The young person, who has had special education help while at school, often faces a confused and uncertain future when leaving school. This book is about bringing continuity, coherence and co-ordination into that time. Only by working together to agreed ends and co-ordinating the use of limited resources will reasonable opportunities be made available. The investment in special education in the school period will be wasted, and the cost of long term dependence will be high, if transition is not supported.

Transition from school, through further education and vocational preparation, to an adult working life is often made difficult or impossible by a lack of understanding of this important phase and process. This book defines this transition. The criteria for its three stages - the final years of school, further education and training, and entry to work and independent living - are set out and examples are given to illustrate what might be possible.

Individuals should have a transition plan to which education, health, employment and social services, as well as voluntary agencies, contribute. This book is intended to help families, young people and a wide range of professionals and administrators to understand and make a more effective contribution to the transition of young people with disabilities and learning difficulties.