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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
January 27, 2016 | By: Monica Castillo
Categories: Transition to Adulthood
Done with high school? What comes next?
Finishing high school is exciting. When your child is ready to exit school, there are many options to consider. Starting at the middle school level, students can begin working on transition plans for their future. Transition planning can and should begin earlier than middle school for some children. Depending on each student's abilities and interests, plans can start taking shape early.
Consider what your child's interests and goals are. Will your child be interested in going to college? Will they live independently? Will your child need assistance? What about transportation? How will they support themselves financially? Here are a few options to consider as you and your child begin working on transition from public school to adulthood.
Texas Parent to Parent's transition program - Pathways to Adulthood (PTA), offers an array of tools, services, trainings and information for parents, teens and young adults. They offer a wealth of information in both English and Spanish on their website for families and professionals. You can find resources and information on financial planning and assistance, personal networks, and transition action groups. Pathways to Adulthood offers one-day trainings all across the state that cover transition topics from legal and medical issues, available assistance programs, funding and social services. PTA also provides one-on-one emotional support through parent mentors and individualized advice for specific questions on resources via phone and email.
Online services and supports are also available and can be accessed 24 hours a day on the program website. Take advantage of their great Transition Inventory when you and your child are ready to get started on the planning process. Remember that you are not alone in your quest to better prepare your young adult for life after high school.
You can also learn more about transition on this website in our Transition to Adulthood section. Check out our Find Services, Groups and Events page for local resources on transition.
As a parent of an older son with disabilities, I have struggled with his education in math and reading for most of his school career. As parents, we sometimes have unrealistic goals for our children. However, at some point, we must pause and think about the future.
Categories: Transition to Adulthood
Today, people with disabilities have more options than ever before. They can attend college, go to work and live independently. But they need a good start through school and community experiences. As a hands-on and informed parent, you can help your child gain the skills they need for self-determination.
Categories: Transition to Adulthood
In Texas, when a child with a disability turns 14, they should begin attending Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings with their parents. It’s the time to create a Transition Plan for life after high school.
Categories: Transition to Adulthood