PA SECONDARY TRANSITION
Making a Difference
Explore More
Planning for secondary transition in Pennsylvania begins at age 14, or earlier when appropriate. From that point on, educators help students, guided by their strengths, goals, and needs, take meaningful steps toward:
In partnership with OVR, ODP, and statewide agencies, and under the Employment First approach, it is important to connect students to real-world work experiences, skill-building opportunities, and coordinated services that turn transition goals into lasting outcomes.
Shape Your Future
Three Types of Goals For the Secondary Transition Journey
It starts with age-appropriate transition assessments that center the student’s goals, strengths, and interests, so the plan reflects where they want to go, not just what the system expects.
Establish students’ current level of academic achievement and functional performance to create a strengths-based, current profile that informs meaningful transition planning.
Establish strong Transition Team partnerships to develop measurable postsecondary goals that reflect each student’s strengths, preferences, and needs
This is where the plan becomes actionable. Aligning instruction, community experiences, job training, and related services that directly support the post-school goals.
At this step, monitor progress and adjust support so instruction stays aligned with each student’s long-term goals.
This series will overview the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement between the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and the Bureau of Special Education (BSE) pertaining to the provision of secondary transition services for students with disabilities. Throughout the series, participants will be introduced to tools for collaboration between OVR, BSE, Local Education Agencies (LEAs), youth, and families.
Download the MOU
The Public Square on the PA Secondary Transition website is a personalized community portal designed to help students, families, educators, LEAs, and associated service providers easily access, save, and share transition resources. It brings together tools, events, and collaboration opportunities, allowing each user to build a customized support collection tailored to their unique needs during the transition process.
Save transition resources like IEP planning guides, assessments, and toolkits to your personalized dashboard, so everything you need is just a click away.
Engage with local and statewide events, join discussions with students, educators, families, and community agencies, and stay informed about transition-focused news in your community.
Share what’s working in your school, agency, or home. Upload tools, tell success stories, or recommend strategies that support student transitions across Pennsylvania.
State Resource Map
Your dynamic tool for finding local and statewide resources to assist students with disabilities in their journey from school to post-school life. This map connects you to vital services, programs, and opportunities in real time.
Explore More
Step-by-Step Guidance
Select your desired filters for region, service type, or audience.
Browse map results visually or review the listed resources.
Click on any resource for detailed contact information and descriptions.
Jun 2026
05:30 pm - 07:00 pm
ODP: After Hours with Policy from the Office of Development Programs (ODP): How Can I Share my Ideas of Make a Suggestion About an ODP Policy? What is Public Comment?
Jul 2026
03:00 pm - 04:30 pm
ABLE Accounts, Employment, and Financial Independence
Jul 2026
03:00 pm - 04:30 pm
Driving Independence: Integrating Transportation Supports Into Workforce Development
Jun 2026
10:00 am - 10:45 am
ODP: Learning Collaborative for Professionals Supporting People with Disabilities who are Parents
Jun 2026
03:00 pm - 04:00 pm
Independence Can Be Interdependence
Jun 2026
01:30 pm - 03:00 pm
Partnering for Progress: Building Transition Systems Together with Everyone Can Work
May 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am
ODP: The Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS) Overview of Supports and Services
May 2026
07:00 pm - 08:00 pm
Learn How PA ABLE Can Help Create Financial Opportunity for Veterans with Disabilities
Get the latest insights, stories, and behind-the-scenes updates.
