Pathways to success after high school
At age 18, most people with special needs in the educational arena age out of the system. This means they can no longer depend on accommodations and resources previously provided by the school district under an Individualized Education Program, (IEP). Going forward, it can be difficult to strike a balance between encouraging independence and the availability of support mechanisms. While that challenge applies to every young adult emerging from high school, it’s a particularly vexing time for those with disabilities and their families.
Can the person live independently? Are they physically, emotionally and psychologically ready to hold down a job and pay the rent and bills reliably? Do they want to continue their education? What resources are available after they cross the demographic threshold into adulthood? Without the backing of an IEP and resources of the local school district, how is a special-needs person supposed to thrive in an unfamiliar paradigm that prizes self-sufficiency and responsibility? Is it possible to cobble together the optimum level of assistance for the person’s unique level of independence?
Short answer: It’s doable but not necessarily easy. Consider these possibilities for newly minted adults who have the added challenge of special needs:
College: The most logical next step for many is a traditional university education. The closer the student is to living fully independently, the more likely they’ll benefit from a college degree. While not required by federal law to propose an IEP, colleges make a genuine effort to accommodate students with various physical, medical, learning-related and other challenges. The workload is significantly higher than for high school, the level of day-to-day oversight is lower, and students are expected to provide their own motivation. As a general rule of thumb, smaller schools may provide more individualized supervision than larger ones; larger schools may offer a wider range of assistive technology and other resources to help level the playing field for a special needs student.
Get to work: For many people, a high school diploma may be all that’s needed. If the student has a reasonable chance of success in a job after high school, it might be best to transition directly from student to employee. Depending on the private resources available, job prospects and support systems in place, this option may hold promise. If the student needs and has access to supportive living arrangements, and if they have family members or friends who can facilitate a job search, and if the job offers reasonable accommodations, employment might provide the right combination of independence and growth potential.
Trade school: If the student seeks to develop specific skill sets to increase employment prospects, a vocational school might be worth investigating. There’s much less emphasis on the broader elements of a classic liberal arts education in favor of greater emphasis on the real world: actual relevant skills needed to perform an actual job. Trade schools often have active placement departments that help graduating students find a first job or apprenticeship or internship in their chosen field. For students unsure of their interests, trade schools are great for helping them discover what fields to explore.
Armed Forces: If the young adult’s challenge is not physical, joining the military might make sense. This option offers an environment replete with structure, repetition and clarity, with less emphasis on nuance and social skills. It has the advantage of arming people with skills that will have value in a post-service employment context. A stint in the military can facilitate a college education later on, and it’s subject to regulations under the Rehabilitation Act requiring access for servicemembers with disabilities.
Two-year college: Somewhere between a 4-year degree program and a vocational education, two-year programs are structured to appeal to anyone who’s unsure about which educational path to take—whether or not they have special needs. Most take a more practical approach, leaving graduates with skills for independent living as well as more focused learning aimed at helping students find employment in various technical fields. Many larger colleges and universities offer 2-year degree programs along the same lines as those from traditional community colleges.
Take time off: Taking a year off between secondary and post-secondary education is growing in popularity. Many students, regardless of the specialness of needs, don’t feel ready for college or other training at that age. One possible solution is to explore interests temporarily without keeping to an established educational track—at least for a defined period, like a year. This strategy works best if there’s some degree of daily structure during the time-off period and if there’s an educational or employment plan in place for afterward.
If you have a special needs student who will be aging out of their current educational environment, our advocates can help you figure out next steps. To learn more about our employment and transition services, or to schedule a consultation, call us at 904-346-5100.