Help your handicapped child through their transition phase – be there!

Parents have a vital influence on their children's attitudes toward work and life. Many studies have acknowledged the effect of parental influence on educational and career decisions made by children. More so if the children are handicapped. Handicapped youth have more difficulty than their able bodied peers in making the transition from school to work. And it is here that parents play a pivotal role.
Transition is defined as a process to launch and apply a plan for the employment or additional training of a handicapped adolescent. During this phase disabled youth need special assistance and guidance in areas of career exploration, job search, independent living skills and teamwork. As parents you can counsel your children on how to be a part of the community and take their disability in their stride.
Help your child explore his strengths and weaknesses. Work out with him what are the tasks that he enjoys doing and his ability to perform those consistently. Based on these you can find information related to various entry-level potential occupations. Try involving your child by identifying famous people who have achieved success despite their disability and use checklists to identify your child’s personal qualities and capabilities.
Some of the best resources for information are teachers, counselors, and close relatives as well. You can also find out about interest surveys and aptitude tests that a trained professional can administer and enroll your child in an appropriate one. Last but not the least learn about work site modifications that may be needed to accommodate a handicapped person. Also invest in high quality mobility equipment for your child like power wheelchairs, electric scooters and wheelchair lifts.

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