IEP Transition Services in Alabama
When does IEP transition planning start in Alabama?
Alabama's transition requirements apply beginning not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the student turns 16, or younger if the IEP team determines appropriate — Alabama follows the federal IDEA baseline (Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-8-9-.05). Students who will be age 16 during the period of IEP implementation must be invited to the IEP team meeting even if they are age 15 at the time of the meeting. The IEP must include appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and where appropriate independent living skills. Transition services must be identified along with responsible persons or agencies. Alabama's Transition Standards provide the framework for writing transition goals. Alabama Vocational Rehabilitation may provide pre-employment transition services for eligible students ages 16-21 or younger if appropriate. At age 19 (Alabama's age of majority), rights transfer from parents to students; notice must be provided to both student and parents beginning not later than one year before the student turns 19.
What Alabama Requires
Transition IEP components must be included beginning not later than the first IEP in effect when the student turns 16, or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP team (Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-8-9-.05).
Students who will be age 16 during IEP implementation must be invited to the IEP meeting even if they are 15 at the time of the meeting (Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-8-9-.05).
The IEP must include measurable postsecondary goals based on age-appropriate transition assessments covering training/education, employment, and where appropriate independent living; goals must align to Alabama's Transition Standards (Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-8-9-.05).
Transition services must identify the responsible persons or agencies who will assist the student in reaching postsecondary goals (Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-8-9-.05; 34 CFR 300.320(b)).
If an outside agency fails to provide transition services, the LEA must reconvene the IEP team to identify alternative strategies (34 CFR 300.324(c)(2)).
Alabama Vocational Rehabilitation provides pre-employment transition services for eligible students ages 16-21 or younger if appropriate (Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services).
Key Timelines
Transition components required beginning at age 16 (or younger if the IEP team determines appropriate) (Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-8-9-.05).
Transition goals must be updated annually as part of the annual IEP review (34 CFR 300.324(b)).
Notice of transfer of rights at age of majority must begin not later than one year before the student turns 19 (Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-8-9-.05; Ala. Code § 26-1-1).