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Purpose of Special Education?

What is the purpose of special education and an Individualized Education Plans you ask? It’s to prepare a child for further education, employment and independent living. I did not make this up……..it's the law. 

IDEA, or the Individual with Disabilities Education Act, was signed into law in 1975.   "The stated purpose of the IDEA is (About IDEA):

  • to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living;

  • to ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and parents of such children are protected;

  • to assist States, localities, educational service agencies, and Federal agencies to provide for the education of all children with disabilities;

  • to assist States in the implementation of a statewide, comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary, interagency system of early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families;

  • to ensure that educators and parents have the necessary tools to improve educational results for children with disabilities by supporting system improvement activities; coordinated research and personnel preparation; coordinated technical assistance, dissemination, and support; and technology development and media services;

  • to assess, and ensure the effectiveness of, efforts to educate children with disabilities."

    What are transition services?

    • Instruction.

    • Related services.

    • Community experiences.

    • Development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives.

    • Acquisition of daily living skills (when appropriate)

    • Functional vocational evaluation.

What are some transition skills?

5 Key Components of Effective Transition Planning

  • Focus on parent connections, access to peers, and information sharing. ...

  • Emphasize employment, work experiences, and the student's portfolio of work skills. ...

  • Focus on community engagement, resources, and supports. ...

  • Foster self-efficacy and goal-setting.

The main skills resulting from these searches are: self-efficacy, critical self-reflection, independent learning, managing expectations, social skills, dealing with stress, critical thinking, and academic and information literacy.

If your child is reaching the age of 18, and not yet met their transition goals, they are not ready for employment, higher education, or as Independent as they are capable of being, do not take their diploma. If you need help navigating what their options are please reach out to us for a consultation and we can discuss your child’s rights. (781) 428-4970. Advocacy for Special Kids, LLC

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Ask The Advocate, Maureen Brown

Special Education Advocate Massachusetts