DJC-M0343178
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Transitions
According to Mr. Webster, a transition is the process or a period of changing
from one state or condition to another. As related to this particular matter it is
targeting students with IEPs (individualized education plan) and how they change
from one program to another while using knowledge gained through school while
participating in specialized programs that help them be successful students and
taking what they have learned to become self-sufficient and productive members of
society once leaving the school environment. School personnel as well as ordinary
members of society, must remember the needs of these special students as they are
made ready to exit into the adult world where they no longer will have individual
goals set for them. As educators of these students, we must take the future of these
students very seriously and recognize the extra effort needed to insure the success
of these students in a world that isn’t as patient as the school in allowing
transitioning. Three such programs that target students with IEPs and offer them a
course of action for their future are the SHEP, Michele P. Waiver, and Vocational
Rehabilitation Programs.
In America, only 70.5% of all students graduate from high school with a
diploma, while only 56% of students with disabilities graduate! (National Council
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on Disability, 24th Annual Report to Congress). Once young adults with
disabilities enter college statistics show that only 8 percent of them graduate with
some type of degree. (Specialneeds.com). With the programs we will be looking
at we will show what types of programs are available to those with disabilities. We
will also look at the types of help each of the programs will be able to provide for
those that qualify for these programs. When transitioning from high school to life
after high school, students without any type of disability sometimes find it difficult
to transition. Those with disabilities, have a more difficult time. Finding programs
to help these individuals
SHEP is an acronym for Student Higher Education Program. Students who
have a desire to further their education beyond high school now has the
opportunity right here in their state. Northern Kentucky University is one of the
schools who currently partner with businesses and companies to secure funding for
these students. CTP, or the Comprehensive Transition Program, is the sponsor of
this particular program. The student can apply for free federal money that covers
the cost of tuition and books. This program was started in Kentucky with funding
set up for five years and was so successful that it is currently operating into its
sixth year with the future looking great. Students are given counsellors that set up
their schedules and classes to cover requirements of their chosen course of study.
They are given all the tools for success such as tutors, IEPs for their chosen degree,
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and counselors who oversees the student from entry into this program through the
completion of the program or the successful graduation from their chosen program.
They also follow up with students after graduation to insure they have secured
employment and are on the road to a successful future in the field they have chosen
to work.
Other sites in Kentucky that participate in the SHEP Program are Eastern,
Western, Murray, and Bluegrass Community College. The University of Kentucky
has also implemented this program. These locations serve most of Kentucky.
(http://www.shepky.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/novemberSHEPnews.pdf)
The Vocational Rehabilitation Program according to The Texas Department
