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.