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Parent
Questions & Answers
The
following was published by Massachusetts Advocates for Children, Boston,
MA ~
NEW Transition Rights for all 14 and 15 year olds! (Chapter 205
of the Acts of 2008)
In August, Governor Patrick signed a new law (S.286) which requires school
districts to initiate special education transition planning and transition
services at age 14, rather than age 16. Parents and educators applaud
law-makers for this critical legislation, as delay until age 16 (the
middle of high school) is too late to facilitate effective transition
planning.
What to do if you are the parent of a 14 or 15 year old?
q
Request an IEP meeting (in writing) to discuss transition using the
Transition Planning Form
Note: The IEP Transition Planning Form is simply a planning
document, and is not included in your child’s IEP
q
Request a transition assessment (in writing) to address transition
goals, objectives, and services
q
Make sure that your child’s IEP includes measurable IEP transition goals
and objectives related to:
o Training
o Education
o Employment
o Independent living, as appropriate
q
Your child is entitled to transition services that will help meet her
transition goals and facilitate movement to post-school activities,
including:
o Instruction
o Related services
o Community experience
o Development of employment (including integrated supported
employment)
and other post-school adult living objectives
o Acquisition of daily living skills
o Functional vocational evaluation
Be sure to list specific transition services in the IEP.
q
Transition goals and services must be based on your child’s needs,
taking into account his strengths, preferences, and interests.
q
Your child must be invited to the IEP Team meeting starting at age 14.
Help to determine the best way for your child to participate.
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Book to check out ~
"If
Your Adolescent Has Schizophrenia"
by Raquel E. Gur, M.D., Ph.D., and Ann Braden Johnson, Ph.D.
An Essential Resource for Parents
The most up-to-date information on:
Plus
advice from parents themselves
Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that typically occurs in adolescents and
young adults between the ages of 18 and 35. Untreated, it can have a
wide-ranging and often devastating impact not only on the lives of these
young people, but also on those who love and care for them. Indeed,
in an era of de-institutionalization and managed care, it is their
families who will become the first line of defense against this serious,
potentially life-altering desease.
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