BYLAWS of the. TRANSITION SPECIALTIES DIVISION of the NATIONAL REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION. Article I NAME, AFFILIATION, AND DEFINITIONS

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1 BYLAWS of the TRANSITION SPECIALTIES DIVISION of the NATIONAL REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION Article I NAME, AFFILIATION, AND DEFINITIONS Sec. 1. Organizational name: The name of this division shall be the Transition Division, a professional division of the National Rehabilitation Association, Incorporated. Sec. 2. Definitions: For the text of these Bylaws: A. Transition Specialties Division is the name of this professional division of the National Rehabilitation Association, Inc., (NRA). B. Association means Transition Division. C. Assembly means Membership Assembly of the Transition Specialties Division. D. Board means Board of Directors of the Transition Specialties Division. E. Unit means any sub-group organization of the Transition Specialties Division. The level are as follows: Regional Unit; State Unit; Local Unit or in case of a Local Unit being formed on a collage campus a campus unit. F. Chapter means the designation given by National Rehabilitation Association to any of its State affiliates. Article II PURPOSE OF THE DIVISION Although there have been many advances in education, disability rights policy, Federal legislation, and policies that increase funding of programs impacting students, those with disabilities and those without disabilities, post-secondary school outcomes for many of our nation s students and young adults remains well behind their non-disabled peers. This disparity results in young adults with disabilities not experiencing full economic prosperity leading to a career and living independently in their communities, but rather relying on Federal and State programs for their livelihood.

2 To help reverse this trend leading to the enhancement of transition outcomes for students with disabilities, the National Rehabilitation Association has developed its new Division on Transition which will focus on building on existing effective practices in the States, developing new strategies to enhance transition outcomes, and a renewed focus on those qualified professionals who provide these vital services and supports to students and other adults with disabilities. The Transition Specialties Division of the National Rehabilitation Association (NRA) has been organized to promote enlightenment, empowerment, professionalism, and accountability among its members who assist individuals with disabilities in achieving successful transition from school to work and for life. The Transition Specialties Division is subject to provisions of both the Constitution and By-Laws pertaining to Divisions of the National Rehabilitation Association and as such is fully partnered with the NRA. One of the most distinguishing aspects/characteristics of the Transition Specialties Division is the diversity of people and experiences they possess. The Division draws upon talents of its members to form a cohesive, forward thinking organization focused on assisting people in transition. Members include educators and counselors from the public and private sector as well as State VR and College/University counselors. One primary focus of the Transition Specialties Division is to identify effective practices in assisting youth with disabilities transition from high school to adult life through appropriate supports ensuring future success. The unique blend of experiences and talent makes this organization one with an original viewpoint, broad perspective and good understanding of the goals of its members as well as those people it serves. The Transition Specialties Division believes in providing and maintaining the highest ethical standards and service to aid youth in transition to overcome barriers to adulthood and adult living. It is within this framework the Transition Specialties Division also offers continuing, affordable, updated training opportunities (with appropriate credit where applicable) to keep its members abreast of trends and evolving technologies while enhancing skills of its members. Additionally, the Transition Specialties Division fully embraces advocating and promoting legislative support at both the State and National level for programs supporting VR services and IDEA/Post Secondary Education services. Through its pro-active approach involving members, improvement of the overall culture of the Transition Specialties Division occurs. Article III MEMBERSHIP Sec. 1. Membership Requirement: All members of the association must be members in good standing of the National Rehabilitation Association, Inc. Sec. 2. Membership Standards

