Creating healthy relationships during transitions

I began this blog thinking I would put some information out there about how to create friendships during this time. I think friendship both platonic and not is extremely important for healthy development and support for all. However, after I began thinking and researching I realized there are MANY more relationships than just friendship to be concerned about during this time!

The first one I thought of was parents and teachers/school personal. In addition, the students relationship with their parents and school personal. This is huge because these are supporters and encourages of their education and/or new endeavors they are embarking upon. Also, relationships are very important when it comes to friends and even romantic interests. Individuals with disabilities, especially at this time in their life, want to feel as independent as possible and have their needs fulfilled too. Almost anyone will say they have a great time socializing, going out with friends, and especially when they have someone to love and someone to love them. It is important to provide outlets in which these individuals are able to seek these types of relationships out and have opportunities to meet new people.

Most importantly, however; these relationships need to be safe, healthy, and be life giving to these individuals. Providing social activities (as discussed in earlier blogs) are key to socializing for these individuals. In addition, work can provide these relationships, church, support system such as counseling centers, and much more!

Finally, relationship among family members such as siblings are vital to the success of a fulfilling life and positive transition. Siblings, cousins, and other members of the family provide a kind of support that often goes further than a friendship can. A families approval and help can touch a heart and can understand the person more than many. Encourage these relationships and the positive ones should be treasured for a lifetime.

Resources:

http://www.brooklondon.org/youngdisabledpeople/relationships_intro.html
- This is a great resource to provide to an individual with disabilities dealing with a large transition in their life. It is a website geared at the viewpoints of young disabled individuals and their opinions on relationships with a little information added about safety, recommendations, etc.

http://www.fodac.org/
- Friends of Disabled Adults and Children is an amazing organization based out of Georgia that provides a wealth of resources to these individuals, and truly care about their well-being and independence! They have events held in addition that provide even more opportunity to network and create healthy relationships. They are statewide and nationwide as well providing home health care equipment which benefits greatly.

http://www.tsbvi.edu/Outreach/seehear/archive/twelve.html
- I love this article! It is such a great little beginner tool for parents who have children with disabilities to have, I would love to see this created into a brochure. "Twelve Things you can do to Plan for Your Child's Future Today" by Kate Moss provides great information about creating these relationships early and it begins with the parents! She also gives a lot of other helpful information in other areas of transition that will come up.

Recreation and Leisure Activities: A Key to a Healthy Transition

Recreation and leisure activities have always been important to a healthy lifestyle for anyone.  I know during my childhood there were activities after school such as Spanish Club in elementary, and Tennis in High School, even Band in Middle School.  In addition, during the summer I always had some sort of summer camp for sports, religion, even outdoor adventure camps.  This may sound familiar to a lot of readers, that is because being active is a key to both social and physical health!  Not only do activities like this help socialize outside of class (VERY important), but also help keep your body in the best shape it can be.  But what happens after school and you do not have free (because of parents or schools paying) access to these activities?  Or even notice of events occurring?  Research, connections, and knowledge begin to play a part in keeping up with this part of you life.

During the transition out of school, or even a different school requires a lot of work for all.  You must locate events, sign up for activities, meet people in the same organization, just simply make new connections.  This can be even more challenging when you are not an outgoing person, or have disabilities you must consider in addition.  These disabilities may or may not prevent participation in specific activities, but never-the-less may present an obstacle in pursuing these activities.  Because of these challenges and rewards for participating to an individuals quality of life I have included a few resources in locating these recreation and leisure activities when you leave school.

Resources

http://thechp.syr.edu/recreation.html

-  This is a great information package about helping individuals with disabilities find recreation and leisure activities they can both be included into and enjoy!  They include finding activities that fit each specific individual, locating community resources to get involved, and then further follow up with support for the them as they embark upon their new activity!  

http://www.napcse.org/transitionservices/recreation.php

-  I love this website!  Not only do they provide information on recreation and leisure, and facts to back up the importance but also MULTIPLE different major topics in the field specifically designed to be geared towards parents of individuals with disabilities.  They even offer a forum for discussion, facts, library, resources, news, and legal issues!  Purchase a membership and bookmark, you won't regret it!

http://www.naset.org/recreationleisure2.0.html

-  This website, very similar to the one above, is geared towards teachers in the field of Special Education.  This is the National Association of Special Education Teachers helping them be exceptional educators in every way by providing resources and information about multiple issues.  

