Improving Transition Outcomes

An Innovative State Alignment Grant for Improving Transition Outcomes 
for Youth with Disabilities Through the Use of Intermediaries

Henry County Transition Partners Prototype 


Improving Transition Outcomes with Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services 
and Governance Group partners Department for the Blind, Department of Education, 
Department of Human Services, Division of Persons with Disabilities, Governor’s 
Developmental Disabilities Council, and Workforce Development, proudly shares 
highlights from the Henry County Transition Partners prototype. 

The Transition Partners prototype is one of three community 
demonstrations implementing strategies to improve transition outcomes for 
youth with disabilities ages 14-24. Each prototype tests, adjusts and perfects 
strategies to meet the needs of youth, families, educators, employers and the 
larger community. Preparation for, securing, and maintaining employment are 
among the prototype outcome measures. Soliciting input from those “on the 
front lines” is a hallmark of Transition Partners. 

Identifying what is and isn’t facilitating transition from secondary education 
to post-secondary education and/or employment for youth with disabilities was 
the first priority. Team members conducted multiple focus groups and individual 
interviews to gather the perspective of educators, family members and youth. 
Voices of youth with disabilities included those currently attending, graduated 
from, or dropped out of traditional or alternative high school.

Educators expressed the need for more information on adult services and 
supports. Family member frustrations included not knowing what services 
are available, what should be in place prior to graduation, and general 
dissatisfaction. Youth cited the lack of transportation, child care, and community 
connections among their barriers to successful transition. Youth were aware of 
only those services they had used, said school is sometimes unpleasant, and 
that dropping out solves nothing. 

Noteworthy outcomes 
from the focus groups and 
interviews include community 
brainstorming sessions specific 
to transition for youth with 
disabilities. One in particular, 
the community-wide “Sharing 
Key Discoveries” forum netted 
thirty-three active participants, 
including four school 

Iowa Department 
for the Blind

Iowa Department 
of Education

Iowa Department 
of Human Services

Iowa Division 
of Persons with 
Disabilities

Iowa Vocational 
Rehabilitation 
Services

Iowa Governor's 
Developmental 
Disabilities Council

Iowa Workforce 
Development



administrators, five employers, law enforcement and 
parents, working together to resolve the identified 
barriers to transition. Transition Status Teams and a 
Transition Guide specific to Henry County are tangible 
results from “Sharing Key Discoveries;” strengthened 
community collaboration is one of the intangible results.

The Transition Status Teams bring local service 
providers such as Area Education Agency 16, Iowa 
Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Southeast 
Iowa Community College together with teachers to 
explore solutions to transition issues. Other participating partners are the Central Point of 
Coordination for Henry County and Iowa Workforce Development. A participating teacher 
describes the Transition Status Team meetings as "phenomenal." Others echo her stating 
that "these meetings are extremely valuable and worth every minute." The Henry County 
Transition Guide, titled “Activities and Services for Effective Transition for Henry County 
Youth with Disabilities” is specific to youth in 8th Grade, as a Freshman, Sophomore, 
Junior and Senior in High School.

The Transition Partners team includes youth and young adults with disabilities, 
parents, Area Education Agency 16, Department of Human Services, Evert Conner 
Center for Independent Living, Henry County Central Point of Coordination, Henry 
County Extension, Healthy Henry County Communities, Iowa Workforce Development, 
Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Mt. Pleasant Community Schools, New London 
School District, Southeastern Community College, WACO Schools, Winfield-Mt. Union 
Community School, and Young House Family Services. 

The State of Iowa 
Improving Transition 
Outcomes grant project 
administered by Iowa 
Vocational Rehabilitation 
Services with funding 
through the US Department 
of Labor, Office of Disability 
Employment Policy provides 
funding for Transition 
Partners. Prototype 
replication is encouraged 
and tools to assist with 
replication are under 
production.


Continued...


For More 


This document was developed by Improving Transition Outcomes with Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation 
Services, funded by a grant/contract/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office 
of Disability Employment Policy #E-9-4-3-0093. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily 
reflect the position or policy of the U.S. Department of Labor. Nor does mention of trade names, 

commercial products, or organizations imply the endorsement by the U.S. Department of Labor.

ITO-IVRS

510 E. 12th St.

Des Moines, IA 50319
515-281-0275
www.iowaemploymentpartners.com