State Senator Annette Taddeo (D- Miami) and Representative Allison Tant (D—Tallahassee) are happy to announce the signing of HB 173 into law, legislation designed to help students with disabilities with job training and appropriate living skill development through education plans.
“Things are already hard enough for parents of students with disabilities. This law will ensure school resources are readily available by providing a space for parents and educators to sit with their students and plan for their future which is integral to their success and their contributions to society,” said Senator Taddeo.
This law will require long term planning with students, parents, and IEP school teams begin earlier for students with disabilities and that by age 16, a firm plan of action for job training and career success be established so that students can enter their senior year of high school with a path for continued educational development from ages 18-22, as per Florida Law.
“Parents are not aware of the transformational work that school districts and the Department of Education are doing to put students with disabilities on a path to self-sufficiency and meaningful work. This law will now require this information be shared with parents at their students’ IEP meeting beginning at age 12 with long term planning and teaching. Without this notice, parents are unaware of these options and these students have no options once they graduate from school,” said Representative Tant, whose developmentally delayed son has a job due to his school district’s transition program.
In addition to the planning and notice requirements of this new law, it will also authorize the Department of Education to audit current programs around the state to suggest best practices for Transition programs.
