Ashley K Suyematsu

From no where to know where

This resource is a parent handbook for students with disabilities as they transition to adult life.
This handbook prepares parents to be active participants in developing transition goals and
activities to be included in their students IEP. Parents become informed and prepared when
planning for their students successful adulthood. It assists the parents in pursuing and achieving
transition goals.
Top 10 Topics Discussed in Handbook
1. Six Key Areas to Ensure a Smooth Transition: Understanding the different components
will ensure effective planning and a smooth transition. This list includes areas that the
parent should have an understanding of as they begin the transition process
2. Helping Your Youth Discover a Vision: Before parents step too far into the process, it is
important that the parent understands where their student wants to be in the future. At
times this can be difficult, depending on the disability, for student to think through or talk
about their ideas and feelings, or they may lack experience in making their own decision.
This section steps parents through a process to help their student prepare to fully
participate in developing a transition plan
3. Laws and Your Right to Due Process: This topic discloses the laws that impact the
transition of individual with disabilities from school to adult life. It breaks down the
different laws and informs parents of key understandings of each law. If the process
breaks down, there is information about the resolution and obtaining support.
4. What is Transition: This topic is an overview of what transition is and why it is
important. It covers frequently asked questions and answers, along with information
about transition planning
5. Essential to the Transition IEP and Developing the Transition Plan: This topic
summarizes the different components that should be included in the IEP. It covers
information to include and perspectives to consider.
6. Graduation: This is what the parents should know about graduation and how it should be
addressed in the students IEP. This covers the graduation options in Utah.
7. Employment: This topic has the parent and student identifying possible careers that are
based on interest and abilities. This is key to building a students future considering
living, postsecondary education/training, and life skills
8. Adult Services: It is a challenge to prepare for transition to work and adult living if
parents and students are not aware of agencies and services that they will be transition.
This topic addresses the challenges by providing brief information about the agencies and
services
9. New Players, New Roles: This covers the role of the student and parents, along with new
personnel that would be in their transition plan
10. Other Transition Concerns for Parents: These areas include age of majority, living
arrangements, employment options, estate planning, guardianship