Guest guest Posted August 5, 2011 Report Share Posted August 5, 2011 Hi Sheri, Let’s number your questions, ok? 1. Re: what does a well-run transition program look like & what recourse do you have if not pleased? Remember that transition is NOT a program, it’s supports and services designed to meet the unique needs of your son, as detailed on his IEP. So there should not be a one-size-fits-all approach. Start with the IEP and the goals. You and your son are a big part of making them relevant to him. If you’ve tried your best and still feel it’s not reflective of his needs, then your recourse is the same as with any other IEP. The IDEA is still in force until his 22nd birthday. 2. Re: getting a Voc Rehab and BCBA attached to your son’s case: These can and should be incorporated into his IEP as part of his Behavior Plan, related services or in the program description section if they are necessary for him to meet his goals. Are the ‘odd behaviors’ in your view, his biggest barriers to employment? If so, he should have goals written to that, and the entire team should be working on them with him. We have those, too, and our Speech Path was a huge help in getting the team trained on how to help prevent the behaviors from happening, and what to do after the fact if they did occur. 3 through 6: Re: names of Rehab Counselors, BCBAs, driving programs, and other transition programs. Sorry, no help here but perhaps others will have some ideas. Keep us posted, Laurie From: Voice-Advocacy Sent: Friday, August 05, 2011 6:24 AM IPADDUnite Subject: Seeking Advice ::-) Hello, I am new to this group and want to thank everyone in advance for being there to help others. My child is (almost) 20 years old and has Asperger's Syndrome. He has not yet received his high school diploma. We feel like we are spinning our wheels right now with figuring out a direction with his transition phase. He need supports in many areas and he is regressing for numerous reasons. Sorry for the barrage of questions but here goes. - I wonder if someone could explain the STEP program in which the DHS gives funding to the school district to establish work experience for eligible students?. What does a well run program look like? If someone had concerns about how it is being run, is there any recourse? - We had a functional vocational evaluation done for my child, and it was highly recommended that we seek the advice of a Rehabilitation Counselor and BCBA to help with his odd behaviors. Does anyone know of Rehabilitation Counselors that can be hired to help a family with case management? Next, I am looking for recommendations of BCBA that will go in the community and possibly a job site to help with coaching and odd behaviors. Along those lines, is there any advice regarding getting insurance to pay for a BCBA. I did attend the session at the Autism One conference and received some advice there. - Next, I am looking for the names of transition programs that can assist with life skills, employment and college readiness, - Last, does anyone know of therapeutic drivier's education programs besides n Joy? Thanks in advance for any advice. Sincerely, Sheri Sheri L. Bianchin Voice-Advocacy Our Voice For People with Special Needs www.specialedadvocacy.org 815-469-4929 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2011 Report Share Posted August 5, 2011 Sheri, it's great to see you here. Welcome!! Kulczyk On Fri, Aug 5, 2011 at 6:59 AM, Jerue Family <jeruefamily@...>wrote: > ** > > > Hi Sheri, > Let’s number your questions, ok? > > 1. Re: what does a well-run transition program look like & what recourse do > you have if not pleased? > Remember that transition is NOT a program, it’s supports and services > designed to meet the unique needs of your son, as detailed on his IEP. So > there should not be a one-size-fits-all approach. Start with the IEP and the > goals. You and your son are a big part of making them relevant to him. If > you’ve tried your best and still feel it’s not reflective of his needs, then > your recourse is the same as with any other IEP. The IDEA is still in force > until his 22nd birthday. > > 2. Re: getting a Voc Rehab and BCBA attached to your son’s case: These can > and should be incorporated into his IEP as part of his Behavior Plan, > related services or in the program description section if they are necessary > for him to meet his goals. Are the ‘odd behaviors’ in your view, his biggest > barriers to employment? If so, he should have goals written to that, and the > entire team should be working on them with him. We have those, too, and our > Speech Path was a huge help in getting the team trained on how to help > prevent the behaviors from happening, and what to do after the fact if they > did occur. > > 3 through 6: Re: names of Rehab Counselors, BCBAs, driving programs, and > other transition programs. Sorry, no help here but perhaps others will have > some ideas. > > Keep us posted, > Laurie > > From: Voice-Advocacy > Sent: Friday, August 05, 2011 6:24 AM > IPADDUnite > Subject: Seeking Advice ::-) > > > Hello, > > I am new to this group and want to thank everyone in advance for being > there to > help others. > > My child is (almost) 20 years old and has Asperger's Syndrome. He has not > yet > received > > his high school diploma. We feel like we are spinning our wheels right now > with > figuring out a direction with his transition phase. He need supports in > many > areas and he is regressing for numerous reasons. > > Sorry for the barrage of questions but here goes. > > - I wonder if someone could explain the STEP program in which the DHS gives > > funding to the school district to establish work experience for eligible > students?. What does a well run program look like? If someone had concerns > about how it is being run, is there any recourse? > > - We had a functional vocational evaluation done for my child, and it was > highly > > recommended that we seek the advice of a Rehabilitation Counselor and BCBA > to > help with his odd