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In March 2002 and 2003 two conferences were held jointly by RNIB, RNID and Sense to discuss issues surrounding transition from school to further education/lifelong learning for students with sensory impairments in Wales. Discussions held in a series of workshops highlighted issues of concern, which included: ▪ Low expectations of professionals and young people with disabilities in terms of their continuing education and employment prospects. ▪ Lack of specific protocols for the transition period. ▪ Erratic process of assessment for entry into Further Education Colleges. ▪ Barriers to social inclusion for those young people attending residential schools and colleges away from their home communities. ▪ Lack of specialist support for students in Further Education. Following the 2003 conference RNIB's research department and RNIB Wales carried out a qualitative research study to investigate the process of post-16 transition for young people with visual impairments. Despite the similarities and patterns that emerged, the case studies show that each of the five young people concerned experienced transition differently with the others. It is therefore concluded that any model designed to meet the needs of blind and partially sighted young people during the process of post-16 transition must be flexible enough to suit a range of individuals who respond in unique ways to the same situation.