University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown

Transition Planning for Secondary School

Students who intend to seek disability support services, resources, and accommodations from their university must have an understanding of their presenting diagnosis, copies of current documentation, and an understanding of the process they must follow to obtain the desired services.

As students' transition from high school to college, they must understand that early contact with their disability services representative will help them to effectively secure support services and help them to acclimate to the campus environment.

It is also important for college-bound students to understand the various processes that are in place in the college setting and the responsibility that they must assume in securing support services. The following information and resources are intended to aid students with disabilities as they prepare for college.

These publications are available from the U. S. Department of Education and may be obtained by clicking the following hyperlinks.

These publications include useful information on transition-related issues, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other resources to assist the student in understanding their rights and responsibilities, and the role of the university in providing disability services.


This article provides an explanation of the transition process for students with disabilities, highlighting the legal aspects that guide the provision of accommodations on the college level.

Levinson, E. M., & Ohler, D. L. (1998). Transition from High School to College for Students with Learning Disabilities: Needs, Assessment, and Services. High School Journal, 82(1), 62.