Transition Collaborative

This project is a collaboration of several partners to improve transition planning for special education students who qualify for services offered by the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).

Our Purpose

The Transition Collaborative aims to improve transition planning and outcomes for students with disabilities who qualify for services offered by the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), and would give all school districts the opportunity to participate.

Supporting Students with Disabilities as they Transition after Graduation

This work has three main goals: 

  • To review and recommend existing resources for school districts to improve transition planning for all students with disabilities in Washington State
  • To minimize gaps in transition services from school to post-school life for students with disabilities
  • To develop recommendations to support students with disabilities and their families, stakeholders, and service providers in successfully navigating the transition process in Washington State

Transition Collaborative Group Members

Developmental Disabilities Administration:

Email: DDAHQTransition@dshs.wa.gov

Website: https://informingfamilies.org/jobs/

WA State Developmental Disabilities Council:

Email: Brandi Monts, brandi.monts@ddc.wa.gov

Website: Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council | WADDC

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation:

Email: dvrtransition@dshs.wa.gov  

Website: High School Transition | DSHS (wa.gov)

WA Department of Services for the Blind:

Email: Matther Hines, matthew.hines@dsb.wa.gov

Website: www.dsb.wa.gov

WA State Rehabilitation Council:

Email: Shelby Satko, shelby.satko@dshs.wa.gov

Website: High School Transition | DSHS (wa.gov)

Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction:

Email:  speced@k12.wa.us

Website: https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/special-education

Center for Change in Transition Services:

Email: ccts@seattleu.edu

Website:  https://www.seattleu.edu/ccts/

Association of County Human Services:

Email: Malissa Adame, malissa.adame@piercecountywa.gov

Website: Please scroll down to the County Developmental Disabilities Websites here: County Best Practices | DSHS (wa.gov)

Historical Information

2022

  • April 2022 - Senate Bill 5790 (SB5790) (external website) passed with four areas of focus: Statewide School to Work, Data Share agreement, Statewide Transition Council & Regional Interagency Transition Networks, and System Navigation Supports 

2020

2018

  • Provisos in the 2018 and 2020 Supplemental Operating Budgets require the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), in collaboration with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), to develop an implementation plan for building statewide capacity among school districts to improve transition planning activities for students likely to become eligible for services from DDA.