Rising Above, Reaching Beyond

1
Rising Above, Reaching Beyond

• Jay Brown
• Veronica Zumpone
• Anne Toolan

2
Rethinking transition planning

• Starting much earlier
• Moving from theoretical to the actual
• Involving the youth in every step
• Increase the extra-curricular
• Setting the bar high enough

3
When to begin transition

• Reauthorization of IDEA states IEP transition
  plan needs to be in place by 16
• Non-disabled youth typically explore different
  fields of interest at a much younger age,
  typically junior high
• Why wait until youth is 18? Brining in DVR at 16
  to build relationships

4
Working it

• Getting a job at 15 or 16
• By-pass the work study for real work and real
  money
• Incorporate job coaches provided by the school to
  expand skills at paying job
• Use real pay check to teach money management and
  even skills for independent living

5
Listening to our Youth

• We adults dont always know best
• Have a little faith- Michaels interview story
• Be willing to stretch your imagination
• Help them refocus on a lost goal
• Encourage them to do more

6
Increasing the extra curricular

• Trying new things
• Expand beyond the comfort zone (ex church groups
  or disability related activities)
• Think amnesty international/ theater/Anime club

7
Low expectations or No expectations

• Hold your youth to reasonable standards and be
  firm/ make them follow through
• Dont just place them into whatever job, group,
  activity that is where every disabled youth goes
• Use positive peer support- Youth Corps Project
• Let them be stressed!