Transition for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

In making the transition from the school years to adult life, students who are blind or visually impaired need information and advice specific to their needs. In this section you'll find resources for students, parents, families, and professionals.

Below is a list of topics you'll find in this section. Click on a title to jump to a specific topic.

For Students
For Families & Professionals
Forms & Tools to Use in the Transition Planning Process

For Students

How Can I Participate in Transition Planning?
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
This document tells students how to be active participants in planning for their own transition to adult life. It includes specific tips on managing information and keeping records, and is a Resource for the Expanded Core Curriculum.

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For Families & Professionals

Transition Happens, Ready or Not!
American Foundation for the Blind
This brief introduction defines transition and identifies key elements in the process, emphasizing individual initiative and the importance of planning. There are numerous links on the AFB Career Connect site for families and friends, teens, professionals, job seekers, and employers.

Finding Your Place: APSEA Transition Services for Students Who are Blind or Visually Impaired (2003)
Provincial Centre: Special Education Technology
The Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority (APSEA) produced this 17-minute video to highlight their transition services for students. Transition teams, including students and families, address issues including career choices, independent living skills, housing, transportation, budgeting, recreation and leisure, post-secondary options and employment.

Making It! Successful Transition Competencies for Youth with Visual Disabilities
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
This article, which is available in English and Spanish, identifies the top ten competencies needed for a successful transition, including skills in socialization, problem-solving, and self-advocacy.

Transition Matters: Yikes! Consider Life Without School! Planning Now for a Good Life for Your Child With a Disability
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Written by a parent of a son who is blind, this article offers specific suggestions for other parents to "create opportunities for work, friends, and meaningful activities for your child after graduation".

Helping Your Child Transition from Adolescence to Adulthood
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
The parent of an adult daughter who is blind shares strategies for families of transition-age youth. This document is available in English and in Spanish.

Talking from the Heart - Life After Grade 12 (2007)
Provincial Centre: Special Education Technology
Seven young adults, all of whom are blind or visually impaired, were invited by PRCVI to share their experiences and insights about life before and after grade.

Twelve Things You Can Do to Plan for Your Child's Future Today
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
This article is a to-do list of things for parents preparing for their child's future.  The suggestions are appropriate for any age and should begin well before a child is old enough to leave school.

We're In This Together—Preparing For Transition Into The Adult World (Podcast)
American Printing House for the Blind
This is a one-hour podcast on the topic of transition from high school to life beyond, looking at "the roles of students, parents, educators, and the community in working together in the transition process." Students discuss their experiences, including what steps they are taking to prepare themselves for life after graduation.

Improving Transition Service Delivery By Partnering With Parents (Podcast)
American Printing House for the Blind
This podcast discusses ways in which parents and teachers can form partnerships to ensure students get the full benefit of the Expanded Core Curriculum and transition services.

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Forms & Tools to Use in the Transition Planning Process

Transition from School to Adult Life in the Community
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
(requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
These forms are designed to help guide a team through a three-part planning process: 1) Creating a Vision/Developing Goals; 2) The Ideal Day; 3) A Plan of Action.

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