Preparation for Education after High School
Staying in School and Moving Forward
Transition from School to Employment
The term transition refers to a passing from one state or condition to another. One of the most critical transition periods for individuals with disabilities is the transition from school to young adulthood. To help a student, this transition is mapped out in a student's IEP (Individualized Education Program). This planning begins when a student is fourteen years of age. Most schools have an individual or teacher in the school that specializes in helping students plan for the transition process. Many students with disabilities find that the first year of college is a difficult adjustment. They are overwhelmed with so many new responsibilities. Planning ahead for the transition allows students to prepare for this change.
Preparation for Education after High School
Becoming an Advocate
Greater independence is required for a student with disabilities who is entering a college or university environment. They no longer have their parents to help them with the accommodations they need. Becoming a self-advocate is important to ensure a positive post-secondary educational experience. The first step to becoming a self-advocate is to know your rights and responsibilities as a student.
Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
This article is found on the U.S. Department of Education website. It is provided by The Office of Civil Rights and explains the rights and responsibilities of students entering colleges or universities. It also discusses what postsecondary schools are obligated to provide for students with disabilities.
Transition Coalition
The Transition Coalition is an organization that supports professionals who work with students in transition. It provides information and support on helping students to transition from school to adult life. Transition Coalition
Finding a School that Suits Your Needs
According to Section 504 and IDEA, traditional colleges and universities are required to make reasonable accommodations for their students with special needs. There are also universities founded specifically for those individuals needing special assistance. The following links provide access to school programs and other resources for those seeking an educational environment exclusively for students with disabilities.
Gallaudet University
Gallaudet University is an institution of higher learning specifically for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Association of National Specialist Colleges
The Association of National Specialist Colleges contains an alphabetical listing of colleges created especially for students with disabilities.
Staying in School and Moving Forward
Studies have shown that many students with disabilities drop out of school during or after their first year of college. Keeping these students in school can be done by increasing their self-advocacy skills. Providing strong support from an advisor or mentor is also important. Most college campuses have a disability support coordinator. This person helps a student with the accommodations needed to manage life on campus. To find out if your college has a disability support coordinator contact their disability services office.
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Transition from School to Employment
Transition is a process that students and families go through to plan life after high school. Students with disabilities face many hurdles as they go from school to the workplace. A transition plan is an important part of making sure that things go smoothly. The planning starts with identifying the student's goals for the future. The next step is planning their community and school experiences around these goals.
In the public school system this planning process is part of the Individualized Educational Program when the student is sixteen years old. Some public schools have a transition teacher who helps in planning and executing the transition process. Contact your school's principal for more information on transition teachers and how they can help you. Beyond the planning of the IEP team, different community programs are available to assist in the transition process as well.
School To Work Opportunity Act of 1994: See Guide to Civil Rights: Education Rights
Transition Programs
The re-authorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that transition planning be a part of the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Different programs and internships that help in transition planning are available through the public schools and private businesses. Listed below are different transition programs and opportunities.
Job Shadowing
Job Shadowing is a program that enables students to shadow someone who is working in a job that the student finds interesting. The program helps to connect what students learn in the classroom with what goes on in the real world.
DO-IT
The Do-It program helps people with disabilities successfully pursue college and careers. Their website includes resources on programs for transition and the planning process.
Emerging Leaders
Emerging Leaders is a summer internship and leadership program for students with disabilities.
U.S. Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education provides resources for employers who are looking for qualified employees with disabilities.
Entry Point!
Entry Point! helps students with disabilities to find internships in science, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and business.
National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability
The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability offers a downloadable guidebook with information on transition from school to work. The name of the guide is Career Planning Begins with Assessment: A Guide for Professionals Serving Youth with Educational and Career Development Challenges.