The Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) indicates that transition goals must be provided to prepare special needs students as they progress from school, as mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2004. Goals are determined based on the individual's interests and examination of educational, vocational and employment opportunities. The Americans with Disabilities Act mandates that accommodations for disabled students be provided in colleges and technical schools. Students must provide appropriate documentation of their disabilities in order to access the services needed. A guidance counselor or transition coordinator can help advocate for the support systems that are necessary for the success of the student.
Services that may be provided to assist special needs students include tutoring, transportation, interpreters and other services for the hearing impaired and special physical accommodations. U.S. College Search notes that while many years ago it was very uncommon for individuals with special needs to pursue college or technical schools, civil rights laws have provided for such opportunities. In 1987 only 15 percent of college-bound students were disabled. That number increased to 32 percent in 2003. The schools are responsible for providing necessary academic adjustments to be certain that they are not discriminating against disabled students. In some cases there may be an extra cost for some of the services provided.
Special needs students require some preparation prior to attending a technical school or college. It is not only the students who need to plan for their move from high school to post-secondary education, but their parents as well. Guidance counselors can help by coordinating with the student, the parents and the educational institution to provide the best possible circumstances that will increase the student's chances for success.
In addition to the accommodations made by many colleges and technical schools for special needs students, there are institutions that are specifically designed to work with special needs students. One example is College Living Experience (CLE), with locations in California, Florida, Texas, Colorado and Washington, D.C. CLE offers a post-secondary program along with support in areas of academics, independent living and social skills. CLE works with local educational institutions in providing programs and helps guide students and their families in the enrollment process. Students can pursue a degree or a technical certificate in a college environment. Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools in New Jersey is an example of a special needs school that offers programs in a variety of fields to prepare students for work.