Blog of Confronting the 'High School Cliff'. What Young Adults with Disabilities Need to Succeed

The experience of high school years for students with reading and comprehension disabilities in the late 1990s and early millennium is vastly different from what students with disabilities face today. Back then, the support for students with disabilities was not as advanced as it is now. Schools would provide basic accommodations such as extra time on tests, handled spell checkers that were like calculator, but did not offer individualized instruction or support as much.

Students with reading and comprehension disabilities would often feel left behind in class and struggle to keep up with the curriculum. They would often feel embarrassed or ashamed of their disability, and it was not uncommon for them to be bullied or teased by other students.

Fast forward to the present day, and the experience of students with disabilities has significantly improved. With advances in technology and a greater understanding of disabilities, schools now offer a range of support services and accommodations to help students succeed.

In the article "Confronting the 'High School Cliff': What Young Adults with Disabilities Need to Succeed," the story of 17-year-old Gerald Mitchell with Autism is highlighted. His mother is concerned that he is not receiving the support he needs to graduate on time and is worried about his future prospects. She confronts the school to set him up for an independent, and good quality of life.
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This article underscores the importance of early intervention and the need for individualized support for students with disabilities. It also highlights the role of parents in advocating for their children's education and future prospects.

Conclusion:
The experience of high school for students with disabilities has changed significantly over the years. While there is still work to be done, the advances in technology and understanding of disabilities have resulted in greater support and accommodations for these students. The story of Gerald Mitchell reminds us of the importance of advocacy and the need for individualized support to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed.

​Article Published April 20th, 2021




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