Information about Vocational Training for disabled persons.

There are so many options for anyone graduating from high school, looking for a career change or initial job, even just wanting to expand their resume to open new doors. Vocational training is one of those great options, especially for individuals with disabilities. This offers a chance outside of the four year college education, or the acceptance of just any job available out of High school. It provides training above and beyond to specialize what you can offer an employer, and also what you can offer yourself. Employment should be something you enjoy, you can feel your are giving a significant contribution to, and above all needs to be rewarding for both the employer AND you!

I have included resources to both locate the many schools and institutes that offer these services, but also information on what this is and the people that can help you make sure you get placed correctly. Vocational training is a wonderful opportunity to fulfill your dreams and accomplish goals you have set at many steps of your life.

Resources:

http://www.rwm.org/rwm/
- RWM is a vocational school database with only State approved/accredited schools. The search allows you to choose your State, your interest, and then finds the school that appropriately fits your needs/wants! They provide private, online, public education in all 50 states. Included are private schools that offer certificates, diplomas, associate (junior college) degrees, and bachelor (college) degrees in various Business, Trade and Technical disciplines.

http://www.communityinclusion.org/article.php?article_id=129

- Institute for Community Inclusion offers information pertaining to what Vocational Rehabilitation is and what it can do for you! After you have decided if this is right for you they also give tips on meeting with your counselor, your role, payment, and many other helpful tips and suggestions. Following is Florida's link to Vocational Rehabilitation services if you feel this will benefit you: http://www.rehabworks.org/ .

http://www.gettinghired.com/?gclid=CNedhfmyzZkCFQE0xgodmC6RtQ

- Getting hired is a free service to finding a job that suites you and the employer. I felt this link was important because once you have gone through and found your vocational school, successfully completed, and even received some helpful services. YOU can be at the fore front to your job search and fitting your abilities to a company, and the company to you. This can be a very fulfilling activity to increase your own self-determination and independence.
http://books.google.com/books?id=frRs7ni3zhUC&pg=PA149&lpg=PA149&dq=vocational+training+and+coordinated+services&source=bl&ots=as1EUM8GTM&sig=OUxEDcGU2uTMoDoWQQ-6MjPr5MY&hl=en&ei=JijSSY7YItjJtgfxn8TmBg&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=4&ct=result#PPP1,M1

- This link is to a "preview" of a great book on current and long term services for individuals with disabilities. However, I believe a good portion of the book is on here and offers GREAT information pertaining to vocational training and statistics to back it up. Good read :).

http://www.ericdigests.org/pre-921/role.htm

- This is a great article on the role of vocational training in transition services. Also, they provide several resources available in assistance to receiving vocational training.

What if it gets tough? Help is available!

Although the goal is as much autonomy as possible for individuals with disabilities, they may struggle and need tools for success just like anyone else does. From physical accommodations like ramps, larger door frames, even wall colors to a wake up service to be sure they remember to go to work and appointments. These, and so many more, help these individuals accomplish their goals successfully and still create a great a great amount of self-determination.

Mostly throughout school with IEP's these individuals have received some sort of accommodation and/or assistance. These accommodations continue throughout life, in employment, living, transportation, school, social activities, etc. I would like to quote on the show Little People Big World when Matt Roloff says, "We can do what everyone else does, just in a different way". This is at the core of what these accommodations mean. It is critical that these individuals truly need extra services and are not becoming dependent upon, and ultimately cutting themselves short and depriving themselves of the satisfaction of achieving goals completely on their own. For example, I can only image the amount of dependence we have all come to with the use of the computer and Internet. Do any of use still obtain the ability to write in clear legible handwriting and in a letter!? That gets mailed with the United Postal Service, not Yahoo?

