NY times article/ didn't want to highjack

[andrewsmom]

Hi all!! I didn't want to "highjack" Christine's post about the article in the NY Times ;D but....I have a question maybe some of you can help me with.

The article refers to children with disabilities being able to recieve free education until age 21. Does that mean that if a child with ummm...I don't know...DS perhaps? was to graduate from high school at 18, that they could possibly have a state college paid for until they turn 21? Or if they wanted to go into some sort of trade, could that be covered also? Just curious. I think this could be helpful to people.

-Trisha

[Chester]

I'm by no means an expert on this, but have had some past experience. I did a quick google search and found this:

A student receiving special education services who is younger than 22 years of age on September 1 of a scholastic year shall be eligible for services through the end of that scholastic year or until graduation, whichever comes first. In addition, students with disabilities who graduated as determined by an IEP and who are still in need of special education services may be served through age 21 inclusive, according to the requirements noted above. These students may return to school as eligible students (ADA eligibility code 1 or 2) until the maximum age is reached

So the way I understand it, is that a young adult can stay in the public school system until age 21, if they are working on their IEP. The YA's I knew that stayed in the Publics schools, graduated with their class and then continued on in transitional type settings, work places, self care, etc depending on their goals and abilities.

Good Question! I'll be waiting to see what anyone else may have to say!
Dawn

[ALLISA]

I think Dawn is correct and it only applies to high school ed and not anything further.....but I, too am no expert.....

Edited/modified to say:


Okay...I didn't actually read the artice before I responded to this post.....but according to this paragraph I took from the articel....some states ARE applying money for higher-ed classes !!

From the article :


Now, coming of age expecting full inclusion from kindergarten through 12th grade, students and their parents are asking to graduate to similar opportunities. By law, children with disabilities are entitled to a free public education until age 21. Until recently, that mostly meant an extended stay in special-education classrooms at a public high school, but recent clarifications of the law have allowed states to use money earmarked for lower education for appropriate postsecondary programs instead.

[andrewsmom]

"but recent clarifications of the law have allowed states to use money earmarked for lower education for appropriate postsecondary programs instead"

That is exactly the part that threw me off Allisa. If I'm reading this right...... this could really help people.....not sure.

_Trisha

[laurasnowbird]

Not sure about this, and too brain dead to try to find out, BUT, I did want to invite you all to Michigan, cuz kids here receive services until they turn TWENTY SIX (yes you read that right, and no my brain hasn't turned to mush because I turned a year older today, LOL!)

SO, move on into Michigan folks~! We'd love to have you!

[Cbean]

OK Laura, got room???