Parental Perspectives Regarding Employment First

Tricia Luzadder

Tricia Luzadder

What advice do you have for parents who are supporting children who have disabilities in their educational and vocational goals?

"You have to be a vigilant advocate. You must educate yourself and force yourself to go to trainings. You cannot be afraid to call the school, to question them or offer suggestions. No one knows your child better than you.

  • Parent to parent networking is very important and helpful. You learn from others and hear about different events, trainings, etc.
  • Parents should take advantage of supports and services in school to prepare for adult life, i.e. focus on skills that will help with independence (travel training)
  • Parents need to understand that there is not an adult IDEA and that their children will need to qualify for adult services, which are very different from the supports and services they get in school."