Hundreds of thousands of children and youth with disabilities across the country are receiving secondary transition services. Secondary transition is the process of preparing students with disabilities for life after they leave high school, including participation in post-secondary education or training, employment and independent living.…

The article presents a discussion between a learning disabilities resource teacher and an education program specialist on the individual education plan (IEP) required by P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. (SBH)

The transition to adulthood can be difficult for anyone, but doubly or triply so for an individual with special needs. In addition to the emotional and developmental challenges it brings, it means huge transitions in terms of benefits programs, education, day-to-day structure, medical coverage and residential choices. In this article, the authors…

While the rest of the (neurotypical) parenting world breathlessly awaits the first day of school, some parents are hauling out 62 lbs. of Individualized Education Plan (IEP) paperwork--and wondering what to do with it this year. The progress reports. The evaluations. The standardized tests. The work samples. And finally, the 18-page,…

The author outlines nine problem areas in implementation of P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. (SBH)

"Rehabilitation," as a term in and of itself, implies a goal of bringing something back to its original state of being. However, for many people living with traumatic brain injury (TBI), rehabilitation means learning to live all over again. Through means of education and employment, this article explores the quest for inclusive community…

In December of 2004, the reauthorization of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) was signed into law and went into effect on July 1, 2005, making dramatic changes in the area of transition from school to post-secondary life. The President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education created recommendations that influenced the new…

This article summarizes a few of the areas of Public Law 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, which are of special concern to parents. (SBH)

Considering how much time a child spends in school and how much influence the school has on a child's future, success for students with ADHD must include a child's school. An important step in navigating a child's school system with or without an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 accommodations includes educating professionals and…

Too often, parents of children with disabilities come with negative expectations about the intentions of the teachers and administrators who are proposing an education plan for their son or daughter. In preparation, they arm themselves with advocates, lawyers, and a myriad of outside evaluations in preparation for the "battle" ahead. In…

"Bloom where you are planted" is sage advice that parents have passed down through the ages to their children. It is especially wise counsel for the military child who faces new environments on a regular basis. But in today's complicated, fast-moving world, filled with choices, opportunities, and myriad pathways from which students with…

The author addresses the problems of P.L. 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act) which hinder efforts to provide programs for handicapped students. Considered are problems in child identification, student placement, mainstreaming, individualized education programs, in-service education, and attitudes of teachers and…