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Transition Planning: It is All About What Your Child Wants to Do

Description

Transition Planning: It’s All About What Your Child Wants to Do! is a three hourworkshop designed to introduce parents and family members to the transition process that is used to support middle and high school students who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as they move from school to the adult world.

Focus will be placed on how to work collaboratively with school team members to plan a seamless transition to the community, post secondary education/training, and/or employment. The workshop will help participants develop a basic understanding of how to use age appropriate transition assessments to make decisions about post secondary measurable goals that ultimately lead to rewarding outcomes. 

Information included in the presentation was obtained from a variety of sources including journal articles, books, conferences, and the experience of those charged with creating this workshop. Every attempt was made to ensure the accuracy and impartiality of the information included in this guide. It is not our intention to support the importance or efficacy of any particular educational or therapeutic approach over any other approach.

Intended Audience

Participants in this workshop should have a basic understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders.  The information is appropriate for anyone interested in learning more about the transition process and how to prepare adolescents and young adults as they move from high school to the adult world. This workshop is appropriate for the following audience:

  • Parents/family members of individuals with ASDs
  • School administrators 
  • General and special educators
  • Paraprofessionals
  • Therapists
  • Community service providers
  • Adult service providers 

Layout of the Training

This training will require 3 hours of instruction. The number of participants should be limited to 50.  

Presenters

Presenters must be knowledgeable of the transition process beginning at age 14, including age appropriate transition assessments, measurable postsecondary goals, the development of transition IEPs, and diploma options.    

Training Schedule

There are 4 sections to this workshop: (a) an Opening, (b) the Transition Process, (c) Using the IEP, and (d) the Transition Planning Timeline. It may all be presented in one 3 hour session. However, the first 2 sections of the workshop may be provided separately from the last 2 sections if you have shorter periods of time.

Given individual presenter’s styles, audience participation, and other factors that may interfere with workshop timing, the times listed are approximate. Below is the schedule recommended:

  1. The Opening, including Welcome: .25 hour
  2. Transition Process  1 hour
  3. Using the IEP: 1.5 hours
  4. Transition Planning Timeline: 10 minutes
  5. Close by having the participants complete the evaluation: 5 minutes 

Materials Required

Trainers’ script and the PowerPoint presentation are available from the T/TAC library at VCU. If interested in presenting, a DVD can be sent to you. Additionally, a training kit which includes materials needed for the training is available. Keep in mind that you will need to make arrangements to get the materials by calling 804.827.1414 at least two weeks in advance of the training. 


Keep in mind that you will need to make arrangements to get the materials by calling 804.827.1414 at least two weeks in advance of the training or submitting a VAC Training Request form.