1/25/2013
“Shared Work, Shared Vision”
Delaware Community of Practice
Transition/Self-Determination Conference
April 15-16, 2013 – Sheraton Dover, DE - 8:00am-3:15pm
Registration Link: www.dati.org/events or
http://www.udel.edu/forms/DATI/transition
Day One- Monday, April 15
Keynote Speaker – Mr. Anindya "Bapin" Bhattacharyya, Technology Development & Training
Specialist, Helen Keller Nat'l Ctr for Deaf-Blind Youths & Adults
The Power of Technology Leads to Self-Success
Bapin will share, from both a personal and professional perspective, how technology provides independence,
personal satisfaction, and professional success for many deaf-blind individuals.
Nowadays technology plays an important role in everyone's life includingthe deaf-blind population around the
globe; something never imagined during Helen Keller's time. The presentation will focus on how technologies,
i.e., computers and mobile devices such as iPhones with braille access, Global Positioning Systems, and
communication devices have established a world on equal footing for disabled and non-disabled people, as well as
discuss how deaf-blind individuals are using these technologies to enhance their success
and personal independence in terms of recreation, employment, and education.
At the closing, I lead a normal life with having a family – a deaf wife and a hearing-sighted son. I own a car
driven by my wife and friends. And I travel around the world independently or with companions. I commute to
work daily on my own with help of my faithful dog guide, Walter.
1/25/2013
Delaware Community of Practice
Transition/Self-Determination Conference
4/15/2013 – Schedule at a Glance
10:30-11:45am 12:30-1:45pm 2:00-3:15pm
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HIGH RISK TO HIGH POTENTIAL:
Transition Issues for High School &
College Students with ADHD -- Robert
Tudisco, Edge Foundation
Students with ADHD are vulnerable
because ADHD impacts the higher portion
of the brain that regulates executive
functioning. ADHD students usually
have executive function deficits in
attention, planning and organization,
prioritization, impulse control, memory,
time management, and higher-order
conceptual thinking.
With the right knowledge and
expectations students can and will be
successful reaching their post school
goals. This session will provide a guide of
things to expect students move from high
school to college.
ADHD students don’t have to be “at risk”
students.
Maximizing Access to Higher
Education for Students with
Intellectual Disabilities - UD/CDS-
CLSC Program
The Career & Life Studies Certificate
(CLSC) program is a new 2-year
certificate program at the University of
Delaware for students with intellectual
disabilities. In this presentation,
students, family members, and university
partners will present on their experiences
with CLSC. Students will present a
summary of the program and describe
their experiences participating in campus
activities. Family members and
university partners will share
information regarding their involvement
with CLSC and the impact they have
observed on the participants and the
greater university community.
Closing -- Technology Empowers Deaf-Blind
People in Personal Life and at Work Beyond
Imagination – Bapin Bhattacharyya
Technology has given many people who are
deaf-blind the tools to gain personal
independence, access to educational and
employment opportunities, as well as break
barriers to be a part of their community on
equal footing like everyone else. It is
important to keep abreast on the most recent
advancements in technology through braille
access and screen magnification.
Topics discussed will cover refreshable
braille displays, braille notetakers, global
positioning system (GPS), communication
devices, accessible mobile phones such as
iPhone/iPad and phones of other operating
systems along with many accessible apps,
PC- and Mac-based screen readers and
magnification programs, and many useful
independent living aids.
In addition, the presentation will cover
effective ways to obtain training to meet the
needs of deaf-blind people. Training will be
discussed in the following areas: A) options
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for selecting adaptive technology, B) various
ways in accessing telecommunications via
different means, C) establishing
communication/interaction with the general
public with the assistance of communication
devices, D) traveling with GPS and other
devices, and E) the role of the adaptive
technology in accomplishing educational and
vocational goals.
