This is your transition but inviting others to be on your planning team makes sense for a number of reasons:
• The team brings together people from all aspects of your life: school, community, service providers, post-secondary institutions, friends and family. All of your needs and interests are represented.
• Communication is easier—each agency and individual stays current with what the others are doing. This cuts down on paperwork and avoids duplication.
• Your team members connect you, through their networks, to a greater range of resources.
• Teams can be great at problem solving!
If you already have an Individualized
Program Planning (IPP) team at school, those team members could become the core of your transition planning team. Remember, however, that most of them are probably working within the school system. You will need to invite additional members from other agencies and services.
If you do not have an Individualized Program Planning team and you have not disclosed your disability within the high school setting, you and your parents will need to decide if disclosure would be to your benefit. (See the discussion about disclosure in part one of this guide.) If you do not have an IPP team or if you want to keep your transition planning separate from your IPP, you and your parents may need to organize a transition planning team.
Who should be on the team?
Your transition team will likely include the following key members:
• You—As the person in transition, you are at the centre of the process.
• Your parents—They know a lot about you and can support you through this transition and beyond.
• School personnel—These could be classroom teachers, resource persons, guidance counsellors or administrators. They are your link to the school system and the supports it offers. They can give