With on-the-job support, adults with autism can do well at vocational rehabilitation service jobs.
This study looked at job success for adults (18-65 years old) who worked in the U.S. Vocational Rehabilitation Service. There were 382,221 adults in this program in 2005, and 1,707 of them were diagnosed with autism. The adults with autism were given the most expensive support services while working. Intervention included job coaching, follow-up, and job retention services. At the end of their program, 42% of adults with autism were employed in a competitive job, 2% were working in a sheltered setting, and 56% were not employed. Adults with autism had higher success rates than adults with other disabilities. The success of employment was higher with more on-the-job support.
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Seven Special Education Success Strategies
Jul 8, 2009 by Anonymous1. Take Responsibility
It's time you take responsibility for your role as your child's voice in their education and of the state their education is in. This does not mean that you are solely responsible for mishaps, but if we are going to move forward with you becoming an equal member of the team, you must know your role.
From this point forward you will be responsible for consciously choosing the most effective action in any special education situation. You will be in charge of increasing your credibility and influence with the team. You will develop behaviors and actions that will not only improve your own effectiveness, but you will strengthen the entire special education team.
2. Create a Mission
Every parent is given a voice in their child's IEP. It's time to use yours effectively and strategically. No longer will you hesitate on your input into the IEP.
It's time to create your child's Education Mission Statement. This will include a clear definition of educational outcomes at the end of their school career. Included in your plan are descriptive qualities of your child's education that will assist them in achieving their outcomes.
3. Plan for Success
Educational success and mastery does not happen by accident. Only using consistent approaches when collaborating with the IEP team will produce results. You must create a systematic approach that works for you in becoming an equal member of the IEP team.
It's time for you to gain a reputation for excellent follow-through and superior input on your child's top educational priorities. By developing and communicating priorities within the IEP, you will see consistent movement and progress towards the desired outcomes.
4. Develop A Winning Strategy
Team collaboration for IEP success is mandatory. Every team member needs to clearly understand both short and long term education goals. Everyday must be a new effort to achieve.
As an equal member of the team, you can find ways to share recognitions of success without fear of diminishing the weaknesses which still need to be addressed. It's time to create effective, long-term professional relationships with the IEP team. With mutual respect between IEP team members, the child wins.
5. Listen, Learn, Teach
It's your turn to listen, learn and teach. Listening to IEP team members with an open-mind to their perspective can bring new insights to your role on the IEP team. Learning from IEP team members will broaden your information for decision making. Teaching the team your knowledge and expertise about your child will keep the focus on your child's unique needs.
Listen, learn and teach are skills which require practice and adjustment within each team. However, when these skills are mastered you will have greater influence to lead your child's IEP team. You also will develop faster problem solving skills.
6. Cooperate
Understanding differences and how the contribute to innovative and better solutions is key to IEP team success. You never will agree with every team member. Your child needs you to develop the skills to cooperate with their team to create a better program education program.
The action of cooperation includes learning how to value other team members, their knowledge and their participation on your child's team. The goal of cooperation is to integrate every team member's best idea. With integrated solutions, a special education program has the potential to be much greater than an individual strategy.
7. Maintain Accountability
Accountability of all team members, including yourself, is key to long-term success. The purpose of your child's IEP, as stated by IDEA, is to prepare for Further Education, Employment and Independent Living. This is not a sprint of learning, but a marathon in life preparation.
By practicing these 7 strategies consistently you will bring your child's education to a higher level than ever imagined.
Copyright 2009, Precision Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
"Providing you with the information and help you need to change your child's special education outcomes."
Precision Education, Inc. www.precisioneducation.com (815) 302-1273 / (800) 432-0170
National Association of State Directors of Special Education
Aug 4, 2008 by AnonymousThe National Association of State Directors of Special Education provides a list of their state directors. "NASDSE has been providing dedicated leadership to continuously improve educational services and outcomes for students with disabilities in the states and federal territories. Focusing on aligned policies and practices to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities is critical to ensure their full participation and contribution in education, employment and society."