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“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.

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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.