Why an education

My roommate is trying to help out a family member with a mental health disability.  This person is getting support services from a local agency but he is not happy with his current situation.  He is board with his current program.  My roommate is trying to get him into a local GED program.  For anyone who does not know, a GED program is a program that will give people who have not graduated high school with an academic degree, the equivalent of a high school diploma.  This will allow a person to pursue higher education or qualify for jobs that require a high school diploma.  The problem is of course, who will pay for any fees and appropriate supports. His family cannot afford to pay.  In a situation like this, I have suggested a few things.

• Get yourselves invited to his IP meeting.
•   An IP is an individual plan.  Every individual with a disability that receives support services has one.  This IP sets the goals and needs up for each individual for 1 year.  These needs are agreed upon by the individual, family and staff and then written in a contract.  The state and the agency are then bound by that contract.  The problem comes when the individual does not or cannot speak for themselves.  If they do not have a strong advocate the same contract tends to roll through year after year. I think this is the case for this person.
• Make sure the GED program is what he wants. 
• In this states case, the GED is run by the local Division of Labor department.  This could be good or bad.  If this individual has been determined not to be able to work, it is not likely he will be able to get the funds or appropriate supports.  This is something that the DORS agency will do. (Read last blog)  I felt my roommate should contact DORS and see if his relative could be tested to see if he is capable of work.  These tests can be any combination of aptitude and diagnostic tests.
• If a GED is really what he wants there are any number of correspondence schools and online help if there is no other way.  doing a little at a time may be the best way to afford it.

In any case if getting the funds and support for a GED is not possible, communication is key here.  What things is this individual interested in.  It is clear in this state a GED program is for people who want to be working more productive people.  If you can't get into these programs because you can't work, look for other continuing education courses.  Traditionally these courses do not have grades so there is less stress.  They are intended for people who just want to learn new things.  Check your local parks and recreation department or community college for anything that may interest you.