For Students With Disabilities, Transition From High School Requires Self-Advocacy

Key Points: This article reviews the controversy of how support services in special education can cause students to have a harder time transition to college. The transition to college is more difficult because students don't have self advocacy skills.

Relevance: The article is relevant because self advocacy is an important skill for an individual to be independent. We need to support our students to becoming as independent as possible for the real world.

Intended Audience: Educators, Parents, Special Education Students, Administrators, Program Director/Coordinators

Published Date: 5/29/15

URL: http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2015/06/04/for-students-with-disabilities-transition-from-high.html

For Students With Disabilities, Transition From High School Requires Self-Advocacy - Education Week

For Students With Disabilities, Transition From High School Requires Self-Advocacy - Education Week
Education Week
June 5, 2015
By Sarah D. Sparks
Audience:
Educators, Students, Parents

Key Points:
Post High School Transition is a challenging time for students, especially those with disabilities.
Students need assistance to help them start to find their own voices.
Federal Law requires transition planning no later than age 16 this includes self advocacy but there is no  specific reporting on it.

Relevance:

 Transition is a time when many students fumble through the process of learning to be independent.  Students with disabilities, who are now graduating from high school are  entering higher education at greater numbers than ever before. Students with disabilities are no longer provided accommodations and services through the IEP.  There are are 2 other federal laws that provide services but not at the same level. 

Students Face Uncertain Paths After Special Education

From Education Week
Published online May 29, 2015
Written by Christina A. Samuels
Audience: Teachers, Special Education Specialists, Transition Teachers and Families

Students have experienced a structured and somewhat predictable path while receiving special education services in public school settings since IDEA has been enacted. What has not been historically smooth is the transition from education to vocational or post education life. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act hopes to add structure and substance to transition

2020 Federal Youth Transition Plan: A Federal Interagency Strategy

Key Points: I found this plan on the CEC Website. It is a plan to connect federal government agencies to work together to provide the best full coverage support for youth with disabilities to transition them into adulthood. (Agencies: Department of Labor- Office of Disability Employment, Department of Education - Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Social Security Administration). Below are the goals of this plan:
        1) Access health care services and integrated work-based experiences in high school
        2) Develop self-determination and engage in self-directed individualized    planning
        3) Be connected to programs, services, activities, information, and supports
        4) Develop leadership and advocacy skills
        5) Have involvement from families and other caring adults with high expectations
Intended Audience: Parents with Children who have disabilities, School Districts (Specifically Transition Services), Teachers, Agencies noted above, Lawmakers

Published: February 2015

URL: http://www.findyouthinfo.gov/docs/508_EDITED_RC_FEB26-accessible.pdf