With high school graduations over or will be soon, many parents and legal guardians are anxiously awaiting what's next for their children as they enter adulthood. For many students with developmental and intellectual disabilities, it is time to put their transition plans into action.
The federal law known as the "Individuals with Disabilities Act," or IDEA, has mandated that schools design and implement transition plans for students to prepare for life after high school completion.
Each ID/DD student is required to have an Individualized Education Program (IEP), designed specifically for them indicating what services and supports they will need to move forward to make a successful transition from high school to adulthood.
It is of the utmost importance to have the students' parents or legal guardians actively involved in the IEP process consistently. As goals, objectives, plans, services and supports are put in place, it will be an asset to know what the outlook for their child's future looks like. Attending IEP sessions, parent/teacher conferences, as well as other school sponsored academic and cultural programs help relieve the stress of anticipating what's next.
Staying actively involved in the process is of major significance in determining what current and post-secondary services, collaborations and connections will be needed as they look for their children to be able to function successfully and live independently.
Utilizing a team approach that includes the student, parents, teachers and other relevant school officials and community supports helps indicate the future direction that one should pursue. Examining the student's academic ability, life skills, and social acumen, as well as their functional strengths and limitations will help make the transition smoother.
Many school systems start their transition planning for students as young as 14 years old. The law requires that transition planning must be started by age 16 if they have been diagnosed as intellectually or developmentally impaired. The IEP is designed to explore and begin the process of implementing the instruction, resources and other supports the student may need while in school and after they finish.
Early intervention services are available in North Carolina from birth through their third birthday. In North Carolina, it's never too early to get informed about the step-bystep actions that help develop plans for the child's long-term projections and long-term security.
Being actively involved in the process upon realizing that your child may have some delays in being able to perform age-appropriate activities entitles one to have a free psychological evaluation through your local school district. Your child does not have to attend public schools once it is determined that they are eligible for special education services.
A student can remain in public school until the age of 21 as long as they have not yet graduated. This applies especially to students with disabilities who are legally entitled through the year in which they turn 21 if they are receiving special education services.
While exploring options for a child with impairments, some of the major areas the IEP addresses but are not limited to are: vocational training, post-secondary education, jobs and employment including internships, apprenticeships and on-thejob training, volunteer service, transportation, health and hygiene care, service learning, independent living skills, interpersonal relationships and self-advocacy. The most important element is the student's personal involvement based on their abilities, desires and interests.
The Rowan-Salisbury school system and the Kannapolis and Cabarrus County school systems all have education and resource fairs which bring many different agencies together and provide information about their services and programs. The best method of gaining additional information is to contact your local school system or North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation, which recently adopted the moniker of "The Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD)."
Transition planning is an important aspect in the lives of graduating students that gives them some insights and momentum as they find some direction as to their future.
Wilson r. Cherry is the former director of community affairs for rowan Vocational Opportunities, Inc. and a regular contributor to the Independent tribune.