behaviors. > > Does anyone know of Rehabilitation Counselors that can be hired to help a > family with case management? > > Next, I am looking for recommendations of BCBA that will go in the > community and possibly a job site to help with coaching and odd behaviors. > Along those lines, is there any advice regarding getting insurance to pay > for a > BCBA. I did attend the session at the Autism One conference and received > some advice there. > > - Next, I am looking for the names of transition programs that can assist > with > life skills, employment and college readiness, > > - Last, does anyone know of therapeutic drivier's education programs > besides > n Joy? > > Thanks in advance for any advice. > Sincerely, > Sheri > > Sheri L. Bianchin > > Voice-Advocacy > Our Voice For People with Special Needs > www.specialedadvocacy.org > 815-469-4929 > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2011 Report Share Posted August 5, 2011 Hi Sheri, Welcome to this online group. Lots of valuable sharing. My son, Jonathon, is also on the autism spectrum and was in a STEP program. He had good in-school jobs, e.g., collecting and scanning attendance sheets. This work was supported by a school job coach. I felt that experience in the community was important so advocated for that. The high school voc. person found jobs -- helping with regular mailings (probably stuffing envelopes, etc) at a local parochial school and shredding documents at the Y. So you may well help determine what a " well run " program looks like as you advocate for your son. My son's been out of h.s. for a while, but I believe that you can still get a lot in an IEP under transition planning. I remember going around with h.s. spec. ed people about the need for travel/mobility training. I think their argument was that work skills had to come first -- rather a chicken/egg position. But we did get that travel training , and it's proved to be very important for him. Like any of the specialists (therapists), the travel trainer had such good techniques that my husband and I would never have thought of. Now my son can take the CTA to Wrigley Field on his own. That may not be something your son needs -- just an example of how " squeaky wheel " parents can and should consider themselves experts about their kids as they sit around that MDC table with school personnel. I found a book really helpful, think it's still in print: Better IEPs: How to Develop Legally Correct and Educationally Useful Programs, B. Bateman and Anne Linden, published by Sopris West. I can tell from your email address that you're in the advocate mode. It's so worth it. Best, Bonnie Dohogne ________________________________ From: Voice-Advocacy <voice-advocacy@...> IPADDUnite Sent: Fri, August 5, 2011 6:24:04 AM Subject: Seeking Advice ::-) Hello, I am new to this group and want to thank everyone in advance for being there to help others. My child is (almost) 20 years old and has Asperger's Syndrome. He has not yet received his high school diploma. We feel like we are spinning our wheels right now with figuring out a direction with his transition phase. He need supports in many areas and he is regressing for numerous reasons. Sorry for the barrage of questions but here goes. - I wonder if someone could explain the STEP program in which the DHS gives funding to the school district to establish work experience for eligible students?. What does a well run program look like? If someone had concerns about how it is being run, is there any recourse? - We had a functional vocational evaluation done for my child, and it was highly recommended that we seek the advice of a Rehabilitation Counselor and BCBA to help with his odd behaviors. Does anyone know of Rehabilitation Counselors that can be hired to help a family with case management? Next, I am looking for recommendations of BCBA that will go in the community and possibly a job site to help with coaching and odd behaviors. Along those lines, is there any advice regarding getting insurance to pay for a BCBA. I did attend the session at the Autism One conference and received some advice there. - Next, I am looking for the names of transition programs that can assist with life skills, employment and college readiness, - Last, does anyone know of therapeutic drivier's education programs besides n Joy? Thanks in advance for any advice. Sincerely, Sheri Sheri L. Bianchin Voice-Advocacy Our Voice For People with Special Needs www.specialedadvocacy.org 815-469-4929 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2011 Report Share Posted August 5, 2011 Shari, what area do you live in? > > Hello, > > I am new to this group and want to thank everyone in advance for being there to > help others. > > My child is (almost) 20 years old and has Asperger's Syndrome. He has not yet > received > > his high school diploma. We feel like we are spinning our wheels right now > with > figuring out a direction with his transition phase. He need supports in many > areas and he is regressing for numerous reasons. > > Sorry for the barrage of questions but here goes. > > - I wonder if someone could explain the STEP program in which the DHS gives > funding to the school district to establish work experience for eligible > students?. What does a well run program look like? If someone had concerns > about how it is being run, is there any recourse? > > - We had a functional vocational evaluation done for my child, and it was highly > > recommended that we seek the advice of a Rehabilitation Counselor and BCBA to > help with his odd behaviors. > > Does anyone know of Rehabilitation Counselors that can be hired to help a > family with case management? > > Next, I am looking for recommendations of BCBA that will go in the > community and possibly a job site to help with coaching and odd behaviors. > Along those lines, is there any advice regarding getting insurance to pay for a > BCBA. I did attend the session at the Autism One conference and received > some advice there. > > - Next, I