QUESTION:

My daughter is a high school freshman and I am wondering what the next step will be after she graduates from the public school system. What should I be doing at this point to plan for her transition from school to the adult world (e.g., contacting government agencies, human service organizations, disability programs, etc.)? Does the school have any obligations in the transition process?

QUESTION:

When my son returns to school, he will need more rehabilitation therapies, like speech and physical therapies, before he can even think about a full day of class work. What is the public school’s obligation at this point? How would the school address my son’s need for therapies and specialized classroom instruction?

QUESTION:

I have a child who sustained a brain injury and is currently hospitalized. Some of the medical professionals have suggested that a child can have a better prognosis for recovery than an adult due to the resiliency of youth. Still others have said that just as each individual is unique, each injury is unique. Should I be optimistic about my child’s recovery due to her young age, or is it unrealistic to hang my hopes on this factor alone?

QUESTION:

My daughter sustained a traumatic brain injury approximately one year ago. She has been in special education for the last six months. I am concerned that she may not be getting the assistance she needs from the public school. Her grades are low and she is frustrated. From what my daughter tells me about her day at school, it sounds like the teachers are not adhering to the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). I think if the strategies in the IEP were in place (e.g., more time to complete assignments, one-to-one help) that my daughter could achieve academically. What can I do to get the school to follow the IEP, or if necessary, revise it and try some new strategies?

QUESTION:

I have a baby that sustained a serious brain injury. I was told that some of the more subtle learning problems may not show up until my child goes to school and is required to master new tasks. What kinds of problems should I be looking for when he goes to school?