Resources for Transition

Planning for Covid-19Laura Fine, NSSEO

1

Mission

Programs of The Arc of Illinois

Resources for Planning Transitions During COVID-19

Laura Fine: Transition Specialist

Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization

Our Objective Today

To share with families and professionals resources and tips to support continued learning and discovery of transition aged youth while schools and programs are closed during COVID-19

New and Changing Roles….

With Illinois schools closed, families members found themselves in a

different role at home not only as a the parent bot now as the teacher,

therapist and coach for their son or daughter. During this challenging and

unprecedented time it’s important to remember to:

● Make time for yourself

● Make healthy choices

● Be realistic

● Be kind to yourself

● Focus on the CAN vs the CAN’T

What is Transition?

“a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability that is designed

within a result-oriented process, that is focused on improving the

academic and functional achievement of the child with a disability to

facilitate the child’s movement from school to post-school activities,

including post-secondary education, vocational education, integrated

employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult

education, adult services, independent living, or community participation.”

(IDEA 2004)

Transition Planning Never Stops….

What Can Be Do Now?

• Use this time at home as as a period of discovery

• Continue to implement daily structures at routine

• Practice and introduce independent living skills and routines

• Practice and enhance communication and relationship skills

• Provide opportunities for choice making throughout the day

What Can You Do Now?

• Take care of yourself and your family

•These are difficult times - take time to breath and think about

doing what is appropriate and reasonable for your students

and/or sons and daughters and yourself given your time and

environment

•Engage your child as much as possible in decision making

•Keep track of what you are doing (documentation)

•Provide a routine or schedule for learning

•Communicate and collaborate with school staff

The 4 C’s of Education

At-Home Resources

Leisure, Exercise and Creativity Resources

Educational Resources

Movement and Mindfulness Choice Chart

NTACT Resources for Transition Focused Education

Independent Living

Use this time at home practice and introduce new independent

living activities in various areas:

● Leisure and Recreation

● Home Maintenance

● Personal Care

● Finances

○ Cents and Sensibility: A guide to money management for

students with disabilities

○ Budget Your Life: Explores budgeting strategies

NSSEO’s Parent Education Corner

PERC Knowledge Center and Tips

When We Return Back to School

Questions?

Laura Fine

lfine@nsseo.org

Twitter: @lfine1234