jjs295
01-20-2009, 08:25 AM
Mentally challenged students prepare for independent future
Bethlehem Area School District offers developmental, career guidance for parents, disabled students
http://www.mcall.com/media/photo/2009-01/44606885.jpg
The 38 families who signed up for the job fair got information from their children's teachers and employment advice from Pennsylvania CareerLink and Private Industry Council of the Lehigh Valley. They made contacts at agencies such as VIA of the Lehigh Valley. They found out what help and programs are offered from the state Department of Labor and Industry's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
''It's always good to start the process rolling as soon as possible'' Goodrich said.
Under state law, special education students can stay in school until 21. Parents of severely disabled students usually opt for the maximum time, said Marcie Hrycyszyn, coordinator of Bethlehem's school-to-work transition program.
''Parents feel students are safe and secure in school,'' she said. ''Then in a perfect world, agencies like PIC and VIA take over where we left off.''
The world is seldom perfect. Opportunities in adulthood for mentally retarded and autistic people are not as plentiful when compared with those available to people with other disabilities, according to data at the National Center for Education Statistics.
In 2005, about 36 percent of those with mental retardation who finished school in 1999-2000 or 2000-01 were employed and about 14 percent were living independently, national statistics show.
By comparison, 65 percent of emotionally disturbed graduates were employed and 25 percent were living on their own.
Sandra J. Magill of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation said parents often do not realize that school-based special education is mandatory. But once students hit 21, they and their parents are on their own. Availability of adult services then is based on funding, not simply need, Magill said.
''A lot of times parents do not make referral to our office until right before their children are ready to leave school or have already left school,'' she said. ''Then the students sit at home and the parents do not know what to do.''
Ron Blaufarb of Hanover Township, Northampton County, agreed. He said too many parents do not take advantage of the services schools, nonprofits and government agencies offer.
''If you ask questions, you'll get answers,'' Blaufarb said while his wife, Sharon, talked to teachers at the job fair.
Their daughter is richer for it. Allie Blaufard, 20, who is mentally retarded, has one year left of schooling. With the help of teachers, Ron Blaufarb said, Allie has improved her reading and job skills. Teachers are helping her develop street smarts she will need to survive next year and beyond.
''The school district has done a wonderful job in helping us access these programs,'' he said. ''I have every confidence in the world Allie will be a productive citizen.''
''Â…It is important families become familiar with resources once the students leave our system.''
RICK AGRETTO, Bethlehem Area School District's special education director
http://www.mcall.com/business/local/all-a10_4skills.6746638jan20,0,1420016.story
Bethlehem Area School District offers developmental, career guidance for parents, disabled students
http://www.mcall.com/media/photo/2009-01/44606885.jpg
The 38 families who signed up for the job fair got information from their children's teachers and employment advice from Pennsylvania CareerLink and Private Industry Council of the Lehigh Valley. They made contacts at agencies such as VIA of the Lehigh Valley. They found out what help and programs are offered from the state Department of Labor and Industry's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
''It's always good to start the process rolling as soon as possible'' Goodrich said.
Under state law, special education students can stay in school until 21. Parents of severely disabled students usually opt for the maximum time, said Marcie Hrycyszyn, coordinator of Bethlehem's school-to-work transition program.
''Parents feel students are safe and secure in school,'' she said. ''Then in a perfect world, agencies like PIC and VIA take over where we left off.''
The world is seldom perfect. Opportunities in adulthood for mentally retarded and autistic people are not as plentiful when compared with those available to people with other disabilities, according to data at the National Center for Education Statistics.
In 2005, about 36 percent of those with mental retardation who finished school in 1999-2000 or 2000-01 were employed and about 14 percent were living independently, national statistics show.
By comparison, 65 percent of emotionally disturbed graduates were employed and 25 percent were living on their own.
Sandra J. Magill of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation said parents often do not realize that school-based special education is mandatory. But once students hit 21, they and their parents are on their own. Availability of adult services then is based on funding, not simply need, Magill said.
''A lot of times parents do not make referral to our office until right before their children are ready to leave school or have already left school,'' she said. ''Then the students sit at home and the parents do not know what to do.''
Ron Blaufarb of Hanover Township, Northampton County, agreed. He said too many parents do not take advantage of the services schools, nonprofits and government agencies offer.
''If you ask questions, you'll get answers,'' Blaufarb said while his wife, Sharon, talked to teachers at the job fair.
Their daughter is richer for it. Allie Blaufard, 20, who is mentally retarded, has one year left of schooling. With the help of teachers, Ron Blaufarb said, Allie has improved her reading and job skills. Teachers are helping her develop street smarts she will need to survive next year and beyond.
''The school district has done a wonderful job in helping us access these programs,'' he said. ''I have every confidence in the world Allie will be a productive citizen.''
''Â…It is important families become familiar with resources once the students leave our system.''
RICK AGRETTO, Bethlehem Area School District's special education director
http://www.mcall.com/business/local/all-a10_4skills.6746638jan20,0,1420016.story