3 A. Membership in the Division shall be available to individuals who hold membership of any class in the National Rehabilitation Association of individuals who have concerns regarding the transition of young adults with disabilities into a career and living independently including but not limited to all professionals, special education staff, aides, resource teachers, placement staff, transition coordinators, job coaches, teachers, para-professionals, parents, individuals closely related to the transition field or employed in a setting that assists people with disabilities in gaining education and/or transitioning to adult life. B. Member: A Member of the Association shall subscribe to the standards of the professional conduct adopted by the Association. C. Student Member: A student member of the Association shall be enrolled full time or part-time in an accredit ted institution in a curriculum. Sec. 3. Privileges of Membership: A. All members of this division shall be members of the affiliated unit(s) within his or her geographic location. B. All members of this division shall be entitled to participate in the national, regional, state and local meetings of the division. C. All members of the division are eligible to serve as voting members in the annual meeting of the membership. D. Only professional members may serve as Officers or members of the Board with the exception of student members. Sec. 4. Maintenance of Membership: Classification as a Professional Member shall be considered permanent as long as good standing and continuous membership is maintained. Sec. 5. Removal from Membership; A. Any member may be removed for cause from the division, including violation of the Code of Ethics as they pertain to their profession. Removal for cause from membership requires a two-thirds affirmative vote of the Board of Directors present at any meeting. B. Before being removed for cause, the member must first receive notice of intention, a recital of the charges or accusations and the opportunity to respond to the charges. Sec. 6. Membership Year. Sec. 7. Dues: A. The membership year of the division shall coincide with the NRA membership year. Membership dues in the Association shall be established by the Division Board of Directors, approved by the NRA Board of Directors and reviewed annually. Article IV

4 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING Sec. 1. Participation in Annual Membership Meeting A. There shall be an Annual Meeting of the membership of this division, open to all members in good standing, scheduled during the NRA Annual Conference. B. All members in good standing and duly registered as participating members of the conference shall have voting privileges. C. The purpose of the annual meeting is to receive annual reports for Association officers, review and recognize organizational and member achievements from the preceding year and conduct other business as deemed necessary and in accordance with approved bylaws and association policy and procedure. D. At the annual meeting and with a majority vote, the assembly may propose amendments to the bylaws. Such proposals will be submitted to the Transition Division Board of Directors for consideration. In addition, the assembly may propose other action to be considered by the entire membership. Such proposals of the assembly that require membership approval and, if approved, will be implemented within the calendar year of the vote. E. A quorum of the assembly shall be 2% of the membership. F. All business conducted by the Assembly shall be in accordance with Robert s Rules of Order, latest edition. Sec. 1. Composition of Board: Article V BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, Secretary,Treasurer, the Transition Division Representative to the NRA Board, and four Regional Representatives representing the four geographic regions of the country. Except in instances when Officers or Board members-at-large are selected to fill vacancies, all Officers and Board members-at-large shall assume office on January 1 st. following their elections. During the period of transition, the President will assume the duties of Representative to the NRA Board until such time as a representative is elected to fulfill this responsibility. Sec. 2. Powers of the Board: The Board shall have the power to manage and conduct the affairs of the Association, subject to limits imposed by the bylaws. Its authority shall include but is not limited to the following: A. Fiscal Powers: 1. Adoption of a budget and authorizing its Officers to carry out the activities set out in the budget. 2. Adoption of a fiscal year and policy for the Division. The fiscal year shall coincide with the NRA fiscal year.

