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Distance Learning Activities to Help Transition-Age Youth Prepare for Adulthood

Stay-at-home orders can lead to learning experiences for transition-age students that are not typically available in the high school classroom. Distance Learning Activities During COVID-19 to Help Transition-Age Youth on an IEP Prepare for Adulthood is a new publication from PACER Center that provides families with a wealth of ideas about how they can work towards their transition IEP goals while at home. With support from the IEP team, youth can use this time to develop daily routines and learn skills to help them make the transition to adulthood during the school year and over the summer.

COVID-19 Distance Learning and Challenging Behaviors

Almost overnight, the COVID-19 pandemic transformed our educational system. Transitioning to a distance learning model is just one of the adjustments families have had to make without warning or preparation. All of these challenges may change a child’s behavior. This new publication from PACER answers the question, “What can parents do when their child is exhibiting challenging behavior during distance learning time?”

PACER has also created many other resources (in English, Spanish, Hmong, and Somali) for families of children with disabilities that address a range of issues that have come up during the COVID pandemic.

Keeping Students with Learning Disabilities Motivated at Home

This article from Edutopia provides tips for families on how to help high school students with disabilities stay on track and motivated at home with ideas like movement breaks and setting aside time for reflection.

Closing the Gaps in Distance Learning: Strategies to Meet Educators’ Toughest Challenges

The author of this ADDitude article offers several strategies to help educators gain a fresh perspective on what they can do that will make a difference in students’ sense of connection with school. It focuses on communication with students and their families and what educators can do to help them feel supported.

Virtual IEP Meeting Tip Sheets

These tip sheets about how to about to hold or participate in a virtual IEP team meeting are designed to support both school officials and families. Included are tech tips, tips for hosting a meeting, tips for participants, a sample agenda in English and Spanish, and a 1-page infographic about virtual meetings (also available in English and Spanish). The collection is housed at the Center for Parent Information Resources and was developed collaboratively by six OSEP-funded technical assistance centers.

Save the Date: June 18 Webinar on Tools to Help Manage Daily Life for College Students with Intellectual Disabilities

Heading off to college brings excitement as well as new challenges for students and their families. In this Think College webinar PACER's Simon Technology Center specialists will discuss tools to support students with intellectual disabilities as they learn to navigate the college campus and college life. Demonstrations will include mobile apps to help students manage their time, schedule, money, and social connections. Save the Date: June 18, 2020 3:00 PM Eastern Time and register here.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact a PACER Transition Specialist by emailing [email protected] or calling us at (952)838-9000.

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