am looking for the names of transition programs that can assist with > life skills, employment and college readiness, > > - Last, does anyone know of therapeutic drivier's education programs besides > n Joy? > > Thanks in advance for any advice. > Sincerely, > Sheri > > Sheri L. Bianchin > > Voice-Advocacy > Our Voice For People with Special Needs > www.specialedadvocacy.org > 815-469-4929 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2011 Report Share Posted August 5, 2011 Technically, at this age he does not have an IEP, but a transition plan (there's initials for that too, but nuts if I can remember them!). That plan drives what services and supports the district provides, and could include behavioral consultation to the transition's job/STEPS coordinator. Re the STEPS program, if you think your kid has a fair chance of being employed for pay somewhere down, the line, this can be a great start. My son's high school started STEPS with kids around soph year, and the first year was doing chores around the school building. This idea bothers some parents, but the district was also doing this for regular ed kids in the distrib ed program-- " let's make sure this student works well for us before we ask an outside employer to hire. " After the year in-school, my son got a small part-time paid job at a local shoe store, helping unload shipments of shoes and keeping the back room organized. IIRC, the following school year, this was his connection to STEPS.  In transition, he continued that job, but the transition jobs co-ord got him a two a.m. per week job helping in a warehouse setting. She'd placed transition kids in the position before. Especially because of your son's age, it's worth asking what kind of work skills he will acquire in the job arranged by the dist for STEPS program. If you think it is dangerous or illegal, you should have the name and phone of the Rehab Services contact assigned to your son's case. If you just think it's a lousy choice for him, you can call meetings with the district (and ask for the Rehab Services rep) until everyone is sick of you and gives your son something better. I will add that the economy is not helping in making opportunities available. If the district hasn't offered good work skills opportunities with STEPS in the past, it may be very difficult for them to do better now. Re driving skills, does your district not feel capable of having your son take driver ed via the local high school? Our district let some students take some classes at the high school (or local jr college) for enrichment purposes. Any way to get the driving on his IEP/whatever it's now called? Being able to drive means much broader options for a job; he's not chained to the bus route in his choice of applications. It's a huge advantage to employment. Employers have been known to ask applicants (not just those with disabilities), " Do you have a reliable means of transportation to get to work? "  or even, " How will you get to work? " Get driving lessons on the IEP/equivalent, and I think you've solved who pays for it. My son had screening for driver ed by njoy, and took DE in high school. He later volunteered at the hospital. -Gail From: Voice-Advocacy <voice-advocacy@...> Subject: Seeking Advice ::-) IPADDUnite Date: Friday, August 5, 2011, 6:24 AM  Hello, I am new to this group and want to thank everyone in advance for being there to help others. My child is (almost) 20 years old and has Asperger's Syndrome. He has not yet received his high school diploma. We feel like we are spinning our wheels right now with figuring out a direction with his transition phase.  He need supports in many areas and he is regressing for numerous reasons.  Sorry for the barrage of questions but here goes.  - I wonder if someone could explain the STEP program in which the DHS gives funding to the school district to establish work experience for eligible students?.  What does a well run program look like?  If someone had concerns about how it is being run, is there any recourse? - We had a functional vocational evaluation done for my child, and it was highly recommended that we seek the advice of a Rehabilitation Counselor and BCBA to help with his odd behaviors.     Does anyone know of Rehabilitation Counselors that can be hired to help a family with case management?     Next, I am looking for recommendations of  BCBA that will go in the community and possibly a job site to help with coaching and odd behaviors. Along those lines, is there any advice regarding getting insurance to pay for a BCBA. I did attend the session at the Autism One conference and received some advice there.  - Next,  I am looking for the names of transition programs that can assist with life skills, employment and college readiness, - Last, does anyone know of therapeutic drivier's education programs besides n Joy? Thanks in advance for any advice. Sincerely, Sheri  Sheri L. Bianchin Voice-Advocacy Our Voice For People with Special Needs www.specialedadvocacy.org 815-469-4929 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2011 Report Share Posted August 6, 2011 ian Brothers in Elk Grove has a therapuetic drivers ed program. We had someone from there come and speak to our Passages group last year regarding this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2011 Report Share Posted August 8, 2011 My daughter attended a program thru Southern Illinois University, down in Carbondale. It is a 6 month live in program that works on independent living skills and does have a drivers training program. My daughter cannot drive for many reasons so we did not take it, but I know a number of people who did and got their licenses. It was paid for by DORS so you can ask your caseworker for the information (ours was not familiar, but she got it). I also believe I heard that ian Brothers Hospital in Hoffman Estates had a program, but don't know any info. Gloria Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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