5 3. Designating a person or persons to signor countersign all checks, drafts and other orders for payment of monies or to obligate the Association by signing notes, orders, promises to pay or contracts and in accordance with NRA policy. 4. Initiating, formulating and carrying out cooperative agreements and contracts with other organizations, agencies and groups in order to advance the goals of the Division. B. Elect a representative to serve on the Board of Directors of NRA for a threeyear term. If the position becomes vacant, the Board will appoint a replacement to take office immediately. If the Representative is not able to attend a meeting, an alternate will be designated according to NRA policy. C. Sponsoring the Annual membership meeting of the Division. D. Accepting and adopting the action of all committees. E. Approving appointment of any official representative of the division to any other body. Sec. 3. Terms of Office: Except in instances of election to fill a vacancy as hereinafter specified, all officers of the Board shall be elected for one year terms. The Secretary and Treasurer and the regional representatives will serve two year terms and the Division Representative to the NRA Board will serve a three-year term. All terms of office shall begin on January 1 st. following the election. During the transition period, the regional representatives will have staggered terms as follows: one at one year, two each at two years and one at three years. A member of the Board may serve a maximum of six consecutive years without a break in service of at least one year. Sec. 4. Filling Vacancies: The Board shall have the authority to fill, by vote of its own members, the offices which become vacant between elections including vacancies in its own membership. Officers, members-at-large and Student Board Members thus elected shall serve only until December 31 st. following such appointments. Sec. 5. Meetings of the Board: The Board shall meet at the time and place of the Annual Meeting of the Division. Regular and/or special meetings may be held upon the call of the Division President or upon written request of a majority of Board members. The President may call a meeting of the Board by telephone, U.S. mail or fax. Such meetings shall be deemed official meetings of the Board. Fifteen (15) days notice of the time and place of the Annual Board Meeting shall be given in writing at the direction of the President. Sec. 6. Quorum of the Board: A majority (51%) of the membership of the Board shall constitute a quorum for transacting business. Sec. 7. Executive Committee: In order to carry out the business of the Association between the meetings of the Board of Directors, the Board shall vest all or part of its authority in an Executive Committee composed of the President, President-Elect, immediate Past President, Secretary, Treasurer and the Transition Representative to the NRA Board. Special meetings may

6 be held upon the call of the President or upon written request of a majority of the Executive members. Only the board can amend the bylaws and compose resolutions of the board. Sec. 8. Establishment of Polices and Procedures Manual: The Board of Directors may establish a Policies and Procedures Manual so long as no policies or procedures are in conflict with those established by NRA. Article VI OFFICERS Sec. 1. The Officers of the Division shall be the President, President-Elect, Past- President and Secretary-Treasurer. Sec. 2. Election of Officers: Officers shall be elected by either mail ballot or secured electronic ballot. If an electronic ballot is used it must be a secure ballot procedure to be selected by the Transition Board members. The Election shall be conducted under such rules/regulations adopted by the Board. Officers shall assume the offices to which they have been elected on January 1 st. subsequent to election. Sec. 3. Duties: At the direction of the Board, Officers may be assigned duties not ordinarily associated with their positions. Sec. 4. President: The President shall serve in office for a term of one year. The duties of the President shall include: A. Serving as official representative of the Transition Division. B. Calling meetings of the Division, the membership, the Board and the Executive Committee. C. Presiding over meetings of the Division, the membership, the Board and the Executive Committee. D. Appointing, with approval of the Board, membership to all committees except the Nominations Committee and Executive Committee. E. Serving as Ex-Officio member with voting privileges on all committees. F. Appointing with the approval of the Board, all Division representation to all NRA committees to which representation is requested. G. Providing that the division s annual report to the NRA is submitted by the end of January following completion. Sec. 5. President-Elect: The President-Elect shall serve as a member of the Board and shall assume the Presidency on January 1 st. following the Annual Meeting of the Division membership. If the Presidency should become vacant, the President-Elect shall serve as President until such time as the Board shall fill the vacancy. Sec. 6. Secretary: The Secretary shall serve as a member of the Board. The Secretary shall take office on January 1 st. following election and shall serve for two years. The election of the secretary to be held the opposite year for the election of the treasurer. The Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining appropriate records of actions and

