Key Steps:
- ACTION: If still in high school, work with school counselors to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan that addresses the student’s needs.
Example: Sarah’s high school counselor updates her 504 Plan to include extended time on tests and permission to take breaks during class if she experiences fatigue or pain.
- ACTION: Provide guidance on how to request accommodations in higher education or vocational programs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), such as extra time for exams, flexible attendance, or accessible housing.
Example: Sarah meets with the disability services office at her prospective college to request accommodations, including a single room in dorm housing for better rest and reduced exposure to illness.
- ACTION: Assist in exploring career options that accommodate the limitations imposed by SCD (e.g., avoiding physically strenuous jobs or positions that require long hours without rest).
Example: Sarah works with a career advisor to identify part-time job opportunities that allow flexible hours, such as library assistant roles, which minimize physical strain.
- ACTION: Provide information about applying for Social Security benefits or understanding disability rights in the workplace.
Example: Sarah and her parents consult a social worker to explore eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and learn about requesting workplace accommodations.
