The Federal Legislative Context and Goals of the State Systems Change Initiative on Transition for Youth with Disabilities

Abstract

This article introduces and describes the policy context and current status of the State Systems Change Initiative on Transition for Youth with Disabilities conducted by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS). This Initiative has been ongoing since 1991 and has provided 45 states and the District of Columbia the opportunity to engage in statewide systems change activities focused on the improvement of school-to-work transition services for youth with disabilities and their families. As authorized under section 626(e) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), states have been eligible to compete for one-time, 5-year grants that have been undertaken as cooperative efforts between state education and vocational rehabilitation (or other) agencies.