs, taking into account their strengths, preferences, and interests; and includes:
- Instruction
- Related services
- Community experiences
- Development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives
- Acquisition of daily living skills and provision of a functional vocational evaluation (if appropriate).

This means that in the year the student turns 16, the IEP must include a statement of transition services with all the necessary components. For example, if the annual IEP is written in October and the student turns age 16 the following August, that IEP must include all required transition components and services.

Next: Performance Indicators for Secondary Transition