The bill amends Section 16-24-18 of the General Laws concerning the transition from school to self-sufficient adulthood for students with disabilities. It requires transition planning for high school students with disabilities who have a Section 504 plan, aligning these requirements with those for students who have an individualized education program (IEP). The transition planning process will begin by age fourteen or younger if deemed appropriate and will involve a coordinated set of activities designed to promote movement from school to post-school activities, including education, vocational training, and independent living.

The bill also updates terminology related to disabilities, replacing outdated terms with more current language, such as changing "mental retardation" to "intellectual disabilities" and refining the definitions of various impairments. Additionally, it specifies that students who need special education and related services due to their disabilities, including those with a Section 504 plan, are included in the transition planning requirements. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
234: 16-24-18