Transitioning from an IEP to an ISP: Why It Matters

Imagine the disruption to a young person with a disability not having a concrete plan for transitioning into “adulting.”

In Pennsylvania, students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), can remain in public school until the day they turn 22 years old. An Individual Education Plan (IEP) specifies a student’s academic and service needs while in school. An Individual Support Plan (ISP) provides a blueprint for accessing longer-term support that safeguards their future as an adult after high school.

Legally, the transition planning process must begin at age 14 with changes to the IEP to reflect post high school education and training, employment, and independent living goals. The next step is for parents/guardian to request an “intake meeting” with the County Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities Office. Upon confirmation of eligible disability, a Supports Coordination Organization (SCO) is selected from a list, and then, the SCO assigns a Supports Coordinator (SC).

Critical to transitioning from an IEP to an ISP, the SC will schedule a PUNS assessment (Priority of Urgency of Needs) to determine Medicaid waiver funding eligibility. Waiver programs are managed by Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services, which works closely with county officials to administer waiver funding. Four types of Medicaid waivers are available: Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS), Community Living, Consolidated, and Autism.

Securing waiver funding prior to high school graduation helps ensure services and support are maintained. Without a SC and Medicaid waiver, daily routines, social connections, community participation, and classroom learning opportunities come to a sudden halt—leaving families caring for their loved ones, not knowing where to turn.

Transitioning from an IEP to an ISP matters because it meets the State’s legal requirements and, more importantly, helps ensure a seamless move from high school to adult life.

Lifesteps Offers a Seamless Transition

Lifesteps offers Pre‑Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to high school students in select school districts in Armstrong and Allegheny Counties. Workplace readiness, job exploration, and work-based learning, as well as self-advocacy skills and post-high-school opportunities, are included in the curriculum.

Starting at age 18, high school students may enroll in Lifesteps Transition…The Next Step, a day program that provides ongoing education/training, field experience with vocational and employment skills, and independent living with heavy emphasis on
community participation.

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