"Transition" is a broad term, referring to the period of time during which a student with disabilities prepares to complete high school and to the process of preparation, including long-range planning, activities, and services aimed at helping the student move successfully from school into the adult world. The legal requirement that…

This document is part of a set of resources to support the marginalized caregivers of children with disabilities with inclusive education, which also includes guides for caregivers, teachers and schools, as well as templates for directories of resources and organizations to be adapted for specific systems. This workbook contains tools to be used…

There is a process within the special education program that directly links a child's educational program with their plans for the future. It is called a Transition Plan and is part of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Transition services are a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability designed to be used within a…

Federal and state education laws have not changed since the COVID-19 outbreak. Because they were not meant to be implemented during a pandemic, schools and parents are facing barriers in implementing IEPs and 504 plans with remote learning at home. More than ever students will need strong advocates to express concerns and collaborate with school…

Once their child has been diagnosed as deaf or hearing impaired, parents may not know what to do. This booklet will help answer some of the questions these parents might have. A resource section has been included for parents and professionals on pages 43-44, for future reference. One of the most important things to remember is that, once a child…

The fundamental intent of special education is to provide instruction to meet each child's unique needs. "Life Journey through Autism: Navigating the Special Education System" offers information, tools, and tips that will help parents become an even more effective advocate for their children. Many teachers, administrators, and school…

Transition planning officially begins between the ages of 14 and 16 for most students with an IEP. However, the process is lifelong. Job Exploration Counseling, or Career counseling/guidance includes a wide variety of activities which help students explore career options and opportunities available. Job exploring options are intended to foster…

As any parent of a child with autism knows, your life changes and you take on new roles after your child receives a diagnosis of autism. Ready or not, you are now expected to be an expert on interventions, support professionals, and special education. Suddenly, your concerns and worries are different from the parents around you. While they may be…

Arguing that only 13 percent of children with severe emotional disturbances are receiving adequate special education services in the least restrictive environment, this article presents strategies for parents to ensure appropriate responsiveness from placement and Individual Education Planning teams as well as advice regarding yearly reviews,…

This article reviews personality assessment of students with severe emotional disorders (SED) as mandated by the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA). The EHA definition of SED, assessment strategies required by EHA guidelines, functional Individualized Education Plans, and the role of the school psychologist in the process are…

This article discusses applications of education legislation for drug-addicted children, including the Education for All Handicapped Children Act and Sec. 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which recognizes smoking and drug addiction as handicapping conditions. Suggested guidelines for parents seeking school support services under these laws…

Fifteen fact sheets--two page overviews of issues in special education developed by the ERIC Clearinghouse on Handicapped and Gifted Children in 1981--are presented. The fact sheets address topics in a question and answer format and provide references as well as resources on each subject. The following titles are included, "The Administrator's…

This guide on transition services for Minnesota students with disabilities provides parents with information on student's rights and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that is available, how to obtain it, and how to improve the system to provide for transition needs that are not being met. Separate…

This booklet provides an introduction to assistive technology services for children and adults with disabilities in North Carolina. Key terms such as "self-advocacy" and "assistive technology" are explained, as are provisions of major state and federal legislation and Social Security Income for the families of children with…

This manual is designed to help advocates, including parents, obtain special education for children with disabilities residing in New Jersey. It explains the requirements of the federal statute governing special education--the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)--and the federal regulations implementing IDEA, as well as the state…