10:30-11:45am 12:30-1:45pm
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A New Contact Sport: Helping
Transitioning Youth with
Significant Disabilities Find and
Succeed in Work Through an
Innovative Initiative in Delaware
ESSE Team
On a national level, thirty years of effort
have gone into preparing hundreds of
thousands of special education students to
make the transition from school to adult life.
Scores of curricula have been developed,
numerous professional conferences held,
strong legislation enacted. But let’s face it.
Our efforts far outweigh our outcomes:
youth with significant disabilities continue
to be one of the most unemployed groups in
the United States, in spite of the fact that
they want to work and have the talents to do
so. They are more likely to be isolated,
disconnected, and marginalized. In
Delaware, a statewide consortia is taking on
the challenge, through its Early Start to
Supported Employment initiative (ESSE),
which stresses the importance of brokering
the relationships between these individuals,
business people, and community members
who provide creative and effective supports.
IMAGINE WORKING –
Dr. George Tilson, TransCen, Inc.
Students and their parents should be
front and center in the quest to establish
community work experiences and secure
paid jobs as part of the youths’ transition
programming. As professionals, there are
things we can do to encourage these
young people – and those in their
personal support networks – to take more
ownership of the process. This
presentation will include a number of
practical strategies for inspiring the
essential goal-setting that drives not only
placement in work experiences, but all
aspects of the transition process.
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10:30-11:45am 12:30-1:45pm
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Self-Determination through
Personal and Historical
Perspectives – Dr. Mike Ward and
Bridgett Green, George Washington
University
The intent of this workshop
presentation is to engage in a dialogue
about the construct of self-
determination for individuals with
disabilities as advanced in the field of
special education, specifically transition.
Self-determination has become an
integral part of the field of special
education and imperative to a successful
transition to post-secondary activities.
This construct has roots in the various
civil rights movements, economic
development and the individual desire
for independence and self-sufficiency.
The two presenters, one with a
significant visible disability and one
with a hidden disability, will provide
both personal experiences and relevant
examples from the literature on how
recurring negative archetypes,
perceptions, and barriers affect the
career decisions and goals individuals
with disabilities. These types of
discussions are critically important to
educators’ efforts to develop more
inclusive approaches to teaching and
learning for their students and
themselves.
Determined Youth-Successful Youth:
An introduction and overview of “I’m
Determined” – John McNaught, JMU
T/TAC
The Project Director for Virginia’s
Statewide Self Determination Project, I’m
Determined, will discuss how districts
across the Commonwealth of Virginia
have implemented self-determination
into their curriculum. Examples will be
shared across the K-12 grade levels. The
I’m Determined website will also be
shared (www.imdetermined.org )
showcasing many FREE self-
determination resources.
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10:30-11:45am 12:30-1:45pm
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Knowing the Signs of Help – Jim
Tkach, Bo Tkach Foundation
Jim and Sandi Tkach’s message was created
after the tragic death of their oldest son Bo,
who suffered from OCD and depression. Bo
was an All State Football Player and ESPN
Academic ALL-American. The presentation
talks about the importance of reaching out to
others to provide help and assistance in
difficult times. The University of Michigan
Depression Center is a sponsor of their
message. The Bo Tkach Foundation was
founded in 2007.
The purpose of the talk is to create
awareness for Obsessive Compulsive
Disorders and Mental Health Issues. In
2012 the Bo Tkach Foundation presented 32
talks in schools, colleges, churches, and
community programs The Foundation also
provide funds for underinsured individuals
to receive Mental Health Screening and
treatment in the Lehigh Valley
(Pennsylvania) .
Asperger’s Alliance - Rebecca Clark,
DE Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
This student led session will focus on the
real life experiences of students who are
currently navigating their way through
the transition process. Their presentation
will highlight the challenges and
opportunities of life after high school in
reference to higher education,
internships, volunteer experiences,
employment and social activities and
resources. These emerging adults are all
active and enthusiastic members of the
Asperger’s Alliance group. They will also
share information about this growing
group and their numerous activities and
fund raising events.
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10:30-11:45am 12:30-1:45pm
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TRANSIT OPTIONS – YOUR RIDE TO
INDEPENDENCE – Bonnie Hitch,
DART
DART will present information regarding
all transportation options available and
explain the processes for determining the
most appropriate transportation option
for an individual. DART will unveil its
new Travel Training Program and will
have literature available for individuals
and agencies.
Best Buddies –
Mandy Vincent Program Manager, Adult
Friendship Programs
Best Buddies participants are changing
lives by simply being a friend. Best
Buddies Delaware’s schools programs
operate as student-run friendship clubs
which foster friendships between
students with and without IDD. Students
participate in a variety of trainings which
are designed to empower them to become
agents of change within their
communities. Best Buddies school
program participants bring increased
awareness and acceptance of issues faced
by people with IDD while at the same
time create a more inclusive school and
community environment. The Citizens
program pairs adults with IDD in one-to-
one friendships with peers without IDD
in the corporate and civic communities.
The Citizens volunteers are expected to
make a one year commitment to talk with
their buddy weekly and spend at least
four hours per month together.
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10:30-11:45am 12:30-1:45pm
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Self - Determination & Self-
Advocacy - “Believe in the
Unbelievable” Chaz Kellem & Chris
Mielo
Session is a customized presentation
that will provide information to help the
disability community and families
understand the significance of being an
empowered advocate. The presentation
will promote the advancement of people
with disabilities and help with the
transition into a life filled with passion,
fun, and empowerment. Presentation
will include personal stories and
testimony from the presenters.
Health Care Transition – Cory Nourie
The Health and Insurance committee has
been meeting monthly to identify the
issues present with transition from
pediatrics into adult health care, as well
as issues with insurance transitions. The
committee representatives are from every
state agency serving people with
disabilities, as well as schools, private
organizations, health care organizations
and community members. This
presentation will focus on the
recommendations the committee will
make to the Task Force regarding
primary care, dental care, specialty care,
women’s health, mental health and
substance abuse, ancillary health
services, increasing health self-
management skills for young adults and
health insurance.
10:30-11:45am 12:30-1:45pm
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Delaware Community of Practice
Transition/Self-Determination Conference
4/15/2013 – Schedule at a Glance
1/25/2013
“Shared Work, Shared Vision”
Delaware Community of Practice
Transition/Self-Determination Conference
April 15-16, 2013 – Sheraton Dover, DE - 8:00am-3:15pm
Registration Link: www.dati.org/events or
http://www.udel.edu/forms/DATI/transition
Day Two – Tuesday, April 16
Keynote Speaker – Sheila Radziewicz, Self Advocate &
Motivational Speaker
“Living in an able-bodied world with a disability”
Close your eyes and imagine that you live in the world where no one looks like you. This has always been my
reality. At a young age I learned the biggest challenge that I had in my life was dealing with strangers' and
society's assumptions about who and what I would grow up to be. Today I’d like to give you a glimpse into my life
and how I learned to deal with ignorance in society and its treatment towards me, a person with a disability.
1/25/2013
Delaware Community of Practice
Transition/Self-Determination Conference
4/16/2013 – Schedule at a Glance
10:30-11:45am 12:30-1:45pm 2:00-3:15pm
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Project SEARCH
Project SEARCH has come to Delaware
and The Division of Vocational
Rehabilitation has begun a Project
SEARCH site in Delaware at Christiana
Care Medical Center in Newark. The
Project SEARCH High School Transition
Program is a unique, business led, one
year school-to-work program that takes
place entirely at the workplace. Total
workplace immersion facilitates a seamless
combination of classroom instruction,
career exploration, and on-the-job training
and support through internships or
worksite rotations. The goal for each
student participant is competitive
employment. The program provides real-
life work experience combined with
training in employability and independent
living skills to help youths with significant
disabilities make successful transitions
from school to productive adult life.
Transition To Higher Education – Dr.
Heather Statler
This workshop will explore the various
technologies and supports available to students
at Delaware Tech. Attendees will be provided
an overview of the application, admission, and
registration process. Strategies will be
discussed to maximize success during the
transition from high school to post-secondary
education. Topics will focus on development of
an Accommodations Plan, partnerships with
community agencies, and establishing systems
of support.
For those moving on to college you don’t want to
miss this session.
Closing – LeDerick Horne
Self-Advocacy: What Is It And How Does It Work? This workshop will introduce high school students
to the principles of self-advocacy, explain how self-
advocacy works in a variety of environments, and
prepares students to begin advocating for themselves in postsecondary educational setting.
Students will also understand how self-advocacy
skills are linked to identifying and achieving their life goals.
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10:30-11:45am 12:30-1:45pm
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Update from the State Transition
Taskforce and Employment First -
Taskforce Workgroup Facilitators
During last year’s General Assembly the
Senate passed a resolution to establish a
State Transition Taskforce to identify gaps
of services in the transition process.
During this session participants be
provided updates of the Taskforce’s work
and recommendations the 4 committees
(education, employment,
transportation/housing, and health care
needs) will be sending to the Governor’s
Office. Discussions will also focus on how
the Taskforce’s work is in line with
Delaware’s Employment First Initiative.
Youth Engagement Continuum: Shifting
from Intervention to Empowerment -- Dr.
Joan Kester,
The George Washington University
TACE Center
Youth engagement in secondary transition is
critical to facilitating positive post-school
outcomes. Traditionally, transition is focused on
interventions and service provision. However,
we know that if youth with disabilities grow
through youth development and leadership
efforts, there is a greater chance of self-
determination as they launch into their future
goals. During this interactive session, explore
the youth engagement continuum to learn how
to shift transition practices to embrace
empowerment strategies.
10:30-11:45am 12:30-1:45pm
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Identification and Prevention of
Youth Gang Involvement (ADULTS
ONLY SESSION) – Detective Bell, New
Castle County Police
This session will focus on providing up to
date information regarding gangs in
Delaware and how these groups impact our
emerging youth and our communities. The
presenter will discuss information about
gang identification, symbols, means of
communication and how gangs promote
group solidarity. The participants will gain
valuable information about prevention of
youth gang involvement which often
results in gang violence and other crimes.
Crime Does Not Pay the Bills - DE State
Police
What happens to my juvenile records when I
become an adult? What charges show up on my
criminal record? Do I need an attorney to assist
me in getting my record expunged? Come listen
to what the DE State Police can offer in regard
to navigating through the system!
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This session is an “adults only”
presentation for professionals,
parents and/or caregivers and
advocates.
10:30-11:45am 12:30-1:45pm
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Practice Without Pressure - Making
Oral Health in the Home and in the
Dental Suite More Successful
– Jane Miller, PWP Director of Marketing
& Outreach Jessica Hickman, PWP
Outreach Assistant
Practice Without Pressure is the Delaware
non-profit that makes dental, medical and
personal care routine for people with
disabilities. PWP specializes in helping
people of all ages
transition from fear and avoidance of care
to complete that care with confidence at its
Center in Newark. PWP's new training
program, Oral
Health in the Home, takes the battle out of
brushing and flossing in between dental
appointments. In this presentation, Jane
Miller and
Jessica Hickman will share PWP's
philosophy and approach to care --
and the beneficial results that occur when
treatment and preventative care work
hand-in-hand.
Assistive Technology: Considering Tools
for School and Beyond --
Dan Fendler, Beth Mineo & Marvin Williams,
Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative,
Center for Disabilities Studies, University of
Delaware
Assistive technology can help people be
successful in school, in work, and in life!
Students with disabilities have certain rights
regarding access to assistive technology while
they are in school, so it is important to
understand those rights and use the school
years to explore which technology options best
meet needs related to learning, organizing,
remembering, and doing their best work. This
session will talk about technology in general
terms, but will really focus on the process of
figuring out what best meets each student’s
needs and how to make sure that students will
have access to it during the school years and
beyond.
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10:30-11:45am 12:30-1:45pm
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It’s Not “I THINK I Can,” It’s “I KNOW
I CAN!” The Process and Power of
Self-Determination.
Delaware Kids Inspiring Kids graduates
Class of 2012 & 2013 and parents; Clement
Coulston, Kathie Herel and Ellen
Coulston.
This session is presented by students who
participated in the self-determination
training by the Brandywine Special Needs
PTA. Through practice and opportunities
to develop problem-solving, decision-
making and leadership skills, students will
share how they developed an awareness of
their strengths, learning styles and
communication skills to use in setting
goals and planning their future. Students
will also show how vital technology is to
their learning. Parents will share their
training and understanding that you
cannot have a self-determined child
without being a self-determined parent!
With the support of the Delaware
Department of Education, this workshop
was presented at the 2012 National
Transition Conference in Washington, DC
May 2012.
We’ve Got it! You WANT it Too! Ignite Self-
Determination Within You!
Chris Coulston, 10th grade, Concord HS
Bradley Lovett, Student, Delaware State
University
Clement Coulston, Student, University of
Delaware
Kathie Herel, Transition Education Consultant,
Advocate
This is an action packed, interactive session that
will be of particular interest to STUDENTS.
Chris will share self-advocacy experiences in
high school which is great practice for further
education and employment, plus the impact this
has on his teachers. He will also reveal how he
works with his teachers to co-lead his IEP
meeting.
Clem and Brad will openly share what life is
really like when you enter the real world on
your own. When your brain doesn’t always work
the way you want, how do you handle stress?
What can you do to pass college classes and still
have fun? What about girlfriends? The
questions everyone wants to know the answers
to will be answered! Audience members will be
challenged to think differently about planning
now for a successful life after high school!
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10:30-11:45am 12:30-1:45pm
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Employment in Today’s Society - Chaz
Kellem and Chris Mielo, Self-Advocates
Employment is the goal of successful
transition. Discussion will include the
current state of employment for those with
disabilities, as well as strategies for youth,
parents, and professionals to build the
skills necessary to successfully transition
into the workforce. Topics discussed will be
moving from an IDEA to an ADA world,
building self-advocacy skills, volunteerism,
and social media in employment.
Nothing about Us, Without Us: Meaningful
Youth Leadership and Involvement –
LeDerick Horne
This workshop examines the ways educators
and service providers throughout the United
States are meaningfully working with youth and
young-adults to improve the quality of their
programs. Best practice examples on the local,
state and national level will be presented and
participants will be shown a various ways to
collaborate with youth and young-adults.
10:30-11:45am 12:30-1:45pm
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TRANSITION ASSESSMENT: A
RIGOROUS YET CREATIVE
ENTERPRISE –
Dr. George Tilson, TransCen, Inc.
Federal and Delaware laws stipulate that
all transition-age youth will have
transition plans within their IEPs that are
driven by appropriate assessments. All
components of the plan must link back to
data from the transition assessments. As
the student matures and gains life
experiences, her/his goals will likely
change. Therefore transition assessments
must be kept up to date, to reflect these
changes. In this session, participants will
discuss a variety of strategies and tools
that emanate from a sturdy transition
assessment framework. Emphasis will be
on how to tap into the power of good data.
Know your Rights – Sheila Radziewicz
Understanding your rights is vital for people
with disabilities and their families. For
centuries they have dealt with ignorance and
discrimination in all parts of their lives. Today
there are laws that protect the rights of people
with disabilities however discrimination still
happens every day. Do you know what your
rights are in regards to education, work, and
daily living? Do you know what laws exist that
can help you? Educating ourselves and your
child(ren) now will make a difference in
their futures.