Innovative Practices in School to Adult Life

Transition

Pat RoganIndiana University

School of Education, IUPUIprogan@iupui.edu

September 13, 2012

A Vision of a Desirable FutureCurrent Status & OutcomesPromising PracticesNational Study of Transition Services

Recommendations

AGENDA

Self-determination & Advocacy Typical Living Options Integrated Employment Lifelong Learning Satisfying Relationships Community Membership

What is YOUR Vision of a Desirable Future?

VISION & VALUES

O’Brien’s 5 AccomplishmentsCommunity PresenceCommunity ParticipationChoiceCompetenceRespect

SHIFTS HAPPEN!

TRADITIONAL Focus on deficits

Group orientation; fit to program

Professional control

Service segmentation

BEST PRACTICE Capacity search Integration; individualization Self determination; natural supports Holistic, seamless

Post-school Outcomes for Youth with Disabilities

High drop out ratesIncreasing placement in segregated facilities

Low rates of post-secondary ed.

Living at home Social isolation

Percent of youth aged 16 and above with an IEP that includes coordinated, measurable, annual IEP goals and transition services that will reasonably enable the student to meet post-secondary goals.

Issue is QUALITY of plans.

State Annual Performance ReportIDEIA Indicator 13

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLMIDDLE SCHOOLHIGH SCHOOL POST-SCHOOL

Promising Practices:LONGITUDINAL PREPARATION

Pre-school to elementary transition Apply for a Medicaid Waiver Include students in general education Develop a work ethic (responsibilities, task

completion). Involve students in chores, etc. Increase independence (self-care skills, etc.) Build student choice and voice Continue to involve & empower parents Develop a transition plan to middle school

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Inclusive education Extracurricular activities Career exploration Involvement in IEP conferences Work tasks with peers, as appropriate Independent living skills Transition planning for high school

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Inclusive education Career exploration in inclusive settings Age-appropriate work experiences Extracurricular activities Self-determination & advocacy Student led Transition IEP meetings Exploration of/linkages with adult services

HIGH SCHOOL Grades 9-12

Promising Practices:STUDENT-CENTERED PLANNING

“Discovery”: Who is this person?

Profile: Compile information Planning Meeting:

◦PATH◦Personal Futures Planning◦MAPS, etc.

Portfolio: For Employer Contact

Start with the END in Mind:PERSON-CENTERED PLANNING

Revise Goals and

plans

Tell people what you

want

Know Yourself

Use the Self-determined Learning Model of Instruction

Take Action

Make Goals

My VoiceMy

Voice

Example

Rationale for “Off-Campus” (Non-School) Transition Services for Youth Ages 18-21

Peers without disabilities exit high school at 18.

By age 18, schools lose their relevance.

Poor transition outcomes: Students & parents need to be better prepared.

Model Transition Programs in Ohio

Project SEARCH (http://projectsearch.us/

OSU’s TOPS Program (Transition Options in Postsecondary Settings)- www.thinkcollege.net/

And http://nisonger.osu.edu/specialed-transition

Develop Daily Routines

WRITTEN INFORMATION SHARED WITH FAMILIES

Person Centered Planning Driving Medicaid Waiver SSI/SSDI Guardianship Work

Incentives Mental Health Services Transportation Voc Rehab Record

Keeping Wills and Trusts Respite Care Adult Continuing Education Adult Service Employment Providers

PLAN FOR ACHIEVING SELF SUPPORT (PASS)

SSA Work Incentive to encourage SSI recipients to work

Youth and adults are eligibleExcludes resources &/or income from being counted by SSA.

Resources are “set aside” to fund vocational goal

PASS Can Fund: Equipment Services such as job development, job coaching, personal care, transportation

School Vehicle Other work-related supports

Factors That Promote Good Outcomes

1. Positive Attitudes & a Sense of URGENCY

2. Person-centered Planning3. Community-based Work Experiences4. Longitudinal Preparation5. Family Education & Support 6. Staff Expertise

7. Access to Quality Adult Services8. Long-term Funding9. Self-determination/Advocacy10. Reliable/Affordable

Transportation11. Business Partnerships12. Attention to Health & Wellness

Factors That Promote Good Outcomes (cont.)

YOUR TURN!

Promising Practices in place in your area?

Questions?Concerns?

Contact Me:

Pat Rogan – Indiana University, IUPUI

317/274-6861progan@iupui.edu

Thank You!