by Mary Mazzoni on May 20, 2012
“The important thing is to keep questioning” – Albert Einstein
We may find ourselves in a place we never intended to be, unless we pause to ask ourselves questions along the way. Just ask this guy. (Yikes!)
This site is about a particular life transition. A big one. The passage from school to life after IEPs.
But life is full of transitions. Change is constant. The habit of questioning helps us navigate life as it unfolds.
Are we teaching our kids to ask themselves questions about what they want and how they plan to get there? Are we asking ourselves questions about our own goals and plans? Read more→
by Mary Mazzoni on May 14, 2012
Today we’ll look at a valuable free tool that you and your teen can use to map out plans in every area of life.
The Journey to Adulthood Transition Travel Guide uses a road trip theme.
How about some traveling music? Here’s a 70′s coming-of age classic set to video that evokes a spirit of freedom and adventure.
Take a moment to enjoy it, won’t you? (I’ll wait.)
Helps us remember whose life we’re talking about, right? Our teen’s self determination should drive transition planning. Our child’s unique goals and preferences should steer the course.
But we need to understand the lay of the land. The Journey to Adulthood Transition Travel Guide can help. Read more→
by Mary Mazzoni on May 12, 2012
Twenty five years ago, just as we were about to leave the hospital with our baby girl, a nurse looked into my eyes. And she gave me two words of advice.
This woman had the gift of being truly present. She could sense how hard I was trying, already, to be a “perfect mom”.
In that moment, when she spoke to me, I felt Seen. Safe. Respected.
When she said those two words, I was able to receive them. I didn’t understand them well. But I did receive them.
And, like birdsong, those words have gently floated into my awareness – over and over again. In all the many seasons since that long-ago day. Read more→
by Mary Mazzoni on May 7, 2012
IEP teams now have a new set of resources to engage in transition planning with young people who have significant, highly individualized support needs.
The Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) recently released an excellent series of free transition guide booklets.
OCALI’s mission is rooted in respect for individual persons. OCALI’s goal is to increase the capacity of family members and professionals to effectively support individuals in attaining their personal goals. Self-advocates and family members serve on the board along with professionals.
The recently published (second edition) Transition Guidelines series outlines research-based best practice related to age-appropriate transition assessment, employment, IEP components and school-age special education. The guide booklets focus on the needs of students from middle school through adulthood. They are user-friendly and include many links to related resources.
The guide booklets are designated as supports for youth on the autism spectrum. However, many of the practices and linked resources are relevant for any young person with intensive, highly individualized support needs.
You can access the guide booklets for free here.
“The important thing is to keep questioning” – Albert Einstein
