I Always Welcome Good
News
A few weeks ago I wrote about the positive difference my
grandson’s current school system has made in his attitude toward school and in
some ways life in general. My grandson
is autistic. Yes, he has problems with
both verbal and non-verbal communication.
He engages in repetitive activities and stereotypical movements. He resists changes in his routine and can
“lose it” when he’s around crying children.
But he’s my grandson, and I want what’s best and right for him just as I
do my other grandchildren.
It was good news for me when I learned that he liked his
present school and was doing well. It
was equally good news to me this week when I learned through my son and his
wife that my grandson will definitely be receiving transitional services next
year. Yes, I know schools are obligated
to provide services up through the school year of a student’s 21st
birthday. But you know what? Not all of them do. Not all of them let parents know what is
available and what can be done to help that special education child with the transition
from high school to college, specialized training, the work force in general,
or just the rest of their lives.
Some schools do not graduate students when they reach the
typical senior age of 18 or 19. They
simply keep them in school taking classes until they reach 21. The transitional plan, as with everything
else dealing with special education students, should be detailed in the
IEP. Teachers and parents have to come
together and decide what is most beneficial for special education students when
they reach 18, and decide if it’s best for them to continue going to school or
if it’s best for them to go into some kind of outside transitional program.
Unfortunately, the quality of these transitional programs is
not consistent across the country and school districts are not consistent in
providing them. Also, it is not
automatic that students once in a transitional program will remain in them
until they are 21. It depends on the
goals of the transitional program, the progress made, and the abilities of the
students.
Beginning at the age of 16, each students’ IEP’s must
include appropriate measurable postsecondary goals related to training,
education, employment, and where appropriate, independent living skills, as
well as the transitional services. If
these goals are not met by the time the student earns enough credits to
graduate, the district is obligated to either keep the student in school or to
provide transitional services to meet these goals.
If there is a dispute about whether the student should
receive a diploma or if the transitional plan is appropriate, a parent may file
for mediation and due process proceedings.
Who in the world wants or needs to be involved in that kind
of response? And that’s why I’m so glad
to hear that my grandson will graduate this spring, but he will promptly begin
his transitional program next fall. No
fuss, no fight, his school is providing what is right and what he needs.
We want the very best for those we love, but it’s always
good to see the personnel of a school district want the very same things for
them that we do.
-------------------------------Grant info:
Grant Name: Monell Foundation Educational Grants
Funded By: The Ambrose Monell Foundation
Description: Giving on a national basis to improve the
physical, mental, and moral condition of humanity throughout the world. Giving
largely for hospitals and health services, scientific research, museums,
performing arts, and other cultural activities, and higher and secondary
education; support also for social services, research in political science,
mental health, and aid to the handicapped. No grants to individuals.
Program Areas: Adult Literacy, Disabilities, General
Education, Health/PE
Recipients: Public School, Private School, Higher Ed,
Other
Proposal Deadline: 10/31/12
Average Amount: $5,000.00 – 1 million
Telephone: 212-245-1863
Availability: All States
