A Brief Overview Full Article Students with disabilities who are bullied at school have legal protections, and schools have added responsibilities to ensure their safety and well-being. When acts of bullying involve discrimination based on disability, race, sex, or religion, federal agencies classify those acts as harassment. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Read More
Category: My Life / My Plan
Information on planning with your friends and family about what you want your life to look like in the future.
Transitioning Rights and Accommodations from IDEA to ADA and 504
The table below outlines the transition from the protections and accommodations provided under an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to the rights and accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act as students with disabilities move into higher education or the workforce. Aspect IDEA ADA & Section 504 Purpose Read More
Planning my Path – A User-Friendly Toolkit for Young Adults
Planning My Path Practical Tips and Tools for Future Planning Presenting our newest resource – the Planning My Path Practical Tips and Tools for Future Planning. This toolkit encompasses a collection of our informative articles, complemented by easy to understand timeline charts to provide you with a solid foundation as you navigate through this crucial transition period. Read More
Library Career Resources
Whether you are a job seeker or want to improve your skills and knowledge in a particular subject area, libraries have free resources to help. Each library will have different resources, trainings, and events available to the public. These resources include trainings both in-person or online, resume development assistance, digital literacy programs, and language learning Read More
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Information and Resources for Families
A Brief Overview Full Article Parents of individuals with autism have many different experiences when watching their child’s development, navigating school years and relationships, and building community and belonging. When developmental milestones aren’t met in typical timeframes, families may seek a diagnosis, medical interventions, and/or support from school. CDC numbers show that 1 in 36 Read More
7 Factors Linked to Post – High School Success
These factors can offer valuable guidance for current high school students with disabilities, their families, and educators. By focusing on these areas, students with disabilities can better prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, whether in future education, training, or workforce. Here’s an expanded list with different examples for each factor, considering the Read More
What is Person Centered Planning?
What it is? Person-centered planning is all about making decisions that focus on you as a unique individual. It’s about listening to what you want and need, and then working together to make those things happen. Get Involved! Become a Person Centered Planner. Training sessions are starting soon! Seize this chance to make a positive Read More
Transition Triangle
The planning process to support a student with disabilities toward their adult life plans requires coordination and organization. This graphic provides a visual overview of the work and who is responsible to help. The center upside down triangle describes key questions for a student as they move through school and toward adulthood: The three colored Read More
Ready for Work: Vocational Rehabilitation Provides Guidance and Tools
A Brief Overview Full Article Teenagers and young adults with disabilities have additional considerations when deciding what life looks like after high school. The transition planning process begins in middle school, when all Washington State students work with counseling staff to begin their High School and Beyond Plan. For students with disabilities, that lengthy planning Read More
Healthcare in Transition
Healthcare transition, like all other aspects of transitioning to adult care and services, can be difficult. However, if teenagers and families plan ahead for healthcare changes that occur when a child becomes an adult, things can go smoothly and be successful. Here are some resources and information for making the health care transition to adult Read More
Healthcare Transition and Medical Self-Advocacy
When young people turn 18, a lot happens. Adult responsibilities and decisions can feel scary and confusing for the unprepared. Becoming responsible for medical care is part of growing up, and that process is so critical that there’s a specific name for it: healthcare transition. For example, at age 18 a young adult is responsible Read More
Abbreviation Cheat Sheet
*Adapted from OSEP’s complete list of acronyms Washington State Specific Terms Military Terms
Glossary of Terms for Future Planning
Legal Documents Letter of intent: a personal document expressing your wishes for your child which are not included in the will. It has no legal standing, but acts as a guide for guardians, Power of Attorney agents, and trustees. It can be provided to your selected guardians and a copy can be saved with the Read More
What’s Next? High School Transition Planning Timeline
Description of the above graphic: What’s Next? High School Transition Planning Mapping the Future Check these milestones to ensure high school paves a pathway for young adult success and achievement! Ages 13-14Student begins High School and Beyond Plan in Middle School—a WA State requirement for all students. Ages 15-16IEP includes a Transition Plan, aligned with Read More
Self-Advocacy: Becoming an Active Member in Your Community
Brief overview: If you have ever defended your rights or the rights of other people, you were acting as an advocate. Self-advocacy means taking responsibility for telling others what you need and want in a respectful and direct way. Anyone can be a self-advocate. Speaking up for yourself or someone else can help you be Read More