32. Emily’s parents are concerned that her social opportunities will be too limited at her current school; they want her to have the type of opportunities and experiences any average teenager would have.
51. What My Family Learned From Me Emily’s family learned about transition IEPs , and the importance of setting goals to plan for Emily’s transition to a post-secondary setting. Emily just turned 14, so I feel like I have really been able to help them in this area of planning. Emily has not had an IEP for almost 4 years. Her parents have made the decision to develop a new IEP, with a transition plan, as she enters high school this fall. Emily will take an active role in developing this plan. I have had her complete several activities and interest inventories, to get her thinking now, about what she would like to do after graduation. I have also given her information about a great website for future planning: www.youthhood.org. This site is designed for kids, to help them develop self-determination skills, and to plan for independent living after high school. Emily’s family did not realize that accommodations were available to college students with disabilities. I have been able to talk with them about this, as well as to provide them with some helpful resources; such as: a guide offered through the IN*SOURCE website, that summarizes the academic accommodations, special services, and supports offered through the Disability Services Offices of over 60 colleges in Indiana.
52. Connections to Our Class Readings Much of our class discussions and readings has been based on communication between families and schools. Emily’s family has experienced both the best and the worst in their interactions with the school system. Listening to their experiences, I have been able to see how negative of an impact that a school, and their lack of willingness to include parents, as part of the team, can have on a family . It is crucial that educatorsreach out to families, to make sure they feel their concerns are being heard, that they value their input, and that they actively seek out their participation throughout the educational process. Emily’s family has certainly been on an emotional roller coaster ride as they have had to make decisions throughout her life. They have encountered many ups and downs. This was an experience that many parents recounted in the book I read for my review, “You Will Dream New Dreams: Inspiring Personal Stories By Parents Of Children With Disabilities”. I now have a better understanding of what many parents of children with disabilities experience as they traverse through their daily lives.