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5th Annual IL Statewide Transition Conference Registration Information:
Program Information
| November 8 | November 9 | November 10 |
NEW UPDATE: Presentations and Handouts are now available on the Program Information section of the web site in PDF!
If accessible formats are needed, please contact the conference planners.
Tuesday, November 10th, concluded the 5th annual transition conference. Tuesday offered a variety of Plenary sessions to begin the day's conference as well as both morning and afternoon sessions geared toward Education, Community, Employment and Health.
Over 50 exhibitors were available in the Exhibit Hall on Tuesday to share services, resources and information with conference attendees.
Janice Fialka, LMSW, ACSW, was the featured luncheon presenter on Tuesday, November 10th and delivered her keynote speech titled "The Dance of Partnership: Why do my feet hurt? Strengthening the Parent-Professional Partnership". Using humor and stories, Ms. Fialka explored the unique dimensions that complicate this working relationship from both perspectives: parent and professional. She addressed such questions as: Can there truly be a partnership? What does each partner bring to this alliance: similarities and differences? How can partners be more effective in their work together?
Tuesday's conference concluded with afternoon break-out sessions covering a wide variety of transition related topics for students, parents and professionals working with youth and young adults with disabilities and/or special health care needs.
Tuesday Sessions:
8:30 - 9:45 AM Sessions | 10:15 - 11:30 AM Sessions | 1:45 - 3:00 PM Sessions
Tuesday, November 10th
8:30 - 9:45 AM Sessions
Plenary 2A: Education Track
Staying in School Is Half the Battle…Winning
the Other Half
Speaker: Matthew
Klare, Ph.D.
Keeping youth with disabilities in school and graduating
them with a diploma is a valuable goal; however, ensuring that high school
adequately equips students with the skills they will need later in life
is critical. Evidence-based dropout prevention strategies and good transition
practices are complementary. The interventions that help keep students
in school through improving their academic performance, behavior, social
skills and ability to solve problems also tend to facilitate a smooth
transition to post-secondary life, whether that involves post-secondary
education/training or the world of work. Thoughtful transition planning
aims to prepare the whole student for life after school. The development
of a student’s transition plan involves, among other things, identifying
his or her interests, goals and desires. Delivering a program of study
and interventions that directly addresses these interests, goals and desires
not only prepares the student for post-school life, but promotes school
engagement, which is a significant factor in schools’ holding power—the
glue that keeps youth coming to school.
Plenary 2B: Employment Track
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Awards and Impact
on Employment of People with Disabilities
Speaker: Jeff Standerfer
The state of Illinois Vocational Rehabilitation Program received over
20 million dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
over two years to develop initiatives that will stimulate the economy
and produce more successful outcomes for persons with disabilities in
Illinois. This session will provide information on how the DRS plans
to spend the ARRA funds.
Plenary 2C: Community Track
Visions: Effective Transition Planning for Parents - A Workshop
with Schools, Parents, and Community to Promote the Transition Process.
Speakers: Mary Beth DeFauw, Julie Becker, Joan Martin
This session will enlighten the conference audience with a successful workshop that has been a collaborative effort of NSSED (North Suburban Special Education), member district schools and parents. The workshop entitled "VISIONS: Effective Transition Planning for Parents" uses the transition process as the format for delivery of information. Multi-media, skits, panel discussions, parent and student testimonials and video are methods used to convey pertinent transition information within the VISIONS audience. The objective is to share the work of the team, including organizational and financial supports. The method of presentation will be interactive, including audience participation. The audience will take away the objectives and organizational tools needed to replicate a VISIONS workshop at their local level.
Plenary 2D: Health Track
Taking the “F” (fear) out of Health Care Transition
for CYSHCN
Speakers: Ceci
Shapland, Mallory
Cyr
This session will discuss how providers, families and youth can take action for healthcare transition. Accelerated learning and training strategies will be highlighted along with practical tools to move the transition process forward. Participants will leave with two or three action steps they can do that day, in the week ahead and in the next month.
Tuesday, November 10th
10:15 - 11:30 AM Sessions
E1: Health Track
Implementing a Successful Program for Youth in Transition
Speakers: Shannon Garrison, Christopher Taylor, Youth Consumer
This session will describe the implementation of a transition program for youth with severe emotional disturbances, its successes and its challenges/barriers. Participants will learn how the Young Adult Services (YAS) Program at : Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4) implemented the Transition to Independence Process (TIP) model, the challenges of working with this population as well as the areas of strengths. We will also discuss the challenges of implementing an evidence-supported model in a fee-for service environment.
E2: Community Track
High School Extended Track Services for Students Ages 18-22
Speakers: Robyn Lewis, Carol Francis-Jorns, Nicole Conn
Participants in this session will learn creative ways to service transition students in a school setting. Students in the Belleville TWP High School District 201 extended track learn independent living and work skills both on-campus and in off-campus programs. Students participate in activities in a home setting, through the vocational program, comprehensive community integration program, and at the local community college.
E3: Community Track
SSI, SSDI, IDPA, DHS, HBWD, DAC-Navigating the Alphabet Soup of Government
Benefits: How to Obtain and Maintain - What’s New, What’s
True.
