Participating as a Member of the Transition Team:
Being Part of the Transition Team

(FACTS/LRE grants permission for photocopying of this handout.)

Working as a team member with other professionals can sometimes be threatening to families and can require some time and know-how. Building a relationship takes time, effort, trust, mutual respect, and communication. Here are some additional tips for working on a team that may help both families and professionals work together as they plan for transition.

• Treat each member of the team as an equal. Remember that each team member brings different expertise, values, and resources to the meeting.
• Seek information. It is okay to say "I don't know," "I don't understand," or to ask for assistance or for more information.
• Share information that will help team members understand your concerns and priorities. Do not be afraid to state your opinion, answer questions, and discuss your priorities.
• Share thoughts and feelings about your child's abilities.
• Be honest, clear, and direct about your child's needs and your family's concerns, resources, and priorities.
• Remember that differences of opinion are okay and are to be expected. Team meetings are an opportunity to listen to all points of view and to make decisions using negotiation and problem solving.
• Try to avoid letting past negative experiences influence your current behavior and interactions with members of the team.
• Listen to each member of the team. Try to identify the reasons for their needs or recommendations.
• Invite other family members or friends who can offer support and advice to attend transition team meetings.
• Be sure you are satisfied with decisions that are made before agreeing to them. If you are not satisfied, be sure to talk to the rest of the team about it.
• Select a level of team involvement that you are comfortable with and that fits your schedule.
• Generate multiple suggestions to address each issue discussed and identify the pros and cons of all suggestions before selecting one.
• Carry through on tasks that you have agreed to do.