7 the decisions taken by the Board and Membership Assembly. The Secretary will submit the minutes of the Board meeting and/or Membership Assembly to the Board within thirty (30) days after the Board meeting and/or Delegate Assembly. Sec. 7. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall serve as a member of the Board. The Treasurer shall take office on January 1 st. following election and shall serve for two years. The election of the Treasurer to be held the opposite year for the election of the Secretary The Treasurer shall be responsible for the fiscal matters pertaining to the Division. The Treasurer, in conjunction with the President, will develop a budget for submission to the National office and advise the Board on fiscal matters. The Treasurer will work with the National Rehabilitation Association office to answer questions, submit reports and provide documentation as needed. Sec. 8. Immediate Past President: The immediate Past President shall serve as a member of the Board and shall serve as Chairperson of the Nominations Committee. Article VII COMMITTEES Sec. 1. Appointment of Committee: By January 1 st. the President, subject to confirmation by the Board, shall appoint members and chairs of the various committees, except Executive and Nominations. Sec. 2. Terms of Committee Membership: Appointments are for one year. Sec. 3. Duties of Committees: The chair persons of each committee shall insure the records of each committee be completed and submitted to the President at the time of the annual meeting unless otherwise specified. Sec. 4. Committees: There are three standing Division committees. Sec. 3. Duties of Committees: The chairpersons of each committee shall insure the records of each committee be completed and submitted to the President at the time of the annual meeting, unless otherwise specified. Sec. 4. Committees: There are three standing Division committees. A. Executive: The Executive Committee is composed of the President, President- Elect, Immediate Past President, Secretary-Treasurer and the Transition Representative to the NRA Board (if pertaining to the Regional Division). Special meetings may be held upon the call of the President or upon written request of a majority of the Executive Committee members. B. Nominations: The Nominations Committee appointed by the President and chaired by the Immediate Past President, shall develop a slate of nominees from the membership at large for each available office. This committee shall report the nominations to the Board for approval and then to the Assembly as the ballot for election. In addition to the ballot presented by the Nominations Committee, a member may nominate from the floor another member for office, with advance permission from that nominee.

8 C. Membership: The Membership Committee is composed of a chairperson who is selected by the President and approved by the Board. The chairperson may select any number of individual for the purpose of organizing and directing the recruitment of membership to the Division. The Membership Committee must provide a recruitment plan to the Executive Committee within 60 days of appointment. D. Governmental Affairs: The Governmental Affairs Committee is made up of any number of individual who coordinate legislative initiatives, including training sessions and work with the National Rehabilitation Association Governmental Affairs Director around legislative issues and concerns. This committee shall develop and disseminate materials to educate governmental officials and legislators. Sec. 5. Ad Hoc Committees: Additional committees may be added by the President with Board approval. The President shall be ex-officio a member of all committees except for the Nominations Committee. Examples of Ad Hoc Committees area: A. Publications Committee: The Publications Committee is made up of any number of individual who assist in making policy recommendations to the Executive Committee regarding the official publications of the Division. B. Marketing Committee: The Marketing Committee is composed of any number of individuals for the purpose of developing and disseminating materials. Approved materials will be used to help inform and educate the general public, students, consumers, educators, rehabilitation professionals, advocacy groups and other organization about the Division. C. Awards Committee: The Awards Committee is made up of three to five individuals who seek to recognize outstanding individuals or organizations for exceptional jobs performance. The Awards Committee receive nominations and make selections according to Division prearranged standards. D. Constitution and By-Laws Committee: The Bylaws Committee shall continue to assess the Bylaws of the Division to determine where changes may be required. It shall develop and recommend to the Board such changes in the Bylaws documents as will aid the organization to meet its objectives and represent the interests of its members. E. Ways and Means Committee: The Ways and Means Committee shall determine the means of raising funds and maintaining appropriate records. Article VIII REGIONAL, STATE AND LOCAL UNITS Sec. 1. Regional Organizations: Members of the Division residing within a Region may form a Regional organization as approved by the Board in accordance with NRA policy. Duties may include:. Duties may include: A. Holding an Annual Conference of its members is conjunction with the NRA Regional conference.

