SKILLS FOR LIFE
Three Tools for Early Planning for Independence with Exceptional Needs By Karen Kaplan
EVERY STUDENT RECEIVING SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES IN PUBLIC SCHOOL HAS AN IEP (INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM), AND WHEN THEY TURN 16, THE SCHOOL DISTRICT MUST FACILITATE AN ITP (INDIVIDUALIZED TRANSITION PLAN) THAT PREPARES THE STUDENT TO LIVE, WORK, AND RECREATE OR EVEN ATTEND A POSTSECONDARY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM.
54 | Exceptional Needs Today | Issue 6
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t is never too early to think of the techniques, strategies, and activities that can be implemented to help your child or student reach independence. I have seen many families reluctant to nurture independence, and then when their child is 18, 19, or 20 with only one or two years left in the public school system, they become panicked. There are tools families and schools can use to help see the student’s interests and abilities as well as hopes, dreams, and challenges in order to develop a plan for adult life. These tools are student-focused. They take time. They take research efforts. They take collaboration. They take creativity. They will hopefully wake everyone up to see what skills and resources
