The importance of a Support’s Coordinators role in your child’s future while they transition out of high school is key. When speaking to our Supports Coordination agencies they recommend signing your child up for services at the age of 14. Although, at this point the Supports Coordinator takes a small role in your child’s life, as they get older, they will become more involved especially when it gets closer for your child to transition.
Some students begin transitioning into programs once they are 18 years of age and fully transition by the time, they turn 21 years of age. Our program finds it greatly beneficial when students transition prior to graduating from high school. The student usually attends our program one or two days a week in the beginning and because we can reach out to their support system (parents, teacher, aids) this process allows us to learn about the student and gain knowledge into their likes, wants and needs very easily. A slow transition while the student is still in school has given us the opportunity to speak to their teachers and aid as questions or concerns arise which has been beneficial to our staff as well as the student.
To provide excellent care, you need to be able to understand the individual you are caring for. Many of the students that transition into our program are non-verbal, or have a difficult time expressing themselves. Some of these individuals have a high tolerance for pain, cannot express themselves when they are upset or do not feel well or have seizures throughout the day you would not recognize unless you knew what to look for. Having an aid accompany the student while transitioning benefits the student, our staff and the parents and teacher who worry about them during this new experience in their child’s life. The aid can translate the meaning behind a facial expression or sound. They can also explain how the individual expresses themselves when they are upset, tired or in pain. These are huge pieces to the whole puzzle that our staff need to provide seamless care each of these young adults deserve and their parents expect.
A supports coordinator can help initiate a student’s transition out of high school earlier rather than later. They work alongside the student’s teacher and play an instrumental role in getting parents out to visit the different day programs available to them. They will also have the knowledge of the various programs available, what they offer, and which ones will best suit your child’s needs and interests.
We have received phone calls from teachers and supports coordinators that were calling to set up visits for families to come see our program. Many times, the supports coordinator and/or teacher attend the visit to help initiate questions about the program and what the program will be able to offer their child. We have had parents spend time in the center to observe how our staff interact with our clients and the type of programs and supports we offer to each of our participants. A visit also gives the parents the opportunity to interact with staff and ask them questions. The entire experience of the visit helps parents make a more informed decision as to which program is the most appropriate for their child.
Starting the transitioning process on a part time basis and slowly increasing the students time at the program while decreasing time at school may help make transitioning easier for the student especially if routine and structure is important to their wellbeing.
Parents and teachers are encouraged to call or e-mail us during the day when their son or daughter first begins attending our program. Our center understands it’s a huge step in the lives of the student and parents and we are more than happy to hear from the parents and are appreciative of the ability to communicate and reassure them on how their child is doing that day.
Supports Coordinators also help the individual complete and submit all necessary paperwork to receive funding for services. Depending on the county or state, these processes may vary. Contact the Developmental Disabilities office in your county to learn about funding and the agencies available to help you. When choosing a support coordinator, it is important to feel comfortable and confident in the person and/or agency so that you feel you can advocate for your child without hesitation.
In our next post we will touch on day programs that are available to developmentally disabled adults and seniors and what you should be looking for and questions you should be asking when touring the center.
Links that you may find beneficial:
https://consortiuminc.info/supports-coordination/
https://www.montcopa.org/DocumentCenter/View/18667/DD-Brochure-2020?bidId=
Comments closed