Secondary Transition and Workforce Development Rules and Regulations

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

The purpose of the IDEA is to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education (FAPE) that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment and independent living [34 CFR 300.1(a)] [20 U.S.C. 1400(d)(1)(A)].

IDEA Resources

• Ohio Operating Standards for the Education of Children with Disabilities
• Ohio Indicator 13 Checklist and Ohio-Indicator-13-Checklist-1.docx
• National Technical Assistance Center on Transition NTACTC Indicator 13 Checklist: FormB
• Form O-8 Summary of Performance 

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

The purpose of the WIOA is increased access to employment, education, training, and support services to assist individuals with disabilities, including those with the most significant disabilities, to succeed in the competitive labor market.

WIOA Resources

Section 511 of Title IV of the WIOA implements requirements for school districts on the use of Subminimum Wage to Youth with Disabilities. Information on these requirements is below.

• WIOA Section 511 Guidance
• WIOA Section 511 Coversheet
• Employment First Taskforce Joint Guidance
• Section 511: An Easy Read Guide
• Unpaid Work Experiences, Volunteering, and Internships

Ohio’s Employment First Policy

The Employment First policy declares that every individual with a developmental disability is presumed capable of competitive employment that takes place in an integrated setting.

Ohio's Employment First Policy Resources

• Ohio Revised Code
• The Ohio Employment First Transition Framework 

Joint Guidance on Project SEARCH

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) have issued joint guidance on Project SEARCH job readiness training programs. The agencies are working collaboratively to: plan and coordinate quarterly Project SEARCH meetings; ensure OOD participation in transition planning and IEP meetings; develop tools to assist students and families in making informed decisions about services; and be involved in decisions regarding the development of new programs.

• ODE and OOD Project SEARCH Letter

Last Modified: 2/4/2026 8:14:51 AM

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