July 1, 2020 Special Education Updates: PACER Transition Resources, Disability Facts

Minnesota Department of Education sent this bulletin at 07/01/2020 11:13 AM CDT

Special Education Updates

July 1, 2020

three diverse young women holding US flag

Transition Resources from PACER

Starting in 9th grade, or sooner if appropriate, Minnesota students on an Individualized Education Program (IEP) are included in IEP discussions when transition planning is discussed. With funding in part from the Minnesota Department of Education, PACER continues to provide information and support related to the topic of transition to parents and transition-age youth, including:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for Families

Distance Learning Activities During COVID-19 to Help Transition-age Youth on an IEP Prepare for Adulthood.
Distance Learning and Your Child with Disabilities, Tips for Families.
Distance Learning and Your Child’s IEP: Consideration of Related Services.
Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health and Emotional Wellness During the COVID-19 Outbreak.
Translated Distance Learning resources in Spanish, Hmong and Somali.

Resources for Students and Young Adults

PACER’s website for transition-age youth, Transitioning to Life after High School, provides information and videos on the following topics: Training/College Opportunities, Employment Stories, Independent Living, Assistive Technology, Advocating for Myself, Get Involved, Get Connected and My Disability Rights.
PACER’s Students and Young Adults webpage (PACER.org/students) includes other topics for youth, including Youth Workshops – Tech for Teens, Summer Recreation, Sports and Camps, and Publications and Downloads.

Resources for Parents and Guardians

Parent Special Education Information includes information on the Special Education process, Improving Communication with school staff and School Discipline.

Free online trainings for parents and students.
Publications that can be downloaded or mailed.
PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment includes additional parent resources/videos including Middle and High School Transition Planning, Postsecondary Education,  Employment and Benefit Programs and Supports. To receive up-to-date information and resources, sign up for the Inspiring Possibilities Newsletter.

PACER’s free transition workshops for parents and youth. See the PACESETTER newsletter or visit PACER.org/workshops for dates, time, and locations. Upcoming online workshops include:

‘Appy Hour : Apps to Help Young Adults with Disabilities Learn About and Manage Their Money, July 8, 2020.
Math Tech: Tools to Support Secondary Students, July 15, 2020.
Transition to Employment: Tools to Help You Find a Job, July 30, 2020.
Assistive Technology to Increase Independence for Young Adults with Disabilities, September 30, 2020.

Information and support for parents and transition-age youth can be provided by emailing pacer@pacer.org or by phone at 952-838-9000 or 800-537-2237.

Census Bureau Disability Facts for Features

In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau published a Facts for Features release that provides a demographic snapshot of the U.S. population with a disability. The statistics come from various Census Bureau censuses and surveys, covering different periods of time. The release also includes links to Census Bureau blogs and graphics on disability topics. Read the Facts for Features release on the U.S. Census Bureau website.