“Age of majority is the legal age established under State law at which an individual is no longer a minor and, as a young adult, has the right and responsibility to make certain legal choices that adults make” (National Center on Secondary Education and Transition, 2002). Thus, when people use the term age of majority, they are generally referring to when a young person reaches the age where one is considered to be an adult. Depending upon your state law, this usually happens at some point between 18 and 21.
Age of Majority: IDEA’s Exact Words
The relevant IEP-related provision within IDEA requires the following:
(c) Transfer of rights at age of majority. Beginning not later than one year before the child reaches the age of majority under State law, the IEP must include a statement that the child has been informed of the child’s rights under Part B of the Act, if any, that will transfer to the child on reaching the age of majority under §300.520. [§300.320(c)]
What’s the Age of Majority in Texas?
In Texas, the age of majority is 18 years.
At this juncture in a child’s life, the state may transfer to that child all (or some of) the educational rights that the parents have had up to the moment. Not all states transfer rights at age of majority. But if your state does, then the rights and responsibilities that parents have had under IDEA with respect to their child’s education will belong to that child at the age of majority.
Beginning at least one year before the child reaches the age of majority, then, the child’s IEP must include a statement that the child has received notice and been told about the rights (if any) that will transfer to him or her at age of majority under §300.520.
For more information on Age of Majority, check out these resources:
