TRANSITIONS GUIDE HOMEPAGE
My Child with Special Needs is Transitioning into High School
What Should I Expect?
Transitioning into high school is a new and exciting chapter in your child’s life. They will be challenged academically and socially, but they will also have the opportunity to discover new interests, make new friends, and explore their passions.
As they begin their high school journey, your child will have more independence and responsibility, which can be empowering and help them grow into confident young adults. With the support of their teachers, peers, and family, they will be able to navigate the new academic and social challenges that come with high school.
High school is also a time for exploration and self-discovery. Your child will have the chance to try new things, discover new interests, and develop skills that will serve them well in the future. With proper planning and support, they can begin to plan for their future and explore different career and post-secondary options.
So, while transitioning into high school may come with some challenges, it's also an exciting time full of new opportunities and possibilities. Encourage your child to embrace the experience and make the most of this exciting time in their life! (Source: Ability Path)
What Should I do to Prepare?
Request initial evaluation for Special Education (SPED) services if your child has not already received one.
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Due process information, guidelines and complaint notice are available through the Ohio Department of Education ↗️
Familiarize Yourself with SPED/Legal Terminology/Due Process
2.)
Genesis at Work Tip
Print the listed informational pages and put them into a binder for future use throughout high school.
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It can be helpful to familiarize yourself with the terminology that your child’s team will be using. It will allow you to effectively collaborate with educators, empower yourself as an advocate, make informed decisions, and access relevant resources and support for your child’s education.
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IEP stands for Individualized Education Program. The purpose of an IEP↗️ is to lay out the special education instruction, supports, and services a student needs to thrive in school.
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Disability Disclosure in Special Education is when a student chooses to share information about their disability with others, like teachers or peers, so they can receive the necessary support and accommodations to succeed in school. More Information ↗️
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Transition planning is the process of guiding young adults with special needs with education, experiences, supports and services to help them have successful and meaningful lives beyond high school.
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IDEA, or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, is a federal law that guarantees students with disabilities the right to a free and appropriate public education, including an Individualized Education Program (IEP) tailored to their unique needs. It ensures equal educational opportunities and supports for students with disabilities.
Important considerations for meeting the needs of students who receive special education services ↗️
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ESSA, or the Every Student Succeeds Act, is a federal law that gives states more freedom to create education systems that work best for their students. It focuses on making sure all students have a fair chance to succeed, holding schools accountable for their progress, and providing support to help them do well. More Information ↗️
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Section 504 ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to education. If your child has a disability that effects their learning, the school must provide accommodations and support to ensure equal access to learning opportunities.
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CADRE or the Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education, is a national resource center that helps parents and schools resolve conflicts related to special education. They offer information, training, and support to promote positive communication and find solutions that benefit students with disabilities. If anything were to go wrong with the school districts, this is who you contact.
Identify avenues of support.
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Joining a parent support group can provide a sense of community and belonging for parents of children with special needs. These groups offer a safe space to share experiences, ask questions, and connect with others who understand the joys and challenges of raising a child with special needs.
Genesis at Work Support Groups
Severe Autism Parent & Caregiver Support Group Registration ↗️
After you complete registration, a Zoom link and passcode for this support group will be sent to your email address. If you have any questions about the group, or other support groups, reach out to ASGC’s Program Director, Hadia Khan, at hkhan@autismcincy.org
or 513-561-2300 ext. 5.
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It can be helpful to find other parents who have already navigated the challenges of raising a child with special needs. Being matched with a parent mentor can provide emotional support, guidance, and practical advice.
Genesis at Work parent mentorship
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Finding families in your child’s same school or district can provide you an opportunity to share resources specific to your school or district, ensure inclusion within your child’s schooling, and work together to resolve shared problems.
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Contact your State PTA ↗️ to see if there is a SEPTA (special education parent- teacher association)
Ohio PTA contact and address:
40 Northwoods Boulevard
Suite A
Columbus, Ohio 43235Phone: 614-781-6344
Fax: 614-781-6349
Email: office@ohiopta.org -
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National Parent Center on Transition and Employment ↗️
Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights
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Most counties in Ohio have a board of developmental disabilities, which offers a broad range of resources, including support services, housing assistance, transportation, recreation, and other services. Find your local board, and get your child enrolled with them to receive access to services and resources as soon as possible.
