Transition Law

Definition: Families understand special education laws and requirements and their role in the transition process.

Supported decision-making, guardianship

New Hampshire laws & practices

Federal laws

  • Federal special education laws focused on transition, explained in clear language by the Center for Parent Information and Resources:
  • You can also find information on the first four laws at US Government sites:
  • Federal employment laws, described on a US Dept. of Labor page, protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination in employment and the job application process.
    • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
    • The Rehabilitation Act authorizes funding for various disability-related purposes and activities, including state vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs, independent living programs, training and research, and the work of the National Council on Disability.
    • The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) consolidates federal job training and employment programs. This act was updated in 2014 as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
    • The Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act requires employers that have federal contracts or subcontracts of certain dollar amounts to provide equal employment opportunities for certain veterans with disabilities.
    • The Civil Service Reform Act contains several rules to promote fairness in federal personnel actions and prohibit discrimination against applicants and employees with disabilities.
  • A Guide to Disability Rights Laws, 2009, from the US Dept. of Justice. Provides an overview of Federal civil rights laws that ensure equal opportunity for people with disabilities. Also available in large print, Braille, audio tape, and computer disk.

Differences between Section 504 & IEPs

Miscellaneous law resources

  • Comprehensive information about special education law, education law, advocacy for children with disabilities, and transition: Wrightslaw
  • A Massachusetts lawyer’s blog on special education issues, from a special education lawyer with clients in MA and NH.
  • Serving Justice-Involved Youth with Disabilities (PDF, 18 pages, 2020) is a practice brief from Voc Rehab. It describes the prevalence of justice-involved youth who have one or more disabilities. It highlights challenges in locating and serving youth involved in multiple systems and outlines federal legislation geared towards improving youth services. Finally, it offers best practices and recommendations to meet the needs of this specific population.

New content 8-24-23