For parents of children with disabilities, the goal of preparing them for life extends beyond high school. Moving from an educational setting to the real world can be difficult for anyone, but it is often especially challenging for those with disabilities.
It is vital for families to have a long-term plan in place long before graduation day. When you have questions about special needs transition planning in Virginia Beach, a dedicated attorney can help.
When is the Right Time to Start a Transition Plan?
Every high school student benefits from hands-on guidance when deciding what comes next after graduation. This is especially true for students living with disabilities. Transition planning for students with an individualized education program is designed to plan for the future and increase the student’s chances of pursuing secondary education when possible.
Making a plan for the transition from high school to adulthood cannot be done overnight. It can take months or even years to work out all the details so they are in place by the time high school comes to an end. Ideally, special needs transition planning is completed before a Virginia Beach student reaches the age of 16.
Beginning this early gives the student and their family time to decide their future goals. For anyone hoping to continue their education beyond high school, it is important to cover any prerequisites needed before graduation. The earlier these considerations begin, the better.
Important Services to Include in the Plan
For disabled students in Virginia Beach, these special needs transition plans are about more than brainstorming for the future. Making these plans can be difficult, especially without experienced help. An attorney can assist with putting the following services into place for the future.
Career and College Counseling
A major part of developing a plan is asking a student what they want to do in the future. Learning what their wishes and goals are allows their support system to help them determine how to make those dreams a reality. This could involve counseling them for a career after school or reviewing secondary education opportunities.
Educational Services
There are often hoops to jump through in order for a special needs student to secure their diploma. These plans can ensure they are meeting their educational goals. Doing so is important for their current needs and also for their future plans. After all, pursuing secondary education is impossible for a student who fails to do what is necessary at the high school level.
Preparing for Independence
Living independently is sometimes an option for special needs students following graduation. Part of a transition plan involves giving them the tools needed to handle daily responsibilities that most people take for granted. This includes opening a bank account, teaching them to shop for groceries or prepare meals, and preparing them to use public transportation.
Talk to an Attorney in Virginia Beach About Special Needs Transition Planning
For some parents, the thought of their child living independently or pursuing a college degree might have seemed impossible at one point. In many cases, this outcome is possible when the appropriate plan is in place. When you have questions about special needs transition planning in Virginia Beach, now is the time to talk to an attorney. Call Parks Zeigler, PLLC, right away for a private consultation.
