Entitlement Vs. Eligibility

Tim Sheehan, the keynote speaker at the Youth Transition Conference, made a profound statement about transition.  He searched to define transition.  He made a good point that all students transition from high school to adult life.  So, what makes those students with an IEP in need of “Transition Services?”  Mr. Sheehan explained that it’s more than transitioning into adult life, it is a transition from a world of entitlement to a world of eligibility.  This transition is what needs guidance and resources. 

Entitlement is the right to benefits specified, especially by law or contract ( Merriam-Webster,Incorporated, 2012).  Eligibility however, is being qualified to participate or be chosen  ( Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 2012).   

In the public school system every child is entitled to, or has the right, to receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education.  Once they exit the public school system through graduation or aging-out they must apply for services and wait to see if they meet the criteria, set forth by the agency or state, in order to receive services. 

Waiting for services after submitting the application is often the most frustrating part of the process for students and parents.  To avoid a break in services it is best to apply as soon as possible.  This time is different for every agency, so ask them when applications can be made. 

The second most frustrating  part of the eligibility world of adulthood is being denied services.  Many services are denied with the first application.  It is important to follow the appeal process and get help if you need it.  Many services  that are at first denied, are approved after the appeal process. 

The other frustration experienced by students and parents after high school is the lack of merit of the IEP.  Once a student exits high school the IEP is simply paper.  It no longer guarantees services.  It can be used to provide insight, information and background for adult services, but it does not transfer.  The Summary of Performance provided upon exit of the public school system is a document that is useful for adult service agencies and post-secondary institutions.  The functionality and process of writing the summary of performance is being revised in the state with input from post-secondary and adult services. 

The world of eligibility also means that students MUST be self-advocates.  No one will find them to provide services, they must seek them out.  Watch for more information about helping your student become a self-advocate in the next newsletter.

TIPS:

· Get help!  The best resources are through the Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) in each county or region.

· Apply early!  Age 17 years and 9 months for state agencies, earlier for some

· Be patient!  It is a world or hurry up and wait.

· Appeal!  If your child gets denied services, follow the appeal process.