Transition Resource Package
Table of contents
Introduction……………………………………………………………… 3
Section 1
Independence and life skills …………………………………………….... 4
Section 2
Recreational and leisure activities ……………………………………....... 4
Section 3
Education and training…………………………………………………....... 5
Section 4
Employment ………………………………………………………………... 5
Section 5
Volunteerism ……………………………………………………………….. 6
Conclusion ………………………………………………………………….. 6
References …………………………………………………………………... 7
Introduction
A transition is a change made from one level to another. A resource package includes activities, materials, and strategies that are used during the transition process. It helps one to reach or attain a preferred goal. Students with special needs need special assistance because of their difficulties. Therefore a resource package is important for students with special needs so that they can deal with the changes and attain their goals effectively. My student’s name is Kelvin and he is fifteen years old. He lives with his family and they are his support when going on with his day to day activities. He loves to play the piano during his leisure time. In terms of independence, he uses a wheelchair to move around which he does by himself for short distances. His parents manage his finances since they are the ones who take care of him. He wants to get more education and training so that he can be able to get a job and interact more with people. According to the National Down Syndrome Society (2020), a resource package for students who are special needs to be made according to their needs and strengths. Kelvin’s strengths are that he has a good memory, and can feed himself. He can play the piano and use a phone meaning that his coordination and concentration abilities are great. He can move around by himself with the help of his wheelchair. He is jovial, loves to interact with people and is always willing to play the piano for them. His needs are personal hygiene which includes bathing himself, cleaning his room and doing laundry because he cannot stand by himself. He also needs help in preparing meals which he cannot do by himself. His parents support him financially meaning that anything he needs is provided for them.
According to the National Down Syndrome Society (2020), a resource package for Kelvin’s independence will involve general life skills such as self -evaluation, and be able to make decisions. Critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and self-control are also important life skills for him. Domestic skills that include hygiene, preparing meals, laundry, banking, and shopping will be of great help. Social and personal skills will include communicating and interacting with others, making friends, and developing healthy relationships. Specific skills will include vocational skills and academic skills which are firsthand skills that will help him master a job.
Recreational and leisure skills which are hobby related skills and activities will be important for Kelvin. According to Wenner (2016), sports and recreational activities are therapeutic and important for special children. Other than playing the piano during his leisure time, wheelchair sports, adapted swimming and Special Olympics will help him indulge with other people and get to try out new challenges. This will help him face some of his fears and learn how to be competitive. This will also open chances for him to participate in competitions. With his love for interacting with people, he will love these new activities which will be important for his health, improve on his well-being and help him live a quality life. Because Kelvin has a very supportive and encouraging family, these activities will make them have more time together. It will also give them a chance to interact with other families who are on the same journey as theirs. The activities will be of benefit to Kelvin, his family and also his peers. For Kelvin, it will help to improve his self-esteem making him more confident and will also increase his capabilities. These activities will make him discover and explore more abilities and talents that he could have.
Vocational education and training will be important for Kelvin to develop skills that will prepare them for a job. It will help him to become productive and more independent. According to McGee (2019), it will help him to gain academic skills such as problem-solving, using a computer, typing and solving basic mathematics. It will help to improve communication skills and learn how to follow and understand instructions. Training will be important for him because he will learn social and interpersonal skills such as display the proper behavior and etiquette while at work and also learn how to protect themselves from being victimized. He will learn occupational skills such as time management, accepting corrections, and knowing how to keep his boundaries in the workplace. He will learn how to choose the industry he wants to venture in and also the retail skills needed in the different industries.
In terms of employment, the National Down Syndrome Society (2020) states the different employment options present for students with special needs. One is employment that involves working on a full time or part-time basis and there is interaction with other people who have no disabilities. Supported employment is work that an individual is supported by a trainer. The trainer goes along with the individual to work and helps them learn the skills as they prepare to start working alone. Sheltered employment is a work setting that individuals with disabilities work together without the inclusion of people with no disabilities. It usually involves labor jobs such as assembling of goods. Following my student’s strengths and needs, the vocational training that he will acquire will help him get a chance for employment. In terms of housing, the transition for my student will not only focus on where he will live but also the skills that he will need to manage the process. For example, personal hygiene, cooking, and finance management. I will include long term goals for him in the transition plan and identify the steps that will help him achieve those goals. All the decisions will focus on his needs and desires.
In terms of volunteerism, I will encourage him to participate because it will develop his life skills. According to Sadiq (2017), volunteering will help him engage in many activities and will help him get out of his comfort zone. It will help him take part in different acts that will be helpful to other people. It will help him become more independent and competent. This will prepare him for his employment journey. Some employers require a person who has volunteered in certain fields before and this will be an advantage for him. Skills for employment improve through the volunteering activities and tasks so when Kelvin finally gets employed, it will be easy for him to adapt and know what to do. Most of the people in the volunteering organizations are experienced, so volunteering will make Kelvin watch and learn from the best. He will learn the worth of life and what he has mostly when he discovers that there are people who have to deal with much more than he does.
Conclusion
A transition plan for students with special needs is important because it is the process where a student becomes independent, joins vocational training or starts working. A resource package for the student should be well thought of and involve the desires of the student for it to be successful. It should include relatable goals so that it is easy for him to achieve them. The student needs to know their special need and be aware of their preferences and interests so that they can be able to know exactly what they want and this will help them achieve their goals. The resource package should work towards giving the student a comfortable and independent life and making sure they accomplish their goals and fulfill their dreams.
References
McGee K. (2019). Vocational Skills for Special Education: https://www.theclassroom.com
National Down Syndrome Society (2020). Post high school: https:// www.ndss.com
Sadiq B. (2017). Encourage the Young Ones: Inspiring Students to Volunteer: https:// blogs. volunteermatch.orgWenner R. (2016). Sports and Recreation for Children with Disabilities: https :// repository.
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