Transition to adulthood: transition PEI and vocational rehabilitation

Disclaimer: Informational content only. Not legal, tax, financial or investment advice. Always verify with a licensed professional in Puerto Rico. Data comes from public sources — mainly each firm's website or, for doctors, the directory cited on the listing — and may change.

Transition to adulthood is the process preparing special education students for life after school: postsecondary education, employment, independent living and community participation. It is an individualized process, based on the student's preferences, strengths and interests.

The transition PEI

Federal IDEA requires transition planning to be documented in the PEI before the student turns 16 (or earlier, if the COMPU team considers it necessary). The transition PEI must include measurable postsecondary goals in three areas: education/training, employment and, if applicable, independent living; and the transition services needed to reach them: instruction, related services, community experiences, employment development and daily living skills acquisition.

In Puerto Rico, the transition stage begins with occupational exploration between ages 12 and 13, divided into phases from age 12 to 18, or 22 for students whose goal is preparation for adult life. Each activity must be detailed in the PEI, including responsible resources and start and end periods.

The transition team

The team is made up of the COMPU and representatives of agencies such as the Vocational Rehabilitation Administration (ARV), the Department of the Family, among others. Before the student graduates or turns 22, the school must provide a Summary of Performance summarizing academic and functional performance levels and transition needs.

Vocational Rehabilitation (ARV)

The ARV, under the Department of Labor and Human Resources, is the public agency responsible for vocational rehabilitation services in Puerto Rico, available island-wide. Its services are any good or service needed for an eligible person with a disability to prepare for, obtain or secure employment, according to individual needs, strengths, interests and informed choice. They include: rehabilitation counseling and career guidance, transition services, supported employment, post-employment, evaluation, physical and mental restoration, and independent living services for those who, due to severity of condition, cannot achieve an employment outcome.

To apply: be 16 or older at the time of application, and presumed able to benefit from services to obtain employment. Information: (787) 729-0160 or arv.pr.gov. If you disagree with ARV's service provision, you may appeal before its Adjudicative Board, under the Rehabilitation Act.

ADSEF

The Family Socioeconomic Development Administration (ADSEF), under the Department of the Family, administers socioeconomic support programs (such as nutritional assistance and family support) that can complement the transition. Check its official page for current programs and eligibility.

Before leaving school

• Verify the transition PEI has goals in education, employment and independent living.
• Request the Summary of Performance before graduating or turning 22.
• Connect with ARV before leaving, so services continue without interruption.
• If the student will reach majority age, the school must orient them, together with parents, about future responsibilities at least one year before.

To find therapists and psychologists with verified licenses, visit the special education & therapy category.

General information, not legal or medical advice. Reviewed 2026-11-05.