Partnering with Families in the Transition Process Sean Roy – PACER Mary Jane Williams – Family to Family Network 2016 Texas Transition Conference

Learning Objectives IDEA and common frameworks Common barriers Activity Transition messaging Effectively communicating transition objectives The local perspective

IDEA and Parent Participation Rights in the IEP process Members of State Advisory Panel State/Local Performance Plan – joint training with parents Parent counseling and training – related service Monitoring includes parent input Parent Training and Information Centers

Family Involvement Frameworks The Guideposts for Success NASET Standards Kohler’s Taxonomy (1996) U.S. DOE Dual Capacity Framework

Parent Expectations and Outcomes Students with one or more parents who participated in the IEP meetings during 11th and 12th grades were more likely to be engaged in post-school employment Students with parents who had HIGH EXPECTATIONS were more likely to be engaged in postsecondary education and employment www.nsttac.org

Common Barriers Poor communication about reason and process Parents on team, but don’t know - language - rules - options Conflicting goals (what does school need to do vs. parents expectations)

Mistakes Made Lack of trust (me vs. you) Not allowing youth to be involved Families not acknowledging challenges (List 5 things your youth can’t do that a youth his age should be able to do) Professionals coming in with assumptions Others?

Challenges Facing Both Sides Time, Time, Time Requirements and expectations outpacing school resources Expectations and goals outpacing community resources Others?

Activity What information would parents need to have to be effective partners in transition? What are some strategies to provide them with needed information? How can you reinforce engagement and help families maintain motivation to stay involved?

Message to Families: The Process Parents & Youth need to be involved Assessments drive the process Don’t assume school is addressing areas you are concerned about Staying past 4 years is based on student need Families often coordinator of adult services Communication is the key Texas is one diploma state – everyone gets a diploma whether they graduate in 4 years with honors, by IEP or age out. Academic achievement record (Transcript) records coursework.

Message to Families: Employment Know what employers want Work skills Soft skills Work on building skills at home Work experiences a must PSE now the path to economic self-sufficiency Voc Rehab (better known as DARS in Texas) – Parents must assist youth with registering for services. DARS has Eligibility requirements Based on Student preference or interest Impact on Social Security – No one talks about this so parents opt their children out of employment despite schools best effort to get kids working. Parents need to learn about social security work incentives.

Message to Families: Postsecondary Education Must be considered if possible Opportunities are expanding PSE differs greatly from high school The role of family changes too Understand entrance and placement tests Speak to DSS office early If possible - I hate to see “if possible” because too many families will say it isn’t because they haven’t thought about it and don’t realize the opportunities are expanding. Parents need to save for college!!  It is not free….

Message to Families: Independent Living Housing needs to be part of plan As does transportation Social/recreation often missed Health management Begin exploring options early Use youth’s own goals as your starting point SELF ADVOCACY skills often not addressed especially in area of safety…. Parents need to think about what youth need to know to live outside of parents home. Too often everyone at the IEP meeting just states – they will live with me….and focus is too much on ADLs instead of ensuring good communication system or behavior is under control before graduation. Almost need to call it “Interdependent” living as many young people could live independently with support.

Family to Family Network Services at no cost for families Birth to 21+ Full range of disabilities or special heath care needs Inform, educate and collaborate

One Perspective

Another Perspective

Diverse views on transition History Tradition Culture Race Ethnicity Identity Who do you serve? How do you engage Texas families in transition?

Statewide Transition Initiatives Texas Transition & Employment Guide Transition in Texas Website LEA Transition/Employment Designee Region 13 Videos with Texas Parent to Parent Texas Transition & Employment Guide for Youth & Families Transition in Texas Website – http://transitionintexas.org Local Education Agencies – Each school district must have a designated person who will be the contact for families Region 13 created some great videos on Transition in collaboration with Texas Parent To Parent covering a lot of topics around transition (waivers, ssi, etc) Region 9 – Parent Survey –Transition information DADS Guide to Employment for those individuals in SSLC, ICF facilities, or who receive one of the various Medicaid waivers. & Employment FIRST Task force for state TX Council for Developmental Disabilities – Virtual job Coach Project, Techworks for Texas (Project SEARCH), HEART Technology Project, Project CASE, Bridge to Career (PATHS), Project HIRE Hogg Foundation Transition Age Youth and their Families (TAYF) to address the transition of youth with mental health needs in the Houston Harris County area who often are left out of the process – Disability Rights is one of the grantees who developed the “Your Rights, Your Voice Guide for Youth with Mental Health concerns Transitioning to Adulthood.”

DADS Guide to Employment for People with Disabilities TCDD Projects Hogg Foundation – TAYF Initiatives Institute for Person Centered Practices http://www.person-centered-practices.org/

Family to Family Guided transition program Special Ed & Transition Conference

Resources

Contact Information Sean Roy sroy@pacer.org Mary Jane Williams familytofamily@sbcglobal.net