Community Participation is the level of involvement in the surroundings of the student’s community. This is the section of transition in which fulfilling dreams and plans involves, friends, transportation and independence. This is the section of the transition process where choices result in making meaningful connections with friends and fulfill dreams as adults. Student are able to utilize the communication and academic skills they learned in school to be comes active participating members of their community.
Families have different plans for their students based on cultural needs. A group decision or family plan may be the best choice, but the student should lead the plan. This is their life, their involvement, and their comfort level. What are students without disabilities doing at this age, as young adults? What are the barriers to these goals and how can agencies and a support system bridge this gap? A student’s team can help guide the student and family to solutions for these problems. As your student ages these plans and inter-agency collaboration may need to be revised to find the best solution.
Community resources are available to provide structure in a young person’s life. These organizations can provide answers for these questions as they develop. Student involvement in their community is vital for mental health and growth as a young adult. Many students experience loneliness after graduation or upon finishing their district program. Students with disabilities can find increased isolation without community and social support structures. Early planning and instruction in self-advocacy skills along with utilizing social groups such as, parks and recreations activities, churches and vocational recreation groups can help ease this isolation.