EDUCATION
Children with disabilities may require additional services and support to be successful in their public education. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that all children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education until they complete the school year in which they turn 21. This education must be provided in settings with non-disabled peers to the greatest extent possible. This section of the MDOD website offers information on the following topics:
Special Education in Maryland
I have a child with a disability...
Transitioning Youth
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) provides an informational guide for students, families and professionals on transition planning. Click here to view the Transition Planning & Anticipated Services in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Process.
Transitioning Youth Handbook: The Developmental Disabilities Administration provides a Transitioning Youth Handbook: Navigating the DDA Service System. Click here for more information on Navigating the DDA Service System .
Postsecondary Support Services
Transitioning from high school to postsecondary education is a difficult and stressful process for most individuals. For individuals with disabilities, it can be a daunting task.
Information For Students: Postsecondary Support Services Fact Sheet: This fact sheet is available to provide you with questions commonly asked by individuals with disabilities when they are preparing for college. Click here to view the Postsecondary Support Services Fact Sheet.
The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) has programs and services that help high school students with significant disabilities move to higher education, vocational training or employment. Click here for more information on the Division of Rehabilitation Services.
Federal Financial Aid and College: An Overview for Students with Disabilities: HEATH's annual revision of this popular resource guide is now available. The 2007 edition contains completely updated and revised information to help individuals with disabilities to seek and obtain financial assistance for postsecondary education. Click here to view the Creating Options: 2007 Financial Aid for Individuals with Disabilities.
Full Life Ahead Foundation Transition materials: This workbook was developed for youth and their families to prepare for the transition process. Download the pages that would be useful for you! Click here for more information on Full Life Ahead Foundation.
Information for Professionals
Career Planning Begins with Assessment: A Guide for Professionals Serving Youth with Educational and Career Development Challenges: The best decisions and choices made by transitioning youth are based on sound information including appropriate assessments that focus on the talents, knowledge, skills, interests, values, and aptitudes of each individual. This guide serves as a resource for multiple audiences within the workforce development system. Click here to view A Guide for Professsionals Serving Youth with Educational and Career Development Challenges.
Still need more information?
Please choose from the categories listed along the right-hand side of this page for more information on this topic or contact a Constituent Services Coordinator at the Maryland Department of Disabilities:
Education Coordinator: Nan Brittingham
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