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Navigate Life Texas: Resources for kids with disabilities and special needs
Navigate Life Texas: Resources for kids with disabilities and special needs
December 6, 2016 | By: Family to Family Network
Categories: Transition to Adulthood
Navigate Life Texas works to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the content on this site. This blog has been updated since its first publication to reflect changes with other organizations, links to other sites and other information. The substance of the article and the writer’s story have not been altered.
In Texas, transition becomes a part of your child’s individualized education program when they turn 14. That transition — going from high school to adulthood — doesn’t have to be scary.
The earlier you and your child begin planning, the better prepared you’ll be for the future. I recommend you start planning for transition before your child enters middle school.
Start by thinking about what you and your child want life to look like after high school, including education and jobs. This will help give you the direction.
The first step is to help your child figure out what they enjoy and are good at. Have them explore different job options. There are many fun ways to do this:
Ask your child what they want to do, and don’t forget to ask “why?” You may discover that your child wants to be a firefighter because they like big trucks or uniforms, not because they want to fight fire.
Knowing why your child is interested in a career helps you explore all options. No matter your child’s ability level, you can find something they enjoy and are capable of learning how to do. For example:
Get creative! If your child loves basketball but doesn’t have the skills to be a professional athlete, maybe they’d enjoy a job as a coach’s assistant or working in a sports store.
Share what you learn with the Admissions, Review and Disability meeting committee as you work together to develop your child’s transition goals. Keep these goals in mind as you develop your child’s individualized education program for high school. Make sure their classes support their long-term goals.
Don’t forget transition goals aren’t set in stone. Your child may change their mind a few times before graduating. Don’t be afraid to adjust.
Visit this website for additional information on Transition to Adulthood.
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