Because of the mass confusion that we all(including these individuals) must face when it comes to these decisions I have provided some resources to understand further the purpose of accommodations and some examples of what is available.

Resources

http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=5064

- This website provides information on several different workplace accommodations in many different areas. Also answered are frequently asked questions from employers and employees.

http://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm

- The complete guide from the ADA (American Disability Act) and Disability Right Laws. A great reference for many issues individuals with disabilities may face throughout their life. It is extremely important for their self-advocacy to know their rights!

http://www.osepideasthatwork.org/toolkit/accommodations_manual.asp

- The U.S. Department of Education has put together an amazing tool kit for educators on teaching and assessing students with disabilities in the classroom and gives assessments, instructional practices, behavior, and accommodations. In addition they provide information on technical assistance products, and models for large scale assessments.

Self-Determination for all!

What made you go to college, get a job, buy a house, or vote? I can only imagine the varying answers to this question, but it most likely comes to a center focus of mastering the challenges set up for us in our environment. And with each challenge you develop experiences that build confidence and your self-concept.

With individuals with disabilities often they are over protected, guarded from some of these challenges, and therefore not able to master them either. I think it is important to recognize this inborn desire to grow and develop into adulthood and this means having experiences. As much as we would like to believe setting up a "mock" experience really gives a person a taste of the real life, I can say for myself the Sim's computer program did not really show me how to pay bills or build a house. Yes, it helped lay groundwork but the true gratification came later when I balanced my own checkbook and used real money to pay for real services. Real world experiences are key. However, we all know that things do not always go as planned. Credit companies are raising rates without prior notice or consent, robbers may vandalize, hurt, and steal our possessions. And we may fall ill due to not eating proper nutrients causing missed work, more bills, transportation issues, and many more serous problems. But after a major case like these, do we learn? Of course! Next time we go to the grocery store we may check on that credit card to be sure of the APR, and buy more oranges, and lock the door more carefully.

I realize this in its self is a real challenge for those who care, love, and often look after individuals with disabilities, to understand why it is better to give independence even if some hurt goes along with this. But they deserve to have these gratifying experiences of growth, and potential for their own self-determination! With these they will be able to better cope with all challenges that come their way and direct their own lives with confidence.

To help understand how these individuals can successfully accomplish theses goals I have laid our a few helpful resources.

Resources:

http://www.ncset.org/publications/viewdesc.asp?id=962
-Provides general information on what Self-determination is, how it is achieved, and research to back it all up. Also, NCSET gives well organized tips for families and professionals to help promote self-determination in youth with disabilities.

http://thechp.syr.edu/Sheri.pdf
- This is one families true life experience with Self-determination. This is a story of Sheri, a 30 year old (at the time of publishing) who accomplishes living on her own and contributing to her community. This is a great story, and guide to follow.

http://selfdetermination.wordpress.com/
- Fellow bloggers have put together a Self-determination blog. Here individuals with disabilities get the chance to share their own stories, with their words, about their Self-determination experiences. This is a truly inspirational site, that will most likely bring you to tears of happiness. These individuals pour their hearts out discussing why this is such a critical thing to them, and gives people who work with them the courage to support them in accomplishing this.

Book:
"Learning Outside the Lines: Two Ivy League Students with Learning Disabilities and ADHD Give you the tools for Academic Success Educational Revolution"
By: Jonathan Mooney, David Cole, Edward, M., M.D. Hallowell
- This book provides both individuals with disabilities, but also their parents, and other mentors reasons to persevere through academic work and face the challenges ahead of them. I believe the advice they offer can be applied through many parts of life, even outside of education. There is a light at the end of every tunnel. It highlights personal empowerment, Self-determination!!!

Health & Safety

When you do a health evaluation think of the things they would ask.  How many times a week do you exercise, how many glasses of water do you drink a day, do you smoke, and many other similar questions may be asked.  What about safety, think of the regular routine you have on campus. Do you think about the people and things in your surroundings, what about transportation on the shuttle, or even what time of day it is that you are walking on campus.  It is obvious when you think about these questions that health and safety are a part of all of our lives.

