• Role of the Family in Transitional Planning
     
    • Plan and prepare for future financial, medical and housing resource needs, as appropriate by: (a) assisting with application for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits; (b) developing a will; (c) determining guardianship; (d) applying for financial aid for post-secondary education or training.
    • Assist the student to obtain key identification documents, as appropriate: e.g., a social security card; driver's license or non-driver identification card.
    • Help the student develop independent decision-making and communication skills, by helping the student explore options, set realistic goals for the future and developing the ability to communicate these to school staff.
    • Support positive self-esteem and assist the student to develop independence, including self-reliance, self-advocacy and self-management skills.
    • Use home-life opportunities to assist in teaching the student daily living skills: e.g., banking, shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry. Promote good money management, budgeting, and saving by the student.
    • Encourage the student to become aware of the world of work, such as by talking with neighbors and family about their job experiences or by helping the student to locate and obtain a part-time job.
    • Reinforce work-related behaviors at home (grooming, etiquette, following directions, completing chores, etc.).
    • Provide opportunities for leisure time activities such as participation in sports, daily exercise, or hobbies, and encourage student social activities with peers. Teach the student how to access community-based resources (library, recreation, transportation, stores, etc.)
    • Work actively with the CST to plan and monitor the effectiveness of the student's transition program. Attend CST and other meetings and communicate with school personnel to contribute information about the student's life skills, interests, aptitudes, progress and needs. Follow up and complete activities for which the student and family are responsible. Contact the student's teacher with any questions or to share further information as the program unfolds.
     
     

     
Last Modified on September 23, 2019