Special Education/IEP
Children with disabilities are entitled to public education through the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which is a federal law that requires states to provide “free and appropriate public education” for all children. To qualify for special education, a child must meet the IDEA definition of disabled, for which public schools must conduct testing, if appropriate. Transition planning is an important step in becoming an adult. Students with disabilities may have a more difficulty time obtaining a full-time job or attending higher education. Because of this, it is important to determine which skills these students may need to reach these goals. IEPs and 504 Plans can help clarify some of these goals.
Individualized Education Plan
Once criteria for disability are met, parents of the child will meet with school to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), which outlines specific modifications and supports that the school will offer to create specialized instruction and related services for the child. By the time the child is 14-16, IEPs should include concrete transition goals. These goals can include vocational training, higher education, employment, and/or independent living.
504 Plan
Children with a disability who do not qualify for specialized education can qualify for a 504 plan, which ensures that children get appropriate accommodations in school to ensure an optimal learning environment. These documents exist for those who merely need changes to the learning environment, but do not need individualized special education. An 504 plan is less complex than an IEP, but should undergo annual routine re-evaluation.
Graduation
Some states have laws stating that students with IEPs may remain in high school and continue to receive transition-planning and transition services past age 18, even if they have enough credits to graduate. For example, in Illinois this is dictated by Brittany’s Law (105 ILCS 5/14-16) Sec. 14-16. Check with school administration regarding these resources, as many children with chronic conditions benefit from having additional years in school.
Printable Handout: Special Education