Speaker: Sherri Schneider
This is an information interactive session focusing upon Government benefit eligibility-the who, what, where and how of SSI, SSDI, Medicare and Medicaid. The need for benefits (especially Medicaid) is now more relevant than ever because more programs are being funded under the Medicaid Waiver system. Critical information will be discussed as to how benefits change over a lifetime and as to how to sustain your current benefits, now and in the future.
E4: Community Track
Causes and Costs of Dropout
Speaker: Matthew
Klare, Ph.D.
The session takes a look at who drops out and why. It examines some
of the risk factors associated with dropout and presents information about
the costs of dropping out to individuals and society. Finally, it provides
some recommendations and strategies that have been effective at the schools
and district levels for addressing school completion issues.
E5: Health Track
Why is it so Hard to Move On? The Impact of Mental Health Issues
on Transitioning Youth
Speakers: Allison Elias, Cynthia Thompson-Berry
This session will look at some common mental health concerns for late adolescents and discuss how they may impact a successful transition. Typical pitfalls service providers tend to fall into will be reviewed and solutions for more effective strategies will be provided. Participants will learn: how certain mental health concerns effect functioning, common problems youth with mental health issues experience around transition, effective strategies for helping youth with mental health issues have a successful transition.
E6: Community Track
How to Make TPC Stand For: Together Producing Creatively
Speakers: Jim Mayer and Champaign County TPC Panelists
Jim Mayer will moderate as panelists from the Champaign County TPC share their stories of involvement in a variety of collaborative projects such as Countywide Transition Conference for Students, Countywide Disability Resource Expo, College Access Committee, Job Developers Network, Transition Services Directory and annual goals for 2009-2010 school year. Panelists may include students, parents, and service providers and will allow time to answer ‘how to’ questions from the audience.
E7: Employment Track
Transitional Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS)
Speakers: Jill Whitmore, Renee Jumper, Lynda Drake
What transitional programs are available for deaf and hard of hearing students to learn about employment and independent living skills after completing high school? This session will give professionals an understanding of the Transitional Opportunity Program for Students at the Illinois School for the Deaf. Participants will be able to identify the components of the program, describe how the program teaches employment and life skills, and understand how the program utilizes the community. This session will describe the various components of the TOPS program in an effort to assist other schools who may be considering establishing their own transition programs.
E8: Employment Track
Vocational Skills Education and Services: Enriching the College Experience
Speakers: Sally Field Mullen
This session will describe how the College of DuPage enriches the college experience for students with developmental disabilities through the integration of various programs including the award winning Vocational Skills Program, Special Student Services, the Counseling Center, and the Student Assistant Center.
E9: Employment Track
Follow the Yellow Brick Road: Adding a New Twist to an Established
Program
Speakers: Beth
Coit, Mark Stover, Robyn Wells
After representatives of DRS presented the STEP coordinators with the need for a higher percentage of positive outcomes (competitive integrated employment) for our graduates, our district went to work to develop new and innovative ways to reach more positive employment. Using the Wizard of Oz format, our STEP program staff will show how our district, Macon-Piatt Special Education, has created a comprehensive vocational program to successfully meet the needs of the spectrum of our students with special needs.
E10: Education Track
Tapping into CTE (Career and Tech Ed) Activities for Transition
Assessment Information
Speakers: Sandy Martin, Steve Wolfe
Special education teachers, case managers and counselors will gain vital knowledge about how to tap into existing banks of information to identify compelling student career goals. Participants will gain an overview of the basic CTE career exploration process; explore existing activities, services and resources offered through CTE that can be used as valid transition assessments; and experience ways to convert the information to transition planning language.
E11: Education Track
Developing Effective Transition Plans for English Language Learners
(ELL) Students: Practical Considerations
Speaker: Teresa
Garate
National data indicates that students who are considered English Language
Learners in school are at a greater disadvantage for completing programs
of higher education. In fact there is a national movement specifically
targeted at promoting success among this group of individuals using the
AVID approach. One area that requires additional consideration is students
who are ELL and also have disabilities. Similar to the ELL students' challenges
with post-secondary education, so are the challenges of those with high
incidence or invisible disabilities (e.g. LD). When students experience
both challenges, schools need to be extremely deliberate about planning
and taking into consideration the cultural and linguistic influences on
the potential success of these students as adults. This session will provide
national data on these students, high level relationships between ethnicity,
culture, language needs, disability and post-school outcomes. I will also
provide opportunities for developing authentic solutions and plans.
Tuesday, November 10th
1:45 - 3:00 PM Sessions
F1: Community Track
ICC Panel Discussion on Interagency Collaboration to Improve Transition
Services and Understanding each Agency’s Services
Speakers: Andi Berryman, Marva
Campbell-Pruitt, Darcy
Contri, Adjoa
Denise Blalock, Ocheng Jany, Lisa Jones, Dr.