List of All Ohio Board of Developmental Disability Locations and Contact Information ↗️
All Ohio Board of Developmental Disabilities use a statewide service plan, the Ohio ISP. This assessment and plan is used with all people who receive developmental disability services. The format is the same no matter where you reside in Ohio, so if you move, the planning process will be the same regardless of what county you live in or what providers you choose. -
Most counties have a Community Action Agency which offers a myriad of resources that would be useful to individuals with disabilities, including family support, Head Start programs, career services, and others.
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Cincinnati Office of Disability Affairs ↗️
Provides information, resources, and advocacy for individuals with special needs and their families.Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired ↗️
Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority ↗️
Provides affordable housing options for individuals and families with special needs.Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) ↗️
Provides individuals with special needs, including Metro Access paratransit service.Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) ↗️
Provides recreational activities for individuals with special needs, including adaptive sports, fitness classes, and social events.
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Ohio Family and Children First (OFCF) ↗️
This is a partnership of state and local government, communities, and families that enhances the well-being of Ohio’s children and families by building community capacity, coordinating systems and services, and engaging families.State Support Teams ↗️
As a part of the Statewide System of Support, the State Support Team collaborates with schools, families, regional partners and the Department through a continuous improvement process to ensure each child in Ohio has access to a high-quality education.Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)
State of Ohio agency that empowers Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence
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Many faith-based organizations offer spiritual support and guidance for families of children with special needs. These organizations can provide comfort, hope, and a sense of purpose to parents navigating the challenges of raising a child with special needs.
Adult Bible Conference Programs ↗️
Handi Vangelism Ministries International (HVMI)
Understand the differences between middle and high school.
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High school courses are typically more challenging than middle school courses. Your child may need to adjust to increased academic demands and expectations. According to CPIR, “the key to success in the classroom lies in having appropriate adaptations, accommodations, and modifications made to the instruction and other classroom activities.” There will also be a new focus on learning skills and taking classes that will prepare your child for life after school.
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High schools often offer a wider range of support services for students with special needs, such as assistive technology, specialized instruction, and counseling. Be sure to work with your child's teachers and support staff to ensure that they receive the services they need to succeed.
Below are some links that can help families walk through the types of support and changes in special education related services in high school.
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High schools focus more on transition planning as your child approaches graduation. Transition is the process of switching from school-based services to adult services and preparing your child for life after high school. This will mainly focus on the following four subjects:
Employment
What are your child's career aspirations and how can schools help prepare them for success? Are these goals feasible?Post-secondary education/training
How can your child obtain the necessary skills to achieve their desired career? What financial resources and support services are available to assist them?Independent living
Is your child equipped to live autonomously as an adult? What are the necessary life skills they need to acquire?Community involvement
How will your child participate in community activities such as sports, religious organizations, and other groups? Are they capable of navigating the community independently?
It’s important to remember that quality transition planning for your child is “person-centered.” Person-centered planning empowers people to find their voice and play an active role in planning their supports and goals. Charting the Life Course is a great place to start! It is a person-centered framework of tools that can be used to plan for your child’s future!
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High school is a chance for your child to explore new interests, make new friends, and develop leadership skills. Encourage your child to get involved in extracurricular activities and pursue their passions. This might mean having to hand over some control to your child. Embrace opportunities that will allow for independence and offer support when needed.
Self Determination ↗️ -
As your child becomes more independent in high school, they may need to learn how to advocate for themselves and their needs. Encourage them to communicate their needs to their teachers and support staff, and to take an active role in their education and transition planning.
Genesis at Work Tip
We recommend that all families complete the following documents ↗️ with their child once they turn 14. These tools are a great way to ensure all wants and needs are heard from both the child and parents when planning transition.
Remember that every child is unique, and the transition to high school may look different for each student.
Be sure to work closely with your child's teachers, counselors, and support staff to ensure that their individual needs are met and that they have the tools they need to succeed in high school and after!
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