Helpful IEP Tips
- At the age of 15 the IEP format expands to include necessary services and connections related to the transition process.
- Think of the transition portion of a student’s IEP as a “creative writing assignment.” There are really no limits to what a student’s transition plan should contain, but should always be grounded in the student’s abilities, goals and future needs.
- Build into the transition plan multiple opportunities for community experiences and pre-vocational exposure through volunteering and mentoring, beginning as early as ninth grade and increasing as the student moves through high school.
- Don’t underestimate the importance of continued connections and opportunities for participation with non-disabled peers. Studies suggest that this, along with opportunities for community work experience, have lasting implications for success in adult life.
- Maintaining a portfolio of diverse community experiences can be an excellent way of tracking the “soft skills” that are key to employment.
- Work to layer in natural supports for the student in both school and community based experiences: using peer mentors and local merchants can provide a more natural transition experience than traditional 1 to 1 aides and job coaches.
- Engaging in positive relationships, travel training and many other transition supports are defined as “Related Service” for students of transition age. Layer them into the student’s IEP.
- Think big! Don’t direct your child’s hopes and dreams. Disabled students are entitled to the same possibilities as their peers. Our challenge is to help them find their way.
- Helping our students achieve a rich and satisfying life after high school is a shared responsibility, so be ready to jump in with ideas and suggestions.
