Successful Transition WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE AND

Successful Transition WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE AND HOW DO STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES GET THERE? By Eli Ettinger, M. S. Disability Advocate

Success noun suc·cess sək-ˈses Briefly defined: Success means favorable or desired outcome, the accomplishment of an aim or purpose

What Is The Desired Outcome? The goal must be identified to determine if the student is on the road to success College ? Trade School (Vocational School) ? Independent Living ?

Students with Disabilities • Multiple disabilities &/or complex health needs • Frequent surgeries. . . on par with birthdays • Missed school days • Need for instructional assistance

Common Behaviors • Reliance on others • Inhibited from asking for anything “more” • Avoidance of any additional attention • Struggle in silence

Common to any plan SELF ADVOCACY

Self-Advocacy Where does one learn this important skill? • By observing parents during childhood • By being encouraged throughout K-12 • By practice & trial and error

Behaviors to Foster • Self-reliance to the greatest extent possible • Reaching out for help • A disregard for what others might think of you • Expression of what the needs are

Barriers to Success Support is inadequate or missing Lack of Confidence Attitude is poor Mentorship is deficient

Aim High Shoot for the Moon - if you miss you will still be among the Stars! • Have high expectations of your students • Let them know you believe in them • Teach them that even failures are learning opportunities • Seek mentors

Questions Fire Away! I am happy to answer any questions you might have or engage in group discussionor Feel free to reach out at a later date: eettinger 212@msn. com