Now think about the questions and thoughts you may have in health and safety if you were disabled in some way.  What about if you had to think about if you remember where you are and where you are going, or if you remember the traffic laws when crossing the street.  If you were handicap, how would you get your cardiovascular exercise in when you are not able to leave a wheelchair? 

There are many more elements to these topics when you have disabilities.  Consider when you live alone who you would call or what you would do when you are sick.  Most likely you would go to the store and get medicine, or call the doctor and let him know your symptoms and possibly get a subscription.  Individuals with disabilities may have trouble knowing what to do, who to call, or even have trouble with transportation to get the help they need.  It is concerns like this that cause health and safety to be a major concern for these students.

Web resources:

http://www.kidpower.org/SERVICES/Special-Needs.html

-  This website provides information on safety for those individuals with disabilities.  They help identify the strengths and then practice the strengths to increase their safety practices.  In addition, they have several workshops available to persons with disabilities.

http://www.soflduval.org/

-  Special Olympics offer a chance to build confidence, develop friendships, socialize, and to get exercise and demonstrate their abilities.  This website provides information to Florida (Duval) residents.  This is a great way to help these individuals increase their physical fitness, and participate in friendly competition.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/disability/guidance.htm

-  This is a great resource to have as both an employee with disabilities or an employer of a disabled person.  It provides a list of responsibilities to keep safe in the work place, and also information on "risk assessment".  Also, how you can advocate about adjustments that can made and resources to make use of.

http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/disab.htm

-  Center for Disease Control (CDC) provides general information and facts about individuals with disabilities and physical activity.  They also have recommendations for communities to promote and get involved in increasing their activity.  Also, they provide a list of benefits of being active for these individuals.  

The goal of Independent Living!

Independent living can offer anyone a great sense of accomplishment and strength as an individual.  This is critical to be able to offer this opportunity to individual's with disabilities.  Having disabilities can often leave a person relying greatly upon others for so many things and really need to have their independence reinforced, and what better way to gain this than to be responsible for their own living.  There is a lot involved with this transition for anyone, but can often become very challenging to insure the safety, and individual integrity.  There are many resources available with valuable information, and tools to help these individuals excel at this goal.  

http://www.fdoa.org/resources.htm

-  It is very important to stay clear of isolation, and keep involved in the community.  This website provides several recreation and leisure programs to join and participate in to stay active and social, a critical piece to maintaining mental and physical health.

http://www.ilusa.com/index.htm

-  This website is a great newsletter to keep in touch with the current issues, government blogs providing information, and news updates relating to disabilities.  It is critical to stay in touch with your community and individuals with similar issues you may be struggling with.  Power in numbers can be applied when you join together and can learn from others mistakes and/or accomplishments.  

http://www.cilj.com/

-  Local (Northeast Florida) information about services, contacts, links to disability related sites and calendar of events.  Offers programs, job placement, and other important resource information that may be useful such as sign language interpreting services and advocacy.  

To 'T' or not to 'T' an IEP: Information on an Individual Education Plan and Transition.

Individualized Education Plans (IEP's) have many different elements and can often leave parents, teachers, students overwhelmed with all the information.  Often times, as students get older, this process gets even more complicated with the new terminology and added information to be included on the IEP.  In discussion in both our class at UNF, and among colleagues it has become obvious that many people, including me, struggle understanding the transition to the added "T" portion of the IEP.

As discussed in class, at 14 years old an IEP becomes a TIEP which is the added element of Transition in the student's plan.  However, the 'T' is not always included in the title, but should certainly be understood this is the new focus, when before was not included.  It is important for everyone involved in the IEP process to be aware of what this means, how to implement the transition, and reinforce the new goals in the student's life. 

