Parents are often unprepared for the educational, legal, medical, and social changes that occur when a child reaches adulthood. Research shows that three years after high school graduation, less than 10 percent of students with disabilities are actively employed or enrolled in postsecondary education. But with help, a student with disabilities is more likely to earn a degree, get a job, and successfully shift to adulthood. Services and planning can ease the switch. As a child

Transition services provide an opportunity to prepare special needs students for life after high school by helping them explore career options, learn important social skills, and prepare for future educational and vocational programs. Parents and students should begin to think about transition in middle school so students get the most benefit from their remaining school years. Opportunities to explore include postsecondary education and training, employment programs, independ

Individual Education Plan An IEP is the cornerstone of a quality education for each child with a disability. Once a child is determined to be eligible for a special education program, they can receive specially designed instruction that meets their unique needs. A team of qualified professionals, along with the parent or guardian, determines the services and specialized instruction necessary to meet the student’s needs. The team then creates a document outlining how instructi

Most students experiencing difficulties in school will be engaged in the process of problem solving or Response to Intervention. RtI is the practice of matching student needs to high-quality instruction and interventions and then monitoring the student’s progress frequently to make decisions about changes in instruction or goals. Data about the child’s response are used to make important education decisions. Depending on the intensity and duration of instruction or specialize