Transition for Special Needs Students

The IEP is daunting enough to get through.  But what are your options for your child who will be going into transition soon.  I have found some very helpful services that will assist you in planning for your child's future career and benefits.  If your child receives Social Security, the need for an outside agency to explain how the benefits will change is crucial.

The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services is very helpful prior to graduation and post graduation.  They will participate in the IEP and assist in coming up with paths to follow for your child's future.  They will also assist in helping you to understand the ramifications of your childs benefits (Social Security) once he/she has found a job.  The Bureau of Rehabilition Services receives numerous job opening information from companies that hire people with special needs.  They can also recommend using Easter Seals.  In which case The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services pays for the referral depending on the service.

Easter Seals main objective is job training and employment, child care and adult day services.  You can also have you child assessed for them to possibly drive, however the cost is out of pocket to have the assessment unless the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services agrees to cover the cost.   Easter Seals can provide a 2 week work assessment at a job that your child is interested in.  There will be a job coach there at all times so your child is never left alone.  This will give great insight on how much coaching your child needs to perform tasks.  Once the 2 week job coaching is over, they will hold a meeting and let you and your child know how they did, where their strengths are and where they need improvement.  This can all be accomplished while your child is in transition.

Once transition is over, there is an organization called Connect-Ability.  They have 2 areas they cover, one is the employer which could be large corporations, medium-sized businesses, and small employers including government service.  The other is people with disabilities who are seeking employment for the first time or want a career change.  These include students, as well as people on up to retirement age.  

Ability Beyond Disability is another organization which assists people in finding and maintaining jobs.  You will be assisigned an Employment Specialist which will assist you in the following: resume and cover letter writing, aptitude screenings, mock interviews, learning current job seeking skills and networking.  They will assist you in seeking a job and help you to maintain it. 

These are just some of the organizations I have found to be of use when your son/daughter is ready to look for work and needs assistance.  I suggest getting the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services involved early (around 10th or 11th grade) as they will be the primary organization to create a program to follow for a few years and has access to all the other organizations you may need. 

For more information on transitioning your child, please see my website www.apieceofthepuzzle.net.