Online Information

http://www.flse.net/flsupportedemp/transitioniep.html

This website discusses the Individuals with Disabilities Act in conjunction with the Individual Education Plan.  Specifically the site helps identifies the process and post-school outcomes at each age, and the components each TIEP needs to include at each age.  Also, the transition services requirements.

http://www.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/iepguide/index.html

The U.S. Department of Education provides a guide to IEP's.  This includes the contents, process steps, individuals involved and their responsibilities, services (including transitional services).

http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/learning/iep.html

This clarifies for parents if and why their child needs an IEP, the referral and evaluation process, developing the plan, and legal rights.  

Postsecondary Education- Transition Information for Educators

Post-secondary Education can be exciting, it provides an individual with the opportunity to to specialize themselves into their area of interests.  I personally remember this being the time education really came alive and became exciting to me.  Students learn themselves through school, knowing their preferences and what they want to continue onto in education. Often educators use personal inventory tests such as the Myers Briggs to spark students creativity and really acknowledge their personality and possibly discover things they might be interested in they had not thought about before.  

However, preparing for this change can often be a challenge.  Part of this preparation falls into the responsibility of the student's educator, which is why this blog is dedicated to providing resources to educators dealing with transition to Post-secondary education.  

Website/agency resources:

http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.html

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights developed this guide that provides information about the civil rights for students during transition in order to have a successful transition to postsecondary education.  This guide provides answers to high school educators for questions that students may have about their new move.  

http://www.thinkcollege.net/

Provides students with cognitive disabilities interested in finding ways to attend college information. Also provided is a searchable database of postsecondary education programs, discussion board, links to web-based resources.

http://www.doleta.gov/disability/

Offers grants for individuals with disabilities, success stories informative articles, related government news, a career center.

http://www.pepnet.org/itransition.asp

Designed for students who are deaf or hard of hearing, ages 14-21, but can be utilized with other students.  The instructional goal of the training is to enhance students understanding of skills needed for successful transition from secondary to postsecondary education.

Books:

Transition to Postsecondary Education for Students with Disabilities

By:  Carol Kochhar-Bryant, Diance S. Bassett, Kristine W. Webb

Life Beyond the Classroom:  Transition Strategies for Young People with Disabilities

By:  Paul Wehman, Ph. D., with invited contributors

Transition to Employment

Today, another 10,000 people were laid off at General Motors (GM). Our economy has without a doubt gotten the best of us making employment a hard task to get and keep for many individuals with and without disabilities. But it will not go without being said that this transition to employment is one of the hardest to overcome for individuals with disabilities, and once grasped can easily be taken away. Regardless of the difficulty, reaching employment can be one of the most beneficial and rewarding contributors in these individuals lives. It brings about independence, and over time an increase in their self-confidence. However, this process is very long and requires patients from all that participate in the preparation and actual transition. I think the hardest role is to be parent during this time, unlike the professionals they have received no training and know little of what to expect. Of all people they are the most invested, and want to see their child excel but also want to protect. That is why this blog is devoted to getting them resources, and help to begin the long journey of understanding their child's needs and what role they can take to help.

Agency/Web resources:

http://www.enableamerica.org

- Enable America’s objective is to increase employment among people with disabilities in the United States. They are committed to raising awareness of employment-related disability issues on a local and national level.

.http://www.jobaccess.org

- Offers current employment articles, job searching, and information on ADA (American Disability Act). The website is for you to post resumes, and also employers to post positions and seek qualified candidates.

http://www.nish.org

- Devoted to creating employment opportunities to people with severe disabilities by securing federal contracts through the AbilityOne Program for its network of community-based, nonprofit agencies.

Book resources:

Making Self Employment Work for People with Disabilities

By: Cary Griffin & David Hammis

- Provides guidance on helping individuals start their own businesses and become their own boss!

Real Work for Real Pay

Edited By: Paul Wehman, Ph. D., Katherine J. Inge, Ph. D., W. Grant Revell, Jr., & Valerie A. Brooke

- Offers up-to-date information on inclusion into the work force.

The Way to Work

By: Richard G. Luecking, Ed. D.

- Guidance to empower your children to excel in finding and excelling in their job.