Coordination in Transition Planning: The IEP/IPE Interface

Abstract

Effective planning for the transition of students with disabilities from school to adulthood requires coordination and collaboration among special education personnel, families, students, and adult service agency representatives. The state vocational rehabilitation agency is among the most important adult service entities that collaborate with schools for planning purposes. The special education and vocational rehabilitation systems, however, have different planning documents to guide service delivery. This article addresses the connection between the transition Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). The components of each planning document and how they should interfacefor students in transition are reviewed. In addition, the role of the Summary of Performance (SOP) document as a connection between the IEP and IPE is discussed. Finally, challenges to effective coordination between these planning documents are addressed.