ELC, WITH HELP FROM SKADDEN ARPS, CREATES POST-SCHOOL TRANSITION MANUAL FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
New Manual is Available in English and Spanish
A critical goal of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is to prepare children with disabilities for postsecondary education, employment and independent living. IDEA requires school districts to provide transition planning and services to these students, but parents often struggle to understand their children’s transition rights.
Education Law Center attorneys have worked with numerous parents on transition issues and have found that families are often deeply concerned about, and unprepared for, what will happen to children after high school graduation. Jenna Statfeld, a Skadden Fellow at ELC, concluded that parents of students with disabilities needed detailed, accessible information, and she reached out to the Skadden Arps law firm for help in making that available.
The result is “Transition Planning,” a know-your-rights manual in both English and Spanish for parents, students and advocates. The manual details the rights of students transitioning from special education to post-school life, as well as the services and supports available to them.
The manual provides information about transition plans, the wide range of transition services available while in school, relevant government agencies that offer services during and after school, practical tips for transition planning, grievance procedures, checklists, and additional resources.
With invaluable help from Skadden, the manual was translated into Spanish, and both versions are available in hard copy form. The manuals can also be accessed on ELC’s website (English version and Spanish version).
“Transition planning can be extremely stressful and confusing for families of children with disabilities. While these families are entitled to substantial services and assistance, they often don’t know about them. It is crucial for them to understand their rights and make use of available opportunities to ensure post-school success,” Statfeld said. “We’re very pleased to be able to offer this essential information in one place.”
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Press Contact:
Sharon Krengel
Policy and Outreach Coordinator
skrengel@edlawcenter.org
973-624-1815, x 24
Press Contact:
Sharon Krengel
Director of Policy, Strategic Partnerships and Communications
skrengel@edlawcenter.org
973-624-1815, x240