Changes

The times they are a changin’. . . Or so the song goes!  If you are the parent of a teenager, you know it well.  Everything is changing around you - your child's physical appearance, voice, attitude, personality.  Change is neither good nor bad.  It is what it is.  It is how we respond to change that can make or break us. 

If you are the parent of a child with a disability who may not graduate with his peers because he needs additional time in school to meet his IEP goals, gain employment skills, or access community resources, the changing times are scary.  Does your child have a transition plan?  Schools must begin to address transition issues, such as post-secondary education, employment skills and independent when your child is 14 or over.  But you don't have to wait until then.  Take time to plan for the change in your child's life.   

What does your child want to do after he or she is no longer in high school?  What can you and the schools do to guide him or her?  A transition assessment will help you and your child's school identify appropriate post-secondary goals related to training, education, employment, and if appropriate, independent living skills.  The school must then provide services to help your child reach those goals.  

Don't wait until the spring of your child's senior year to start planning for the change.  Transition planning should take place long before then.  Help your child identify his or her goals.  Engage in thoughtful planning about what the day should look like when your child does not go to school.  And insist that the school provide the services to get your child there.

 You are your child’s voice and best teacher!

The Ramage Law Group has authoritative solutions for special needs children!