Changing systems for transition: Students, families and professionals working together

The Point of Transition Service Integration Project was initiated in 1997 in California as a three-year model demonstration grant funded by the Department of Education. The goal of the project was to improve the level of cooperation and collaboration among public schools, the State Department of Rehabilitation, and the State Department of Developmental Services related to efforts assisting students with severe disabilities who are transitioning from school to adult life. This paper presents an overview of that project with a focus on the research questions to which it gave rise. Finally, based on findings gleaned from observation and key partner interviews, implications are offered and recommendations are developed to inform and improve practice.