Student Support Networks

A coordinated network of people, professionals, and services to ease students with disabilities’ secondary transition journey.

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What are Student Support Networks?

Student Support Networks are coordinated systems of people, programs, and services designed to help students with disabilities succeed academically, socially, and in their transition to adulthood. These networks provide tailored support to ensure access, inclusion, and progress toward postsecondary goals.

Education

Employment

Independent living

What are the Core Components of Student Support Networks?

Building Supportive Connections

Students have access to a network of individuals (e.g., school staff, agency staff and service providers, employers, non-profits, family, friends and community members) who could support their transition to work, postsecondary education and independent living.

Planning Together for Success

The network of individuals collaborates with a student with a disability to design a coordinated set of transition activities and services that are aligned with their measurable annual goals and postsecondary goals.

Working Together in Action

The network collaborates with a student with a disability to implement transition activities and services. This ensures a smooth, tailored transition, promoting better outcomes and integration into post-secondary life or employment.

How Do Student Support Networks Impact Outcomes Related to IEP Transition Goals?

Students receive job shadowing and supported employment opportunities through partnerships.
OVR counselors help create employment plans and provide training.
Peer or adult mentors model professional behavior and workplace communication.

Citation

Carter, E. W., Austin, D., & Trainor, A. A. (2012).
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 50(1), 15–28.

School staff connect students to college disability services offices.
Transition coordinators support application and enrollment in programs.
Peers and mentors help students understand and advocate for accommodations.

Citation

Stodden, R. A., Conway, M. A., & Chang, K. B. T. (2003).
National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2).

School staff provide instruction on life skills and self-advocacy.
Community partners teach skills like using public transit or managing a budget.
Families and support networks help plan for housing and healthcare needs.

Citation

Wehmeyer, M. L., & Palmer, S. B. (2003).
Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities, 38(2), 131–144.

Success Starts With a Strong Network

Strong support networks help students with disabilities reach their postsecondary goals by connecting them with people, programs, and services. Through collaboration, students gain access to education, employment, and independent living opportunities that match their strengths and aspirations.

Who are the Key Partners in Establishing Student Support Networks?

Discover how students themselves, family, school professionals, employers, and formal disability service providers collaborate to form a robust network of support for student success.

Role: Central voice in planning; develops self-determination and advocacy skills.
Importance: Ownership of goals leads to better engagement and postschool outcomes.

Role: Advocate for the student directly, primary decision-maker and support system.
Importance: Families provide insight into student strengths, preferences, and needs, and continue support into adulthood.

Special Education Teachers: Coordinate IEP services and accommodations.
General Education Teachers: Ensure inclusive access to the curriculum.
School Counselors & Psychologists: Address social-emotional needs and planning.
Transition Coordinators: Connect students to services and support postsecondary planning.
Paraprofessionals: Provide day-to-day support in academic and social settings.
Administrators: Ensure programmatic alignment and resource allocation.

Role: Social support, role models, and partners in inclusion.
Importance: Foster belongingness and promote communication and leadership.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselors: Help with job readiness, employment, and postsecondary training.
Centers for Independent Living (CILs): Teach life skills and advocate for community inclusion.
Behavioral Health and Wraparound Services: Support emotional and mental health needs.
Developmental Disability Services: Help plan for housing, daily living, and guardianship issues.

Role: Provide accommodations, tutoring, and coaching at college or trade schools.
Importance: Support continuity of services from high school to adulthood.