- Actively participate in IEP meetings, and encourage your child to:
- Lead part / all of IEP meeting
- Set own goals (academic and transition) based on informed choices
- Identify the next steps
- Learn about the Age of Majority when a child turns 18 and becomes responsible for their own rights
- Understand IEPs won't follow the student once they exit school services, either with a Standard Diploma, Advanced Standard Diploma, or age out of services
- Discuss the opportunity to register to vote with your child when they turns 18
- If you have a male adult child, remind them to register for Selective Service when they turn 18
- In your child's IEP meetings, explore opportunities for:
- Work-based learning experiences including internships and apprenticeships
- Elective courses for deeper exploration
- Support your child to complete college applications and / or finalize post-graduation plans
- Support your child to:
- Apply for services through the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) as appropriate
- Find and keep a job
- Update their resume
- Practice transportation options of choice
- Learn more about career supports available
- Support your child to:
- Determine eligibility for services as appropriate (for example, Social Security benefits, community-based waivers, or Community Services Board)
- Create a transportation mobility plan to navigate the community independently
- Obtain a driver's license
- Identify and request accommodations at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for the Driver's Permit and Driver's License course
- Continue to develop healthy relationships
- Expand independence in daily living skills (meals, laundry, etc.)
This product was created by the Family Engagement Network (FEN), through a grant provided by the Virginia Department of Education and managed by the Center for Family Involvement at the Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University.