About
Welcome!
If you’re a parent or mentor of a young person with disabilities, Life After IEPs is for you.
Whether your child is an elementary student or a high school graduate, you’ll find information, resources, and support you’ll need along the way.
A challenging journey
There’s joy on the path to adulthood. But it ain’t always easy. Perseverence, grace, and a good sense of humor are needed. It can be a bumpy road.
- Supports available during the IEP years will end after high school
- Unfamiliar laws, systems and jargon lie ahead
- Resources exist, but they’re scattered in different places and difficult to understand
- Professionals mean well, but too often families leave meetings confused and overwhelmed
On this site, you’ll find
- Resources gathered in one place
- Jargon translated and processes explained
- Information you need to help your child set priorities, make plans and take action
- Encouragement, stress relief, and renewed perspective
- Young adults who have navigated this terrain and are enjoying fulfilling lives
About me
I’m Mary Mazzoni. Kids and adults with disabilities have been teaching me about life for over 30 years as I’ve journeyed with and supported them in building the lives they desire.
I’ve earned a master of education degree, special education certification, and oodles of post-graduate credits. But I learn most by listening to people, and by keeping up with research about practices that really help kids get where they want to go.
By collaborating with students, parents, schools, agencies, colleges, and businesses, I’ve developed new opportunities for kids to prepare for work and postsecondary education. Currently, I direct a five year demonstration project funded by the PA Developmental Disabilities Council.
Since 2003 I’ve provided transition training and consultation for schools, agencies and IEP teams. I present workshops at state and national conferences.
I’m aunt and ally to several fabulous young adults with diverse gifts and disabilities. My husband and I have been married since 1979. Our daughter is 25.
I’m grateful for everyone I’ve come to know along this path. For what we’ve learned together, and for the grace that has surprised and delighted us on the way.
Want more details about my credentials and professional experience? Here’s my Linkedin profile.
Or - click the white envelope in the sidebar to send an email. I’d love to hear from you.
There’s joy in the journey! Let’s travel together.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Mary, Mary … I just love this website! Sharing it with as many I can… did so today @ CCATS.
Thank you so much for all you are doing. God Bless, Deb E 
Deb, thanks so much for your encouragement and for letting folks know about the site! Thanks for all you do for kids, teachers and families. Blessings!
Thanks for this great resource Deb. I’m going to share with an organization I am involved with, the Federation for Children with Special Needs in Mass.
Randi Sargent
Parent and Founder, SayitwithSymbols.com
Thank you for providing inspiring information for children, parents, teachers, and mentors. There is a life after an IEP, but it is difficult.
Having a learning disability myself, everything seems to be difficult - problem solving, making decisions and looking for a job where I feel like I “fit in.”
I was able to pursue my education and receive a BA in psychology but I am not able to secure a position in this field. My goal is to work with parents who have children with disabilities and support them in any way I can.
Would you be able to help by giving me some suggestions?
Kathleen Ericksen
Kathleen,
Thanks for writing! Earning your BA in psychology is a real achievement. Congratulations! Your personal experiences and insights can be a real support for parents and youth.
My initial thoughts would be to contact your local Center for Independent Living (CIL) and inquire about internships or volunteer opportunities to gain experience that could lead to employment. CILs often offer peer mentoring that can lead to networking opportunities and friendships. You can find contact information for CILs here http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/index.html.
Also, the non-profit agencies that provide services to adults with developmental disabilities in your area may have potential employment opportunities.
Always remember, Kathleen - you have much to offer. Keep believing in yourself. Connect with others who share your interests and passions.
Please feel free to email me using the white envelope in the sidebar. Thank you for writing!
This is a great resource for students with disabilities. I am a Special Education teacher and transition to adult life is always hard to talk about and to get people to start planning young. I also have a website “Success for College Students with Disabilities”. It is also a resource site please check it out at http://www.disabilitysuccess.com keep up the great work.
Hi there! I found your site on Love that Max. You’ve got a lot of great information here. I’m going to add it to my resources page.
Sylvia, So good to meet you! Your blog http://www.faithfulmomof9.com/ is marvelous - and I’m honored that you’ve added Life After IEPs to your resource page! I’ll be following you as well. Blessings to you, Bethany, and all your family as you journey forth together.
I have since teamed up with Disabilitysuccess.com and now you can gain additional information at http://www.EnrichmentU.com. Keep up your great work.
Thanks,