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Parent-to-Parent
by Sheryl
Burgstahler, DO-IT Director
Transition to college is not just a challenge for students with
disabilities. It is a challenge for parents as well. Below is a sample of
some of the advice parents of DO-IT Scholars have given to one another as
part of their active discussion list.
- My advice sounds simple,
but believe me it was one of the hardest things to do. It is time, mom and
dad . . . to encourage your child to learn to take the lead. For many of
us, our child's success in school has depended on how well we have learned
to navigate the "system". It is time to pass those hard won skills on to
our kids. The next year or two of high school is the prefect time for them
to practice the skills needed to advocate for themselves in the "real
world." DO-IT will give them all kinds of ideas on this. Let them
negotiate with their teachers; let them follow up on concerns; let them
take the lead in IEP (Individualized Education Program) meetings; let them
problem solve as much as possible on their own. Be a support person; be a
mentor; but let them be in charge.
- For us this approach is really evident as the transition to college is
happening. Our son has handled all contact with the disability support
services at the university by himself. Wow . . .my job was to get the
disability documentation paperwork gathered up, and help brainstorm with
him about what needed to be done before school started. He took care of it
from there.
- The university that my daughter plans to attend has been exceptional
with assisting her with her needs. But as she prepares for school in the
fall, I find myself running scenarios through my head about all the things
that could go wrong. I have to remind myself that she did pretty well
while she was in the DO-IT program on campus, and that left to her own
devices, she will manage. It helps alleviate some of my fears, but letting
go is still difficult. I appreciate the input from other parents and will
continue to say my prayers for my daughter and all the kids dealing with
managing their lives.
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