Healthcare is an essential transition topic to discuss within the IEP team but is often a forgotten piece. Students' success in employment, postsecondary education and training and reaching their individual transition goals all rest on good health and emotional and physical well being, but do students know how to navigate their own healthcare and put it into practice? Here are some points to consider while thinking about a student’s health and well-being.
The IEP team should consider:
● Does the student know their health in regards to diagnosis or disability-related needs (High Blood Pressure, Diabetic, BMI, medications currently taking)? Can they communicate the basics of their diagnosis or disability-related needs?
● Does the student know how to get help and make medical decisions?
Does the student know how to contact their doctors, access community health resources and what to do if not feeling well?
Do they know what to do in case of an emergency or their doctor’s office is closed?
Do they have emergency contacts in their phone or other accessible device?
Who is making their health decisions currently? Consider release forms and supported decision making.
● Does the student know how to stay mentally and physically healthy in their own self care routine?
Does the student understand which foods will keep them feeling well (healthy) and which foods may make them not feel so good (unhealthy)?
Do they know how to shop for foods that make them feel well (healthy)?
Does the student need an exercise routine or other self-care routines? Exercise, sleep, meditation, stress release, are all important topics to explore.
● Does the student understand their medical support system?
Does the student know how to maintain good health by regularly visiting the dentist, doctor, vision, pharmacy, and speciality doctors?
Have they prepared to transition to adult specialists or an adult primary care doctor if necessary?
● What are the concerns related to safety and sexuality?
Is the team familiar with the Health Transition Wisconsin resources and materials; discuss if the materials, Health Pocket Guide, assessments, and toolkits would be applicable for the student or if school personnel need training on resources to be included as part of program modifications and supports to school personnel.
Resources
1. Health Transition Wisconsin
a. Build Your Bridge: Moving from Child to Adult Healthcare
a. Moving from Pediatric to Adult Care
3. BPDD Living Well Toolkit(Adult guidance)