Sheila Romano, Lola Lucas, Terry
Braidwood, Pat Curtis, Sandy Mott, & Sue
Walter
The Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) composed of the directors
or their designees of the Illinois’ Board of Higher Education, Community
College Board, Council on Developmental Disabilities, Department of Children
and Family Services, Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity,
Department of Correction, Department of Employment Security, Department
of Human Services: Division of Developmental Disabilities, Division of
Rehabilitation Services and Division of Mental Health Services, Healthcare
and Family Services, State Board of Education and the University of Illinois
at Chicago Division of Specialized Care for Children was established in
1990 to facilitate collaboration among state agencies and improve outcomes
for youth with disabilities. Agencies’ transition services will
be discussed and time for Q&A provided.
F2: Community Track
Realistic Post High School Transition Planning: It takes Teamwork!
Speakers: Terese Sullivan, Lynda Gunther, Terry Wrzesinki
What does it mean to have a structured post-high school transition planning
program? How does a high school transition program utilize a team approach?
This session will offer information that can be used by attendees
to help develop a full-service high school transition program creating
appropriate and effective education/training, employment, and adult living
transition goals. Participants will receive information on how to utilize
a full team approach to achieve the transition goals as well as specific
ideas for collaboration among the school, parents, students, and community.
F3: Community Track
Full Life Future Planning in the High School
Speakers: Kimberly Mercer, Jacqueline Heavey
This interactive workshop details a program designed by CIF for high schools. The session details Full Life Future Planning, a process for use in the classroom. Presenters will detail implementation, students use of the process to identify transition goals and direct IEP meetings. The workshop overviews how the Community Dream Team expands student dreams and increases opportunities for learning in the community. The attendees will leave with new ideas and be inspired to support student goals.
F4: Community Track
Making Sense of the PUNS "Waiting List" and Available Services
Speakers: Charlotte Cronin & Karen Sweeney
Will provide an update on the PUNS "Waiting List" and how it is used.
Participants will understand how many children and adults are waiting
for services and the implications for new enrollment. Participants will
also have a general understanding of available waiver funded services
including the Adult and Children’s Home-Based Support Services programs
and Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA).
F5: Community Track
Microboards and Cooperatives: Directing your own Services for a Quality
Life in the Community
Speakers: Vicki Niswander, Teri Steinberg
Are you, or do you know a family who wants both quality and flexibility in adult services? Microboards and Human Services Cooperatives are new and exciting alternatives that empower individuals with disabilities to live rich lives as valued members of their communities. Come and find out how they work, the process for getting started, and how these new models are changing the face of adult services in Illinois.
F6: Community Track
Transition Cases under IDEA 2004: A Summary of Due Process and Court
Decisions Throughout the Country
Speaker: Darcy Kriha
This session will focus in depth on a discussion of transition cases in Illinois and throughout the country. By highlighting ‘lessons learned’ from due process hearing and court decisions, attendees will learn the types of services and accommodations they can ask for at transition IEP meetings and how hearing officers and courts are deciding various transition issues.
F7: Education Track
Lewis and Clark Community College Programs for Students with Intellectual
Disabilities: From Transition to Success
Speakers: Kathy Haberer, Martie Buck
Lewis and Clark Community College has provided beyond compliance programs for students with disabilities for 18 years. This session describes the supports and programs provided. Outcomes for students who have exited the program will be discussed.
F8: Education Track
How to Include Social/Emotional Goals in a Transition Plan
Speakers: Galen Thomas and Phil Milsk
Participants will learn how to write a good transition plan that includes
social/emotional goals. For students who need this as part of their plan,
this will be a practical guide to how to write the goals needed to make
the student with these issues successful in their transition.
F9: Employment Track
On-Site Vocational Evaluation for Transition Planning
Speakers: Jim Boyd and Elizabeth Watson
Techniques and tools for on-site assessments will be presented as well
as the purpose and benefit of on-site assessments. The presenters will
use case studies for group participation.
F10: Education Track
Case Studies of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Striving
for a Successful Transition Outcomes at Orchard Academy
Speakers: Tim Bobrowski, Cindy Ciluffo
This session will outline the key aspects of an effective person-centered program for students with ASD and the types of supports required for successful transition outcomes. Case studies will be presented on students who have participated in Orchard Academy and the specific replicable interventions that have been utilized to optimize their independence. Students highlighted will participate in the session in person or through video footage. Future steps for students beyond graduation will be outlined.
F11: Education Track
LTC Long Term Coordination Meetings and the Positive Implications
for Meaningful Transition Plans.
Speakers: Cassie Diaz-Bello, Pamela Evans
The SEDOL Transition Services Department serves 36 member districts and comprises three main departments that provide a full spectrum of services to all students from 14 to 22 in the area of life skills and vocational skills. This session will provide a description of our LTC meetings and the positive impact on meaningful transition plans. It is beyond compliance and embracing BEST PRACTICE. This session will also demonstrate how these meetings have facilitated self-determination skills for all individuals with disabilities. There will be time at the end to problem solve.
5th Annual Statewide Transition Conference
November 8 - 10, 2009
Schaumburg Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center
1551 North Thoreau Drive
Schaumburg, Illinois 60173
For more information
contact Debbie Einhorn
at 866-436-7842 ext.116,
or via email at: deinhorn@fmptic.org
The Adobe Reader, available free from the Adobe web site, is needed to view and print the PDF files.
