If you’re expecting to read laments about those last days of summer, I’m sorry to disappoint you. The moms at Clancy & Associates are eagerly counting the days until school starts again. Soon, our kids will return to their familiar structure, rhythm, and routines that the school day provides. Translation: Happier kids, happier, less stressed moms!
Traditionally, we share our expert IEP Tips in our annual Back to School newsletter, but this month I’d like to share an educational resource that has given me so much hope and excitement for my son’s future and for the futures of our clients (you can still read our pro IEP tips here).
My husband and I have been thinking a lot about Transition as our son starts high school this month. For the uninitiated, “Transition” refers to the time period after senior year of high school and continues through the school year in which a student turns 22 years old.
School districts provide Transition programming for students with disabilities through age 22*. Services and programs prepare students for employment and community life by building vocational skills, budgeting, navigating public transportation, and social skills. Often, students also attend their local community colleges for coursework.
The question that’s been on my mind is: Then what?
Why not college? You may have seen college resource booths at Options / Special Needs Future Planning fairs or other parents talking about their kids’ college programs. Is this really a possibility!? It is! More and more traditional colleges and universities are developing programs to provide those with intellectual disabilities the opportunity of education and further growth. Did you know that Illinois has 16 programs specifically designed for those with intellectual and other developmental disabilities?
You can search among 338 postsecondary education programs using the College Search tool at www.thinkcollege.net. “Think College” is an organization dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving research and practice in inclusive higher education for students with intellectual disability. The ThinkCollege website organizes program information such as whether financial aid is possible (as a CTP – or Comprehensive Transition and Post-Secondary Program), websites, program structure, and contact information. It’s loaded with interesting articles, news, and state-specific updates.
You can learn about why these opportunities are so important from this Ted Talk: Opportunity and High Expectations. Those local to the Chicago area have an in-person opportunity to talk with schools providing college programming on October 16th at Glenbard North High School, in Glendale Heights for this year’s Options Fair. Expect to find many post-secondary programs on-site to showcase their programs and answer your questions. Our own Clancy & Associates team will also be at the Options Fair to present on Special Needs Planning Issues and Guardianship (…more on that closer to October).
Whether your child is in early childhood education or in Transition, and thinking about what’s next, I hope learning about this college resource inspires you to continue to dream big for your child. I am grateful that my son is growing up at a time when opportunities are multiplying and opening doors to a future we had not thought possible. Happy exploring!
*More specifically, Transition services terminate at the end of the school year in which your child turns 22.
