Self-advocacy is a transition skill. Simple ways to bring students into the process at any age.
Students are required to be invited once transition planning begins, but participation shouldn't start at 16. It should start as soon as a child can name one thing that helps them.
By age
- Elementary: have your child pick one accommodation that helps and one that doesn't.
- Middle school: let them present a short list of strengths and challenges.
- High school: have them open the meeting with their own goals for after graduation.
Practice first
Run through the agenda at home. Give your child permission to leave early. A five-minute appearance that goes well beats an hour that overwhelms them.