All-in-One Special Needs Planning
Advisor Information
Pamela Smith
Location
UNO Criss Library, Room 112
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
7-3-2014 11:15 AM
End Date
7-3-2014 11:30 AM
Abstract
The process of transitioning a child from the K-12 school system to adulthood can be a long, problematic and frustrating process without adequate support and resources. The lack of help and understanding of the system has left many parents/guardians frustrated. While General Education students and their parents receive hands-on help from the school system (guidance counselors) in their transition to higher education and adulthood, the 10%-19% Special Education/Needs students in the various Omaha school districts and their parents/guardians are given a handbook with options for transition schools and other non-relevant resources. At best these Special Needs students are being aged out of the program at 21 years old, not knowing what to do next. For example, most people are unaware that there is a two-year waiting list for dependent Special Needs adults when applying for housing. When housing is needed, arrangements are not being met due to the lack of prior preparation. For instance, the 8,500 Special Needs students in the Omaha Public Schools district that will be transitioning into adulthood will need government-funded opportunities for a successful transition. To combat this issue I am proposing an “All-in-One Special Needs Planning Resource” which will provide a compilation of existing hard-tofind resources, funded opportunities, and a timeline of essential information for Special Education students who are transitioning to adulthood.
All-in-One Special Needs Planning
UNO Criss Library, Room 112
The process of transitioning a child from the K-12 school system to adulthood can be a long, problematic and frustrating process without adequate support and resources. The lack of help and understanding of the system has left many parents/guardians frustrated. While General Education students and their parents receive hands-on help from the school system (guidance counselors) in their transition to higher education and adulthood, the 10%-19% Special Education/Needs students in the various Omaha school districts and their parents/guardians are given a handbook with options for transition schools and other non-relevant resources. At best these Special Needs students are being aged out of the program at 21 years old, not knowing what to do next. For example, most people are unaware that there is a two-year waiting list for dependent Special Needs adults when applying for housing. When housing is needed, arrangements are not being met due to the lack of prior preparation. For instance, the 8,500 Special Needs students in the Omaha Public Schools district that will be transitioning into adulthood will need government-funded opportunities for a successful transition. To combat this issue I am proposing an “All-in-One Special Needs Planning Resource” which will provide a compilation of existing hard-tofind resources, funded opportunities, and a timeline of essential information for Special Education students who are transitioning to adulthood.