What experiences have you had of transition of your child to work or college?

Question

If you are the parent of a young person who has learning difficulties, what experiences have you had in trying to get them into work or day/residential college? Is there anything that can make this experience better?

Answer 1

First, make sure that the child's IEP is up to date and appropriate prior to leaving high school. Since this is no longer an exit requirement per the IDEA (the law for IEPs), it's important that you ask for this.

Second, your child's IEP plan should include a transition plan from age 16 on. That transition plan is whether they are going to college or going into the work force or whatever. This transition plan should include having the appropriate people from the college represented at the IEP meeting OR having someone from the high school obtain a good working knowledge of the information that is needed. THIS is the most important part as this is what will provide a smooth transition as far as the student having a working relationship with the disability services office at the college and their having a knowledge of your child's needs.

Third, making sure that the child is prepared as far as taking him to audit a class a couple of times so he sees how the classrooms are run, going through his schedule and when he has to be where and what he can do inbetween classes, and getting him familiar with the library and library staff which is invaluable!!

Best of luck!

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