TransCen, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that since 1986 has been developing creative and innovative projects in school to work transition, education systems change, and employment for people with disabilities. We were founded and named to be a "Transition Center", convening parties involved in promoting the successful transition of youth with disabilities from school to work and adult life.

From the individual workplace to statewide and national systems, TransCen is dedicated to improving career development and community participation of all people with disabilities. Our organization is unique in that we operate local employment service programs — developing and operating services that have assisted over 13,000 individuals with disabilities to achieve employment since our inception — as well as develop, implement, and research initiatives that have national impact. TransCen’s work represents the intersection of grassroots implementation with national policy and legislative initiatives.

Our principals conduct training, provide technical assistance, and conduct research on special education, disability employment, career and workforce development, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. We have been, and continue to be, affiliated with a broad range of national career development and employment initiatives, while regularly designing and coordinating improved local implementation of career preparation programs for youth and adults with disabilities.

TransCen receives funding from foundations, government agencies, and private contracts to provide training services and technical assistance, conduct research and demonstration projects, and produce publications. TransCen’s activities range from locally focused transition and employment programs to national outreach, dissemination, and federal policy initiatives. Chief areas of pursuit include:

• Transition Initiatives: TransCen collaborates with several local, state, and national initiatives in order to expand opportunities for youth with disabilities as they prepare for the move into employment, postsecondary education, and adult life.
• Career & Employment Partnerships: A variety of TransCen’s programs connect jobseekers and employers through specific programs and partnerships. Through these innovative partnerships over 13,000 people with disabilities have secured, maintained and enhanced career opportunities.
• Evaluation & Research: TransCen continually engages in evaluation and research activities to complement its work to develop and implement models that promote employment and community participation. This work is designed to help inform the field about effective practice and issues that influence career and life circumstances of individuals with disabilities and other life barriers.

TransCen is governed by a 12 member volunteer Board of Directors and currently employs 45 full time equivalent staff. We are headquartered in Rockville, MD, operate a satellite office in San Francisco, CA, and have affiliated staff based in Maryland, New Mexico, Virginia, and Wisconsin.