Transition Training for Parents

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Acronyms

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Modules

Module 1: What is Transition?

Learn what transition planning is including the assessments, activities, course selection, services, and goals to prepare the student to be ready for adulthood. Post-secondary goals are in three areas- continuing education, career and employment, and if appropriate, independent living skills.

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Module 1 Resources

• CDE Transition Toolkit
• CDE IEP Procedural Guidance (PDF)

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Module 2: Who Helps with Transition

Now that you know what a transition plan needs to include, learn how it gets implemented and who can help with the goals, skills, and activities throughout high school and into adult life.

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Module 2 Resources

• CDE Transition Toolkit
• Center for People with Disabilities
• DVR Colorado
• SWAP Technical Assistance (PDF)

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Module 3: What are 18-21 Services? 

Post-secondary transition goals are added to the IEP by the end of 9th grade. All the other parts of the IEP continue as needed. In this session, you will learn about other aspects of preparing for adulthood as you are introduced to some of the adult services.

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Module 3 Resources

• CCB Directory for Colorado

• DMV online appointments
• CDE Indicator results page
• Supported Decision Making
  • Colorado Act
• CDE Supported Decision Making Training - Coming Soon!
• CDE Technical Assistance Document: Student Count Requirements for 18-21 Year Old Students (PDF)
• SSI/SSDI for Adults with Disabilities
• Adult Medicaid Waivers Chart

Note on accessing after-school activities. Some after-school activities are directly connected to a class (such as a choir or band concert) and the IEP accommodations used during class may also apply and need the support of the special education team. Some activities are separate from a class (such as sports, theater, or clubs) and may require support for the student to access the activity. Families can work with their case manager to set up support.

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Module 4: Educational Opportunities

Education after high school can include 2 or 4-year colleges as well as vocational training programs while in high school and into adulthood. We’ll cover the range of options for the range of student needs and abilities.

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Module 4 Resources

• Colorado Concurrent Enrollment
• Career & Technology Education
• Colorado CTE Website
• Inclusive Higher Education Certificate Program
• College Living Experience
• IN! Pathways to Inclusive Higher Education
• Think College
• Colorado Community Colleges

Notes: Update on Colorado colleges. Colorado Inclusive Higher Education opened three new programs- at Colorado State University, Regis University and Metropolitan State University (MSU). The program Cathi Allen started privately at MSU has become Inclusive Higher Education Solutions inside of MSU.

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Module 5: Employment Opportunities

With the right support, most students with IEPs can be employed. We share some of the services to help students reach their employment goals. We also share some ideas for parents to help their teens be work ready.

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Resources

• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
• Workforce Centers
• Medicaid waiver supported employment
• Job Corps
• Getting the Job Done poster series - coming soon!
• Colorado ABLE
• Colorado Employment First & Disability Benefits 101
• Employment Checklist from the Project 10 Transition Education Network

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Module 6: Success Stories

In this session, we share four stories from real young adults with a variety of disabilities, needs, preferences, and experiences.

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Module 7: Analyze a Transition IEP

We walk through a Colorado IEP and note how it ties together and where the elements of a student's transition plan are documented.

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Module 7 Resources

• CDE Blank IEP Review Form (English)
• CDE Blank IEP Review Form (Spanish) 
• CDE Procedural Safeguards (multiple languages available)

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Module 8: PSG Planning for Adult Life

This module covers specific tips to prepare your teen for adulthood including engaging with community partners. We’ll also discuss different pathways to graduation and keeping teens in school. 

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Module 8 Resources

• Concurrent Enrollment
• Colorado Capstone Project
• Colorado High School Equivalency Test
• GED (General Education Development Test)

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Module 9: Planning and Preparing Parents to Manage Adult Services

For some parents who have teens with significant support needs, the journey to adulthood means they are going to take on the role of a case manager to ensure the variety of services and supports needed for their loved one are in place and maintained. We’ll share tips on organizing, planning, and navigating the emotional aspects of this new, lifetime role. 

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Module 9 Resources

• Supported Decision Making
  • Colorado Legislation SB21-075 Supported Decision-Making Agreement
• Guardianship Alliance of Colorado
• Personal Networks of Support from Plan Institute
• Person-Centered Planning in Colorado

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Module 10: Parent Stories

Five parents talk about what helped their children during school and how their kids, now young adults, continue to grow and learn, to advocate, and to reach their dreams. We share these stories to help parents, students, and staff create a picture of the future that is meaningful, engaging, and possible.

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Resource

• Elderly, Blind and Disabled Medicaid Waivers

Note: Due to Conflict-Free Case Management changes, all the Colorado Medicaid Waivers for children and adults with disabilities are merging into one eligibility entity so families will learn about all the waiver options so they can make an informed decision for their loved one.

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Colorado Department of Education (CDE) disclaimer:

This CDE guidance document is meant for clarification, is not legally binding, and is not to be confused with legal advice. This guidance reflects CDE’s recommendations, but Administrative Units (AUs) may have developed policies or procedures that differ from those described herein. Be sure to refer to your local AU’s policies and procedures through the Director of Special Education. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact your legal counsel.

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For more information, please contact: