It is not uncommon to spend a huge amount of time securing special education resources to which your child is entitled in elementary and high school. Planning for post secondary education for a child, or grandchild, with special needs, can be quite overwhelming. The challenge is to look beyond today and into your child's future.

Children with various physical or other impairments can find a match to the support and the accommodation they need to succeed at college. In fact, as a sector of education institutions, community colleges serve more students with disabilities than any other segment of post-secondary education.

But whether your child will start college "on time" at age 18 or need more time to prepare, planning as early as possible for all schools costs, including disability related educational expenses, can help you be better prepared.

The Individualized Educational Program (IEP)
With the help of a student services counselor beginning at age 14, transition planning is included in the Individual Education Program (IEP) process. This federal program is administered by the U.S. Department of Education and is focused on the skills and services the student will need to successfully transition from school to adult life as defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Transition Services are a coordinated set of activities designed within an outcome oriented process, that promotes movement from school to post-school activities, including but not limited to post secondary education, vocational training, integrated competitive employment (including supportive employment, continuing adult education, independent living and community participation. Be sure to review Online Resources for more help.

Education Funding
Like all dreams well conceived, your financial security will make it easier for you to help them when the time comes. The best way to help meet these costs is to create a college funding strategy for all your children, including your dependent with special needs, and choose the options that best suits your family.

There's no shortage of ways to help fund and save for, your children's education. For example, students with disabilities may be eligible for financial aid, including grants, scholarships, or awards. However, saving with Coverdell Education Savings Account's (ESA), life insurance and other means can help your child reach their full potential. Having a permanent life insurance policy is often an important consideration as part of an education funding strategy. For more information read The Benefits of Permanent Life Insurance in the Article Library.

A Word of Caution
Special care must be taken to ensure that a person with special needs is not disqualified from federal benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid, and from any state programs. Find out how the use of a Special Needs Trust, if drafted properly, can remedy this problem and provide extra financial support your special needs child will need beyond what can be provided through government benefits.

Every situation is unique, so it is imperative to consult with legal, financial and social services professionals with "special needs" expertise.