There is a process within the special education program that directly links a child's educational program with their plans for the future. It is called a Transition Plan and is part of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Transition services are a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability designed to be used within a…

This guide is designed to help advocates--including biological and adoptive parents, resource parents, adult students in foster care, and service providers--understand and advocate for the educational rights of children in New Jersey's foster care system. The guide explains the requirements of federal and state laws that particularly affect these…

The topic of special education can be confusing and frightening for parents who suspect their child has a disability or has difficulty learning. Parents in this situation want to know how to get help for their child. This guide is intended as a reference for people who have questions about special education for a child. It summarizes the basic…

The transition from school to adulthood is a pivotal time in the lives of all students. For a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), change of any kind can be challenging, and a transition as momentous as this can seem especially daunting. Thoughtful planning, sound information, and open communication will help parents support young adults…

The fundamental intent of special education is to provide instruction to meet each child's unique needs. "Life Journey through Autism: Navigating the Special Education System" offers information, tools, and tips that will help parents become an even more effective advocate for their children. Many teachers, administrators, and school…

As more and more children are being diagnosed with Asperger syndrome (AS), more parents are wondering what the future will be like for their child. Because of the challenges faced by youth with AS, it is important for parents and teachers to work together to guide high school students with AS through a successful transition to the adult world.…

This guide on transition services for Minnesota students with disabilities provides parents with information on student's rights and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that is available, how to obtain it, and how to improve the system to provide for transition needs that are not being met. Separate…

This booklet provides an introduction to assistive technology services for children and adults with disabilities in North Carolina. Key terms such as "self-advocacy" and "assistive technology" are explained, as are provisions of major state and federal legislation and Social Security Income for the families of children with…

This handbook offers guidelines to help parents prepare adolescent children with chronic illnesses or disabilities for independent management of their health care needs. In each chapter, guidelines for handling transition issues are presented in the context of the experiences and reactions of actual parents. Each chapter concludes with a summary…

The sample parent handbook contains handouts used with a series of four meetings in which parents of preschool handicapped children learn how to be their child's advocate. The first meeting is on Testing and the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and includes: "Evaluation Responsibilities,""Questions You May Want To…

This brief report applies research on self-determination to suggestions for helping students with disabilities make a successful transition from school to adult life. First, it defines the concept of self-determination and considers how self-determination is learned. It summarizes research supporting the view that self-determination in high school…

This newsletter issue describes the importance of vocational assessment in the educational process of students with disabilities. Vocational assessment is defined, its purposes are explained, and the ways in which vocational assessment can benefit teenagers with special needs are discussed. Types of informal and formal assessments are explored, as…

The manual offers guidance in coping with the major transitions commonly encountered by persons with disabilities. Seven life/education transitions are identified: (1) the environment of services for a child from birth to age 3; (2) the first preschool program for children aged 3 and 4; (3) movement of the disabled child into kindergarten at age…

This manual is intended for parents of high school students with severe disabilities and offers guidelines for evaluating a high school program and ways parents can improve existing programs. In the first section seven key characteristics of a good high school are identified: (1) integrated; (2) age appropriate; (3) community-based; (4)…

Transition procedures in the Irvine Unified School District (California) are explained in a set of three pamphlets. In the first pamphlet, elements of the Individual Transition Plan are outlined. Also discussed are advocacy and the law, financial issues, support services offered by state and community agencies, services of national and state…