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What Does “Healthcare” Mean?

Health Related Issues
ealthcare” is one of the life domains to be considered during the
“H transition process along with post-secondary education,
employment, and independent living. Healthcare for youth with
disabilities includes things like managing their own health, financing health
care and health insurance, interacting with healthcare providers, and
advocating for their own health and healthcare.

Some young adults have been dealing with health problems for many
years, and for them this time of transition may be even more
complicated. They may feel like they are tired of dealing with health
issues and would rather just think of other things, like going out with
friends or finding a summer job. They may be nervous about leaving
doctors they are familiar with and getting to know new ones.

Addressing Healthcare Needs and Integrating Them into the
Transition IEP

t is important for youth with special healthcare needs to be able to
I understand their own condition and needed treatment, explain their
condition and needed treatment to others, monitor their health
status on an ongoing basis, and ask for guidance from
adults, including health care providers.

Additionally, they should understand formal and
informal advocacy services and learn about systems
that will apply to them as adults (health insurance,
social security, and power of attorney for
healthcare).
The IEP should address all healthcare needs within
the Present Levels of Academic Achievement and
Functional Performance and through
measurable goals. Goals and objectives within
the IEP should include as much self-care and
independent management of health conditions
as possible to optimize adulthood employment,
independent living, and community participation.

SPAN has several webinars for more information:
www.spanadvocacy.org/content/reach-transition-webinars-0
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