Participation and involvement of parents, family members, and/or other caring adults promote the social, emotional, physical, academic and occupational growth of youth, leading them to better post-school outcomes. All youth need parents, families and other caring adults who do the following:
- Maintain high expectations which build upon the young person's strengths, interests and needs and foster their ability to achieve independence and self-sufficiency.
- Stay involved in their lives and assisting them toward adulthood.
- Provide access to information about employment, further education and community resources.
- Taken an active role in transition planning with schools and community partners.
- Provide access to medical, professional and peer support networks.
In addition, youth with disabilities need parents, families and other caring adults who have:
- An understanding of their youth's disability and how it affects his or her education, employment and/or daily living options
- Knowledge of rights and responsibilities under various disability-related legislation
- Knowledge of and access to programs, services, supports and accommodations available for young people with disabilities, and
- An understanding of how individualized planning tools can assist youth in achieving transition goals and objectives.
Resources
- PACER Center
A parent training and information center for families of children and youth with all disabilities from birth through 21 years old. Parents can find publications, workshops, and other resources to help make decisions about education, vocational training, employment, and other services for their children with disabilities.