HELPING WITH THE TRANSITION PLAN

If you are the parent of a child with a disability the thought of your child leaving high school can raise a myriad of questions and concerns. What's the next step for my child? Can they work? Can they go to college? Where are they going to live? The questions can seem endless.The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA, states that a Transition Plan must be included in your child's individual education plan (IEP). In Georgia, the transition Plan must be included in the IEP at age 14 or 8th grade, whichever comes first.

Transition planning refers to those activities that focus on improving the academic and functional achievement of the child with a disability facilitating the child’s movement from school to post-school activities. So what are those activities? The specific activities are determined based on results of Transition Surveys administered at school to highlight your child's interests and aptitudes.

For instance- If the survey shows your child would like to work in Hospitality after high school, perhaps some of the activities on their transition plan would include work-based learning opportunities at a business in the community where they can interface with the public. Maybe your child wants to go to College. An activity on the Transition Plan may include a visit to a local college or one that has a program for students with disabilities. The Transition Plan also indicates where the child will live after high school. If a child is to live at home with parents and daily living skill instruction is required, activities related to daily living would be included in their plan. The goal of transition planning is positive outcomes for your child and a growing sense of self-determination. Self advocacy is a critical piece of the transition plan.

If you don’t see a transition plan or "transition services" on your child’s IEP, approach the IEP team and explore why that is the case. As the parent, you are a vital member of the IEP team and have the right to have not only your voice heard but your child’s voice as well.

If you find yourself confused about any aspect of your child’s IEP, reach out to the Disability Care Manager with Aging Care Management. We're here to help you take the next steps.