Parents of special-needs kids plan for life after high school Want to go?
The next step: Event helps parents of special-needs kids plan for life after high school
Date published: 9/24/2006
Debbie Fults thought she knew what was in store for her son, Derek: a lifetime of living with his parents, days at a program for adults with disabilities.
When Derek was about 17, she discovered he had other plans: to live on his own and have a job.
But Derek has multiple disabilities, including cerebral palsy. He moves in a wheelchair and can use only one hand. Was his dream even a possibility?
Luckily for Derek, transition methods were changing. Previously, teachers and administrators looked at what was practical or feasible for a special-ed student after schooling ended. About 10 years ago, they began to look first at what the student wanted.
The new method referred to the future as a path. Looking back, Fults said Derek's path is an example of a successful transition.
Transition: the process of getting a special education student ready for life after high school.
IEP: individualized education plan--every student who receives any special education services has a written group of goals specific to the student's needs.
Cerebral palsy: a group of chronic conditions affecting body movement and muscle coordination. People with the condition have trouble controlling coordination and the use of muscles. There are different types of cerebral palsy, and the disorder varies in severity.
Down syndrome: A syndrome that causes slowed growth, abnormal facial features, and mental retardation. Down syndrome is caused by an extra copy of all or part of chromosome 21.
Autism: a lifelong developmental disability that prevents individuals from properly understanding what they see, hear, and otherwise sense. This results in severe problems in social relationships, communication and behavior.
Asperger's disorder: a pervasive developmental disorder sometimes referred to as a form of high-functioning autism. Individuals with Asperger's are considered to have a higher intellectual capacity while suffering from a lower social capacity. |
"Pathways to the Future" Transition Conference
Oct. 21, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Massaponax High School
The event is free and lunch is provided. Registration required.
Keynote speaker will be Chris Burke, actor and spokesman.
For details or to register, call:
Spotsylvania Parent Resource Center, 540/582-3616
Stafford PRC, 540/658-6710
Caroline PRC, 804/633-7083
Fredericksburg PRC, 540/372-1127
disAbility Resource Center, 540/373-2559.
To reach AMY FLOWERS UMBLE: 540/735-1973aumble@freelancestar.com |
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"This is when most kids go away. They go to college; they get their own jobs. And that's what scares us, because that's probably not what's going to happen and then not knowing what's available, and then you worry about getting old and not being able to take care of them."
--Tim Doyle on transition fears
"The earlier we think about this and plan, the better off we are. Always keep in mind, 'How will the decisions I'm making today impact tomorrow?'"
--Marianne Moore, transition specialist,
on the importance of early planning
"I believe that you need to let a kid dream, just like any other kid, then look at that dream and see how we can make that come true to the extent possible."
--Kim Lett, transition specialist, on transition
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Date published: 9/24/2006
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