Section 21-305 - Transitioning students with disabilities.
§ 21-305. Transitioning students with disabilities.
(a) Definitions.-
(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) "Division" means the Division of Rehabilitation Services within the Maryland State Department of Education.
(3) "Transition services" means a coordinated set of activities for a student with a disability who meets the definition of a transitioning student that promotes movement from school to postschool activities, including postsecondary education, vocational training, integrated employment, supported employment, adult services, independent living, and community participation.
(4) "Transitioning student" means a student with a disability who is between the ages of 14 and 21 years who meets the eligibility criteria of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or § 7 of the federal Rehabilitation Act.
(b) Duties of Division of Rehabilitation Services.- The Division shall:
(1) Assign a rehabilitation counselor as a liaison to each Maryland public high school;
(2) Establish a cooperative agreement with each county board defining roles, responsibilities, and procedures in order to provide appropriate transition services for a transitioning student; and
(3) Develop, in consultation with county boards, for each transitioning student who is determined eligible for rehabilitation services, an individualized plan for employment prior to graduation.
(c) Annual report.-
(1) Each county board shall transmit to the Department information relating to the postsecondary anticipated services of the county's transitioning students. The information shall be reported in the manner required by the Department.
(2) The Department shall aggregate the information provided under paragraph (1) of this subsection and forward the information annually to:
(i) The Mental Hygiene Administration of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene;
(ii) The Developmental Disabilities Administration of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; and
(iii) Other appropriate State adult services agencies, as determined by the Department.
(3) The information under this section shall include, for each transitioning student:
(i) The student's current age;
(ii) The projected year of exit of the student from school;
(iii) Anticipated needs of the student;
(iv) The student's county of residence; and
(v) Any other information that the Department considers appropriate.
[1995, ch. 120, § 19; ch. 435; 1996, ch. 10, §§ 1, 16; 1997, ch. 16; 1998, ch. 266; 1999, ch. 33, § 1; 2000, ch. 61, § 1; 2004, ch. 65.]