August 15, 2019 | By: Becky Tarwater
Categories: Transition to Adulthood
As parents of teens with learning disabilities (LD), we know the importance of advocating for our children and knowing their legal rights. We work to make sure that their needs are met by the school system. We have learned to speak up and research new laws. We know to ask the right questions. We are skilled in clearly sharing our kids’ needs with others. Now it’s our job to educate our children to do this for themselves.
By the age of 16, our teens are invited to take part in creating their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and 504 plan. This is a great way for teens to build self-advocacy skills. But they have to know what their needs are and how to share them. The following are three main advocacy skills that we must teach to all our kids–with and without disabilities:
We must teach our kids the tools they need for independence. And how to use them. Then and only then are we preparing them to advocate for themselves.
“Living a meaningful life” means something different for everyone. Let’s help make our children’s lives awesome!
Categories: Transition to Adulthood
Coming back from poor life choices, this young man is finding the support and services to step into an independent future confidently.
Categories: Transition to Adulthood
My son with disabilities is 20 years old, and so far, I think I am on track with this whole transition to adulthood phase. But just when I think I know what I am doing, I feel totally lost again.
Categories: Transition to Adulthood