Post High School for the Disabled

This week I want to look at postsecondary options for students with disabilities. The new IDEA 2004 emphasizes the need for students to be ( to the extent possible) independent, productive members of society. This path is different for every student (disabled or not).

Some of the primary options after high school graduation are as follows:

• Continue working in the job the student had in high school
• Enter a job training/coaching program
• Enter vocational training
• Enter a community college. four year college, or university

How do students with disabilities transition from high school to the next path? How do high school programs assist in the transition? At what point does the transition planning begin?

Parents of students with disabilities are concerned about funding, modifications and accommodations in postsecondary education, independent living skills, and long-range financial planning. It is true that one never stops being a parent, the nature of role changes with the needs of the child. What is the role of the parent of an adult child with special needs?

What is your student planning after receiving the high school diploma? Take a few minutes to visit our poll and click on the option your child will be taking.

What questions and concerns do you have as a parent? Let's start a discussion for Post High School for the Disabled. This area can seem like uncharted waters.