Guiding Your Teenager with Special Needs Through the Transition From School to Adult Life : Tools for Parents

When teenagers with special needs transition from school to adult life, both they and their families are faced with many new decisions and challenges. This book provides advice and information to help families prepare for that transition, and make it happen as smoothly and seamlessly as possible. Mary Korpi recognizes the impact of this changeover period and emphasises the need for young adults to be included in all decisions and discussions about their future, thereby developing self-advocacy skills. The first part of the book explains how families can adapt everyday routines to develop the young adult's essential life skills. The second part provides information on programs and support services, and stresses the importance of devising an effective transition plan to help teenagers explore avenues suited to their personal goals and abilities. This is invaluable reading for families of teenagers with disabilities who are preparing to move on from school life. When teenagers with special needs make the transition from school to adult life, both they and their families are faced with many new decisions and challenges. This book provides essential information and advice for young adults with different types of challenges and different levels of ability to help families prepare for that transition. In Part I families learn how to adapt everyday routines so that the teenager can foster the vital life skills needed in adulthood. It highlights specific techniques families can apply to make person-centered planning an integral part of the teenager's life. Part II provides an overview of a wide range of adult programs such as college, employment, adult day programs, and residential and recreational opportunities. It covers information that families need to make informed decisions including: identifying which type of program is appropriate, meeting eligibility requirements, obtaining financial support, understanding legal concerns. With the information in this book families can design an effective transition plan that assists teenagers to develop realistic adult goals that support their unique interests and skills.

About the Author:
Mary Korpi is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in Long Island, New York

Contents 11 Preface 13 Acknowledgments 16 Introduction 17 An Overview of Legal Protections for Children with Disabilities 33 Eligibility 43 The Evaluation and Reevaluation Process 83 Free Appropriate Public Education and the IEP Process 105 Special Education and Related Services 139 Least Restrictive Environment 149 Private Placement 167 Behavior Management and Discipline 181 Special Issues Concerning Transition and Graduation 197 Procedural Safeguards, Mediation, and Due Process 211 A Comparison of the IDEA and Section 504 237 The Psychology and Politics of Special Education: A Context 245 How Laws Work: Who Has Trump? 261 Conclusion 269 Notes 271 Important Web Sites 287 Acronyms Commonly Used in Special Education 291 Sample Letters 295 Index 303 "When teenagers with special needs make the transition from school to adult life, both they and their families are faced with many new decisions and challenges. This book provides essential information and advice for young adults with different types of challenges and different levels of ability to help families prepare for that transition."--BOOK JACKET Korpi recognizes the need for young adults to be included in decisions and discussions about their future. The first part of the book shows how families can adapt everyday routines to develop the young adult's life skills. The second part provides information on support services, and stresses the importance of devising an effective transition plan When teenagers with special needs transition from school to adult life, both they and their families are faced with many new decisions and challenges. This book provides practical advice and information to help families prepare themselves and their teenager for that transition, allowing it to happen as smoothly and seamlessly as possible When teenagers with special needs transition from school to adult life, both they and their families are faced with many new decisions and challenges. This text provides practical advice and valuable information to help families prepare themselves and their teenager for that transition