Parents to Parents: Tips on Transition
Kelly Glover, Transition Coordinator,
St. Ignatius Schools
and Parent of a Transition-Age Student

Transition from school to adult life is hard for most young people and this transition can be especially hard for young adults with special needs. I have asked a couple of parents about their experiences regarding their child’s transition into adult life. Carol Monson and Val Burningham have graciously agreed to share their experiences with us. Here’s what they had to say.

How did the school prepare you for your child’s exit and the school’s support ending?
Carol: “I don’t feel that they did; I signed my son up for adult services myself.”

Valerie: “The school arranged for the adult service people to attend my son’s IEP meeting. We then coordinated with them for help with the transition. It was nice to meet the adult service people ahead of time; it gave us time to think about the information they presented, and choose which options would be the most beneficial for our situation.”

What helped in terms of knowledge, support and assistance from school or agency staff?
Carol: “The WISER staff was very helpful with writing Ryan’s Vocational Profile, getting him work experience and assisting me in writing a PASS plan. They were helpful any time I called, and they would contact me when there was training available for my son or myself. WISER is a wonderful program.”

Valerie: “Through the work experience program my son was taught everything he needed to know to get a job and maintain the position. The work experience program prepares the student, parents, and the community to see the student as a viable part of the work force.”

What information would you share with other parents now that you have been through this experience? (The experience of having a son or daughter transition from school life to adult life.)

Carol: “Be realistic. Don’t set your expectations too high. Be realistic about what your child can and can’t do. Do research on the viability of the specific job you are looking for in your community. The longer the child can stay in school the better because support really tapers off after the child is out of school. Be diligent about getting adult services involved before graduation.”

Valerie: “First and foremost, see your child’s strengths and abilities. Let them do everything they can for themselves, and you will be amazed at how much they can do. As a parent that is a hard thing to do, but most gratifying. Meet with the adult service people before graduation. The wait for services is mind-boggling. There is a lot of paperwork involved and the school staff can help explain it in plain English. Never be afraid to ask questions, and make sure you know what the jargon means.”

What suggestions would you make to teachers/schools to help them prepare students for transition?
Carol: “These young adults need continued transition services. They need continued help to find jobs and make social contacts. After graduation they can become quite isolated from society.”

Valerie: “See your students’ abilities and strengths. Let them do everything they can, and even more will come because of your confidence in them. Keep in close contact with parents and the adult service agency.”

Job Coaches, please keep foremost in you mind that your goal is to not be needed anymore. This is the ultimate compliment and sign of a job well done.

It’s nice to have straight talk from parents to parents. Thanks again for your participation ladies. You’ve given us some valuable insight and information.

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