9 B. Undertake such other activities as the membership may desire, if such activities are not in conflict with the objective and purposes of the Division. C. Regional Officers and other designated persons may serve on the National level. Sec. 2. State and Local Units: Members of a state or local unit must be part of the Regional Division as approved by the Board in accordance with NRA policy. A. State Units of the Division may be formed by member groups within a defined geographical area of the state upon approval by the Regional Division. In the absence of a Regional Division, the State Unit must be approved by the National Board. B. Local Units of the Division may be formed by members within a defined geographical area within a state upon approval by the State Unit. In the absence of a State Unit the National Board must grant approval, but only in the absence of a Regional Division. Sec. 3. Procedures for Affiliation: A group of members wishing to be approved as a State or local unit of the Division shall: A. Submit written bylaws not in conflict with the Division bylaws to the Division Board for approval. B. Submit a letter of formal request for Unit approval and a slate of officer. C. Provide the geographical or other boundaries of the Unit. Sec. 4. Disaffiliation: A. A Regional, State or Local Unit may be suspended from the Association if it pursues policies contrary to those of the Association. B. A Unit may not be suspended without first receiving notice of such intention, a recital of the reasons for suspension and the opportunity to respond to the charges. Sec. 5. Relationships of State and Local Units to NRA Chapters: A. Relationships of Regional, State and Local Units to the NRA Chapters at these levels will be in accord with the policy adopted by NRA concerning such relationships. B. Regional, State and Local Units are encouraged to hold an Annual Meeting in conjunction with the Regional, State and Local NRA Chapter. Sec. 6. Reports: Each Regional, State and Local unit shall submit to the Association an annual report covering the activities of the Unit for the preceding year and a financial report covering the budget and expenditure of funds of the Unit. This report must be filed no later than January 31 st. Annual reporting forms shall be forwarded to the Past- President or designated Unit President in the month of October of each year and are to be completed and returned no later than January 31 st.

10 Article IX LIMITATIONS Sec. 1. Limitations: No part of the net earnings of the Association shall incur to the benefit of or be distributable to members, directors, officers or other private persons except that the Association shall be authorized and empowered to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes of the Association. Sec. 1. Article X DISSOLUTION A. Procedure for dissolution requires the Division Board to approve by vote the Executive Committee request to the NRA President and the NRA Board for a mail ballot which will be supervised and conducted by a special committee appointed by the NRA President. The Division will dissolve by a two-thirds (of division members voting) majority election. B. Upon dissolution of the Association, the Board shall, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all liabilities of the Association, distribute any remaining funds to one or more regularly organized and qualified charitable, educational, religious or scientific organizations selected by the Board. If no organization is selected, then the Board will distribute remaining funds to the National Rehabilitation Association. Sec. 2. A. No member of the Board shall be required to furnish any bond or surety. No member of the Board shall be responsible or liable for the acts or omission of any other director or of any predecessor or of a custodian, agent or counsel selected with reasonable care. B. The members of the Board are authorized to pay to themselves, as approved by the Board, amounts for reasonable expenses incurred for services rendered in the administration of the Association, as pertaining to the reason for dissolution. Sec. 1. Amendment of Bylaws Article XI AMENDMENTS OF BYLAWS A. An amendment may be proposed by a majority of the Board and ratified by a majority vote of the Board. Such amendment shall become effective immediately. B. An amendment may be proposed by a member of the Association at its Annual Meeting. If an amendment so proposed is approved by a majority of the membership present and voting, it shall be referred for study to a special committee appointed by the President and confirmed by the Board. This

11 committee shall report is recommendation to the Board and to the membership using acceptable media to notify the membership and, if such proposed amendment if ratified by a majority of the Board, it shall become effective immediately. C. All Bylaw amendments must be consistent with the National Rehabilitation Association s Constitution and Bylaws, Policy and be approved by the Association Board. Article XII CONFLICT OF INTEREST Members of the Transition Specialties Division of the National Rehabilitation Association shall not engage in any employment, activity or enterprise which has been or may be determined to be inconsistent, incompatible or in conflict with duties, functions, ethics or responsibilities of their NRA or Association membership. Sec. 1. Rules of Orders: Article XIII MISCELLANEOUS Roberts Rules of Order (most recent edition) shall govern meetings of the Membership and Board. Approved: March, 2011 Washington, D.C. Approved by NRA Board, Washington, D.C. March 21, 2015