Reply to What will your non-diploma track child do after high school?

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Reply to "What will your non-diploma track child do after high school?"

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[quote=Anonymous]
OP - I beg to differ with those who say it is too early to think about what the options are because by gaining some information about what the options are at age 22, you will be ab le to shape the IEP which will work best for your teen and also start to talk to them about services and programs which may be of assistance in meeting his/her goals.  For example:

-  If your teen really wants to onto a college program like his peers then start to learn about college programs for students with special needs in your area such as George Mason Life and beyond as this would give you an idea of how programs differ and the cost.
Also  learn about area community colleges and the various kinds of not only credit - but workforce certificate programs and the options to take personal  interest classes.  Or if you teen has a strength in a subject area then the option to take classes for example in IT or math for credit.  
 
- If your teen wants to get a job, then learn about what the vocational options are in your teen's high school during 9 - 12 grade and then the years for those who stay in school age 18-21.  [b]It is key to understand that as long as a student will not receive a standard high school diploma that one is eligible to continue to receive services.  All services are driven  by the Transition Goals in an IEP.[/b]  However, you have to learn what is out there to be able to help a teen make choices.

- Also in terms of being prepared to work if that is the goal, then learn about what the services of the Department  of Vocational Services or Rehabilitation Services are.  I am familiar in Virginia with the Department of Rehabilitative Services DRS:

a- Pre-Employment Services ore PRE-ETS  which should be offered  in every  high school in Virginia starting in 9th grade,  though how they are offered varies.
b- DRS can be requested to attend the final IEP for the student to help shape transition goals.
c- DRS can provide direct job support services during the final semester in  high school or post high.
d- You can sign your teen up for DRS services at age 18 which advisable to do as there is a waiting list for funding in most cases for services.

- Looking into options in your high school for "service learning" or volunteering and in your community during the summers is often an important way to help your teen develop the key "soft skills" of life in general and of the work world.  In addition, one can learn to some  degree about what kinds of work settings one might enjoy working in.  Volunteering can also be an option in conjunction with a job or an adult day program and recreational activities to help any young adult have a full life.

- Also learning about community activities for young adults with special needs and without can be very important to help your teen make social/community connections or relationships before public education ends as there is often a "sudden loss" not only of one's daily routine, but of one's peers contact, if not friends.  This can often be very disruptive emotionally and behaviorally for a young adult.  On the positive side, it will give your teen options to develop a "new daily routine."  One idea anyone might consider is to see  what community centers or private centers will allow "a peer" or officially "an aide" to accompany a young adult with special needs to a swimming pool,  gym, adult personal interest class etc.

[b]A final  note is that OP you are very wise to be asking this question early on, just as you might be asking questions about college if your teen was going to be the first to attend college.  I knew all about college for two top 10 students, so I took it upon myself  to learn about life after public education and options for my daughter.  Over the last 15 years, I have shared this knowledge of our community with other families.[/b][/quote]

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