In the U.S. students in public schools with disabilities are protected via special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 2004). As part of these regulations, schools are required to provide students aged 16 years and older with transition services to prepare them for life as adults. Research shows that there are links between participation, social engagement, work and well-being (Cacioppo, et al., 2014; Gilson, et al., 2022; Holt-Lunstad, 2018; Macdonald, et al., 2018) as well as a link between social isolation and increased mortality and morbidity (Snyder-Mackler, et al., 2020; Yang, et al., 2016), and yet parents of individuals with moderate to severe/profound, complex, or low-incidence disabilities do not always have transition experiences they feel set their child up for success in real-life situations (Lee & Kim, 2021; Snell-Rood, et al., 2020). This research study used a mixed methods structure to obtain research regarding parent perspectives on specific areas schools need to address to create strong and meaningful transition plans for their students who have more involved disabilities and may require more support. A literature review, a web-based parent survey, 6 one-to-one interviews, and a focus group of 4 interview participants were conducted to drive development of an online, self-paced instructional course comprised of five modules designed to be implemented with school administrators and IEP team members (including, but not limited to teachers, related service providers, psychologists, support staff, parents and students) highlighting immediately implementable strategies to strengthen the IEP transition process in which they participate. Results compiled from all sources support five main areas or themes for creating meaningful transition: collaboration/team/relationships, community based/real-life instruction, presumed competence/mindset, knowledge, and skills (of the parent and school team members), and individualizing the IEP. Additional research supports the use of specific team members (e.g. vocational rehab transition specialist (Plotner & Dyamond, 2017)) and a case is made for ensuring transition teams for students with moderate to severe/profound, complex or low-incidence disabilities include occupational therapists who are trained in the value of using meaningful participation to improve quality of life for their clients (AOTA, 2020). / Temple University. College of Public Health / Health and Rehabilitation Sciences