Transition Plan Myths

1) The Transition Plan is the responsibility of the IEP coordinator.

By law, each student with an IEP must have a Transition Plan in place by the age of 14-16 (depending on which version of the law you are looking at). That’s about the time that most students start looking at going to high school, so it’s a good time to be thinking about what lies on the other side of a Public School career.
While it is certainly true that legally, the IEP coordinator is responsible for making sure the Transition Plan is in place, the law is equally clear that student input is vital. Consideration of student preferences, needs and aptitudes is central to the legal language of the law that ensures students’ rights to a Transition Plan. Because of this, it’s VERY important that the student, and the parents, share their hopes and dreams, and then find the most realistic way for these dreams to come true. The Transition Plan belongs to the student and the student’s family.

2) The new laws guarantee that people with disabilities can get hired.

No. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities who ARE working. However, the laws do not in any way guarantee that persons with disabilities (or anyone else) WILL get hired. In order to enjoy the protections of the law, a person with a disability is under obligation to disclose the disabling condition during the interview process. Later, if the person is fired because of an effect of the disability, THEN its time to call the EOC.


3) There are companies that like to hire workers with disabilities because of the tax break.

Well, sorry, no again. There is a tax credit for companies that hire workers with disabilities. Many companies figure it’s not worth filing the paperwork.

4) Colleges and Technical Schools have to give the same accommodations that high schools do to help students with special needs succeed.

Nope. Not even close. Post-secondary schools do provide some accommodations, but it is pretty much up to the school. College professors don’t particularly like to give extra time or let students answer only the odd numbered questions. Professors are notorious for thinking that ALL their questions are important. All colleges and technical schools will have an “Office of Special Student Services,” or something with a similar name, and that office can let THE APPLICANT know what is or is not possible in the way of accommodations. Notice the capital letters. Colleges are not interested in talking to Mommie or Daddy (yes, I know you sign the checks). Students who want special services MUST self-identify and self-advocate.

5) We have plenty of time.

You don’t really think this, right? It’s never too early to think about what is going to happen after the school bus stops picking up your child. Get out there. See what’s available. Plan to open your checkbook: things that happen after the Free Appropriate Public Education are not free.