Bridging the Gap: Transition to Life after High School

On Thursday, September 26, The Arc of Southern Virginia hosted an informative program titled “Life after High School: Transition to Adult Services for Special Education Students” at Randolph-Henry High School.

Parents, teachers and service providers were present to hear guest speakers Marianne Moore, Middle/Secondary Transition Specialist and Henry J. Millward, Coordinator of Complaints and Family Involvement, both of the Virginia Department of Education.

According to a letter from Elsie May Gladding, President of The Arc of Southern Virginia, “Transition” spans the early to mid-teens through early adulthood. I/DD students working toward an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Special Diploma are entitled to receive public school education through the age of 21 or 22. Parents are largely aware of this federal law. Transition plans offer community-based life skills and vocational readiness training while creating linkages with service agencies needed for those students to live as independently as possible as an adult.

IEP plans are designed to meet the individual needs of each child and if that person did not receive a standard diploma or reach the age of entitlement, then they are allowed to return to school for additional transition years.

Moore and Millward were available to assist those attending the event with any questions they had concerning the transition process as well as interpreting the laws concerning those with intellectual and developmental disorders. Millward advised for parents of those with I/DD to “Ask for the moon; settle for the stars.” Additionally, Moore pointed out that beginning the transition process early makes sense due to high stakes testing in the state of Virginia and the different levels of diplomas that can be received. The idea is to create a plan for after high school based specifically on what the child wants.

Through The Arc of Southern Virginia program, children with intellectual and developmental disorders and their families can receive guidance with navigating services to help individuals with the transition process. Founded in 1950, The Arc is the largest national organization of its kind. The purpose of The Arc is to promote and protect human rights while actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. The program is not limited to children, but welcomes those of all ages with I/DD.

The Arc of Southern Virginia currently serves the counties of Charlotte, Mecklenburg and Halifax. For more information please visit www.arcofva.org or contact the local Southern Virginia chapter at (434) 222-8931.