Lisa,

How was the Transition Conference you were going to attend this week? Did you find out any information on whether a student in Iowa can walk at graduation with one's class and still receive special education funded services? How is junior year going for your daughter?

I am working on notes to present the basics about SSI to families here in early March, but I think it is going to be a wide age range, and my focus is on age 18.

It was last week and we were in a Blizzard Warning the day before and day of the conference. Traffic was not recomended, but they had the conference anyway. I called and complained, but I suppose the speakers were already there so they went ahead with it. There couldn't have been many people there. I got my registration $ back but I'd rather they had rescheduled.

I talked to Laneys teacher, guidance counselor and principal and they all agreed that Laney will receive a signed diploma like the rest of her class. But, if she does, she will not be able to continue services through the school district. Her case worker assures me that she will get the same adult services after graduation that they can offer her through the school district and it will beb covered by her MR Waiver. I now will need to visit the adult services that are offered in the closest town to us 1/2 hr from home, to see if they seem okay for her. That is where they want her to do the 9 day job skill testing over the summer. At this point, Laney does NOT want to do it. I am hoping we can visit a few times this spring to get her ready.

Hey Lisa,

Too bad you could not make it to the conference. I am in the same boat as you and Laney-starting to plan and check out options for after high school and still ENJOY these last 2 years!

I am going to 2 transitions fairs next month and have 2 applications for college programs that Marissa and I need to fill out.



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