The Bouncy Bus

    In general most kids hope to either go to college or get a job after high school. However, for many kids with disabilities this time of transitioning from high school to the life after is anxiety filled and unclear. Discussions about transition are filled with acronyms like DRS and DDSD,and we spend a great deal of time ensuring that they have a plan in place for after graduation. However, due to limited funding at some agencies and large waiting lists at others this can be a difficult process.
     One student will start work tomorrow morning through an agency that works very well with my students. For weeks we have heard this question endlessly, "When do I get to ride on the bouncy bus?". He only wanted to know when he would start work, as knowing his schedule and planning for changes is very important to him. However, due to paperwork having to be completed at agencies outside of the school, I could not give him an exact answer. So, he continued to ask the question about ten times a day, minimum.
     The anxiety, uncertainty, and stress of the unknown will end (well at least about the bouncy bus) tomorrow as he starts his job and begins to prepare for what his life will be like after graduation. I do hope that he enjoys the bouncy bus and experiences success at his job.
     Autism Speaks (Transition Tool Kit ) and other websites have information on helping students transition from high school to adulthood. Families should start planning for this transition early and get their child on the appropriate waiting lists early as to ensure that they have services available when they need them. Some families are still waiting for services after being on the waiting list for 7 + years.