Health care transition is one of many challenges associated with transition to adult life. Parents and caregivers may be accustomed to taking care of all the health care needs for their child. Health care transition skills and advocacy is an area of independent living that students can develop through independent living goals in their transition IEP.

For example, many students may not know their diagnosis, why they are taking certain medications, or how to arrange for their own health care appointments. These gaps in knowledge and skill can be translated into Independent Living goals:

• I will name my health conditions and explain how they affect me with a medical provider.
• I will keep a list of my prescriptions and what health care conditions they address to share with medical providers.
• I will schedule medical appointments online or by phone.
• I will contact my pharmacy to refill prescriptions.
• I will prepare a list of questions for my medical provider before meeting with them.
• I will enter dates of medical appointments into my calendar and set a reminder.
• I will keep a record of my medical providers and their contact information.
• I will complete an emergency contact form and carry it with me in my wallet, backpack, or purse.

Of course, these are only a few examples; tailor goals to the student’s specific situation and level using an appropriate assessment. Start small and build on success. Through transition IEP goals, you can assist students in becoming more independent with their healthcare needs!

Resources:

• Pacer Center Health Transition Planning and the IEP – a more in-depth look at health care transition planning.
• Including Health Care in Transition Planning  – 5-minute video from the Pacer Center with an excellent explanation of how to develop health care transition IEP goals.
• The Care Notebook – a product developed for children with Propionic Acidemia but can be modified for use by others.