Volusia County Schools are confronting challenges as they strive to enhance the support and transition plans for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students with disabilities. Families of these students express concerns about the lack of clear pathways and resources in the county for the post-graduation phase. As the district welcomes new leadership, there’s a heightened focus on improving the ESE transition process, though families continue to advocate for immediate changes to ensure inclusivity and support.
Parents and guardians of ESE students have long observed gaps in the transition support provided by Volusia County Schools. Unlike their general education counterparts, students with disabilities often don’t have a streamlined transition into adulthood. Resources such as adult day programs and on-the-job training are limited, making it difficult for them to carve a clear path after graduation.
Shirley Lund, whose son Isaac has Down syndrome, noted the struggle in finding a suitable program, ultimately leading the family to open Pure Joy Cat Cafe as a place for Isaac to work. Lund expressed dissatisfaction with the district’s efforts, stating the family had to rely on external advocacy to push for his inclusion in general education electives. Without systemic support, they opted to personally fund a meaningful occupation for Isaac, emphasizing that not every family has similar financial means.
Anni Suadi, another parent, shared similar struggles. Suadi took legal action against the district for allegedly denying her son, Lance Avery, access to certain electives, claiming the experience was isolating. While the legal outcome was not in their favor, Suadi remains committed to advocating for inclusion. She continues to work towards creating opportunities for Avery through employment initiatives, illustrating a proactive approach to circumvent institutional barriers.
For some families, the options are limited to staying at home. Monica Gray, a single mother, describes her son Grayson’s severe autism and the challenges they face. After exhausting multiple programs, Grayson was denied due to his behaviors and needs, which private programs were unwilling to accommodate. This left Gray largely bearing the responsibility of care with scant external support.
Ashley McCaffrey, a former district educator, spoke of her twin sisters’ experiences after aging out of school. Despite being ‘grandfathered’ into a program, they faced financial and logistical obstacles when funding was cut. McCaffrey’s family adapted their lives to support the twins, underlining a common theme of familial responsibility and the lack of institutional resources.
Some other Florida counties have demonstrated more effective approaches. Programs in Palm Beach and Broward counties offer more diverse opportunities, with day programs featuring occupational therapy and vocational training. This contrasts sharply with the scarcity of options in Volusia County.
Mary Tilford, an ESE teacher with decades of experience, highlighted the urgent need for improved post-graduation programs. There’s a consensus among educators and families alike that more attention and resources are necessary to prevent ESE students from becoming isolated post-graduation. She’s determined to advocate for systemic changes until significant improvements come to fruition.
The district’s new executive ESE director, Jacquese Copeland, acknowledges these challenges and is dedicated to reforming the ESE transition process. With support from the school board, the district is focusing on implementing better practices, including starting transition planning as early as middle school. However, parents remain skeptical and emphasize the need for concrete actions rather than promises.
The ongoing efforts to improve the transition for ESE students in Volusia County highlight a deep-seated need for change. Parents and educators are vocal about the immediate need for more robust support and inclusivity in post-graduation planning. As the district leadership moves forward with plans to address these gaps, the families’ stories serve as a poignant reminder of the human impact behind policies and programs.
Source: News-journalonline
