Nicole loves to take walks on the beach with her mom, Lisa. Nicole's interests include walking her dog, spending time with her friends, and going to the movies . 

 Nicole is a 12th grade student who is graduating high school soon. Nicole has cognitive delays and struggles with communicating, taking care of herself, and social skills. Her mother is concerned about Nicole transitioning out of high school special education and into an adult program.

Throughout Nicole's high school education, her mother has successfully collaborated with LEAs and teachers in creating an appropriate IEP for Nicole, but she is concerned with the transition meeting that is scheduled.

Nicole and her mom, while at a coffee shop met John and his son Jackson. John and Lisa began conversing. As their conversation continued, Lisa realized that John's son, Jackson, has a cognitive delay. John shared that Jackson is working on his social skills. 

As Nicole and Jackson began practicing their social skills, Lisa began to share her concerns with John. She is mostly concerned that there will be no appropriate adult programing opportunity programs for Nicole. She wants for Nicole to possibly continue to attend her high school, but is afraid the school system might not want to keep her at the school.

John shared with Lisa that Nicole has the right to receive a free and appropriate education; which means that Nicole should receive the appropriate supports necessary to be successful in public school. In addition, the school system may not make placement (LRE) decisions entirely on availability of educational or related services or availability of space.

John shared with Lisa that she could have Nicole evaluated and bring in data and reports from Nicole's Doctors, Therapists, and any outside agency she is working with to the IEP meeting. The IEP team can make an appropriate decision based on the information provided. 

In addition, John disclosed with Lisa that under the law of IDEA, she has parental rights. The procedural safeguards are put in place to ensure that children are receiving a free and appropriate education and are evaluated appropriately. Additionally, procedural safeguards inform parents of their rights.

Lisa thanked John for the insightful information and decided to meet for coffee in the coming weeks so Nicole and Jackson may continue practicing their social skills. 

Two weeks later, Nicole and Lisa met with Jackson and John. Lisa was happy to report to John that the IEP meeting went well and that Nicole can continue to attend the high school. 

The End