Transition Network Facilitation
Transition Network Facilitation helps students with disabilities ages 14–21 successfully transition from school to adult life, including integrated competitive employment, education, and independent living. Clackamas ESD partners with districts in Clackamas, Hood River, Wasco, Gilliam, Sherman, Marion, Polk, Yamhill, and Tillamook counties to provide technical assistance, professional development, new teacher coaching, small-group coaching, and professional learning communities to strengthen transition services and improve student success. We share best practices, strategies, and resources with schools and community partners to support positive post-school outcomes. We're also a convener, connecting educators with relevant agencies to identify and address school-to-work transition barriers.
- Transition network facilitators (TNFs)
- Vocational Rehabilitation Pre-Employment Transition Services (PRE-ETS) coordinators and providers
- Developmental disabilities regional liaisons supporting the Employment First Initiative
Transition services and agency information
School-based transition services
Transition services are a required part of special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Beginning no later than age 16, students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) receive transition planning and services to help prepare for life after high school.
Through the IEP process, schools work with students and families to identify goals and develop plans for life after graduation. Transition services are designed to support students as they:
- Explore career, education, and training opportunities
- Build independent living and self-advocacy skills
- Develop employment and workplace readiness skills
- Connect with community resources and adult service agencies
- Create a coordinated plan for a successful transition to adulthood
Local school district transition and special education services
Families can contact their local school district's special education or student services department to learn more about transition planning and available supports.
Clackamas Education Service District
Clackamas ESD serves Transition Network Facilitation in Clackamas, Hood River, Wasco, Gilliam, Sherman, Marion, Polk, Yamhill, and Tillamook counties to help students with disabilities ages 14 to 21 shift from school to integrated, competitive employment. We share best practices, strategies, and resources with schools and community partners to help improve post-school outcomes. We're also a convener, connecting educators with relevant agencies to identify and address school-to-work transition barriers.
Community services
Developmental disabilities services support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in living safe, meaningful, and independent lives within their communities. Services are centered around each person’s unique strengths, needs, and goals, helping individuals:
- Build daily living and independence skills
- Make choices and advocate for themselves
- Access community resources and supports
- Participate fully in school, work, and community life
- Work toward personal goals and greater independence
Brokerages contract with the State of Oregon to provide the same services as above to eligible adults (18+) in their own or family home. County developmental disability services coordinators will help inform individuals to choose between entities the year an eligible individual reaches the age of majority. Learn more about brokerage services in Oregon here.
Local development disabilities services and brokerages
Employment services
Employment services help students and young adults with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep meaningful and integrated community-based jobs. These services are individualized to each person’s strengths, interests, and goals, helping them build skills, gain work experience, and increase independence.
Services may include:
- Career exploration and job planning
- Job search and application support
- Work-based learning experiences
- Job coaching and workplace support
- Assistance with workplace accommodations
- Ongoing support to maintain employment
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) helps individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment.
Local Vocational Rehabilitation offices
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Pre-ETS provides employment-related services for students with barriers to employment who are preparing for life as they exit school services.
Students can receive support with:
- Job exploration and career counseling
- Work-based learning experiences
- Postsecondary education and training planning
- Workplace readiness skills
- Self-advocacy and self-determination
Request Services
Complete the Request for Services form and email it to pre.ets@odhs.oregon.gov.
Local Pre-ETS contacts
Additional employment resources
Oregon Commission for the Blind
Provides employment, independent living, and transition services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
Benefits Counseling
Helps individuals understand how employment may affect Social Security, healthcare, and other benefits.
Family support resources
Family support organizations provide information, training, and connections for families of children and adults with disabilities. These organizations help families better understand available services and build the knowledge and confidence needed to support their loved ones.
Family support organizations can help families:
- Learn about disability-related services and supports
- Understand educational and disability rights
- Access community resources and programs
- Connect with other families through peer support networks
- Build advocacy skills and navigate complex systems
FACT Oregon
FACT Oregon (Families and Community Together) is a statewide organization that empowers families experiencing disability to support their children and young adults in pursuing their dreams. FACT Oregon offers training, workshops, individual support, and resources related to special education, transition planning, self-advocacy, and disability services.
Program Contacts
Special Programs News
Heron Creek Preparing New Home for Fall
Heron Creek has officially begun its lease at the former Bolton Primary School, marking an important milestone as the program prepares for its new home for the 2026–27 school year. Throughout the summer, staff will be preparing classrooms and learning spaces, moving equipment and materials, and making the building ready [...]
A Celebration Years in the Making
The room at Clackamas Education Service District headquarters was full before the ceremony even began. Families, friends, classmates, teachers, and staff gathered, waiting for a moment years in the making: the celebration of six Life Enrichment Education Program high school graduates. There were many familiar signs of a high school [...]
Clackamas ESD to relocate Heron Creek program to Bolton Primary School campus
New location will provide students with expanded school amenities and a supportive learning environment Clackamas Education Service District (CESD) has reached an agreement with West Linn-Wilsonville School District to lease Bolton Primary School in West Linn as the new location for Heron Creek Therapeutic Program, a CESD program serving K-12 [...]
