Washington State Transition Conference 2017 

We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for the next Annual WA State Transition Conference! The 2017 Transition Conference will be held in Kennewick, WA. This one-day event will include keynote speakers, a variety of breakout sessions, and expo tables throughout the day. Your registration fee will also include breakfast, lunch, and conference materials.  All attendees are responsible for booking and paying for their own travel and lodging costs.  

Other fun details: 

Passport and Networking Activity Back by popular demand!  Stop by and get a stamp from at least 10 of our 25 exhibitors and enter to win prizes during lunch! 

Networking Reception Monday, March 27th from 5pm -6:30pm at the Marriott Springhill Suites for conference attendees.  Join us for free appetizers and network with other conference attendees the evening before the conference!

COST: $130.00

Register Now! 

 

Breakout Sessions

In addition to morning keynotes, we will offer a variety of breakout sessions in the afternoon.  

Block 1 SESSION DESCRIPTIONS: 1:00pm-2:00pm

Charting the LifeCourse:  Successful Transitions Across the Lifespan

Presented by Crystal Bell - University of Missouri-Kansas City, Institute for Human Development

Transition is constantly occurring throughout our lifespan.  For the family and self-advocate, experiencing a disability, transition can present its own unique set of challenges and requires developing and implementing many integrated supports throughout the lifespan. This presentation will introduce the LifeCourse Framework and include real life examples of how building relationships, using technology, accessing community and eligibility-based resources and developing personal strengths and assets can lead to successful, supported transition and living a fair, just, and balanced life.

Youth Income and Social Security Benefits Planning

Presented by Patrica Emsley and Alicia Chaplo – Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

In this presentation, attendees will become familiarized with the different types of Social Security benefits youth may receive and the basics of the interaction of planned earned income on these common benefits.  We will also introduce attendees to basic navigation, management, and tracking techniques as they relate to youth benefits and work, as well as provide more information on how benefits planning services can be accessed to address future planning needs. 

Transitional Services for Yakama Nation   

Presented by Mattie Tomeo-Palmanteer, BSW -  Yakama Nation Vocational Rehabilitation

This presentation will focus on the services provided to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) students with disabilities. There will be a Power Point Presentation that includes an overview of the Stepping Forward Transitions Program.  This program serves enrolled AI/AN students with disabilitieswho reside on or near the Yakama Nation Reservation.  Participants will leave this session with a better understanding of the process of reviewing individual strengths, resources, capabilities, and informed choice to prepare students for gaining employment and post-secondary career-related education.

Person Centered Planning and Transition: Creating Plans for A Positive Future

Presented by Debra McLean, MSRC – Wise  

Participants will gain an understanding of person centered planning, values, process and principles. Person Centered Planning has great use as a tool in facilitating effective transitions for school leavers. Facilitated plans can result in more empowered students, the creation of more individualized work experiences and academic goals in the last years of transition leading to improved employment outcomes.

Block 2 Sessions:

Using Data to Improve Practices for Providing Transition Services – Presented by Cinda Johnson, Ed. D. – Center for Change in Transition Services at Seattle University

This session provides examples of using data to drive program improvement for transition services. Learn how pilot sites used data from Quality Indicators in Secondary Transition (QuIST), post-school surveys, and school-level self-assessments to guide practice and develop action plans. Presenters will share how Transition Learning Communities (TLCs) are collaborating with DVR staff to provide thoughtful transition services with the goal of improving post-school outcomes for young people with disabilities.

The how, why, when, where, what and who of a Student Led IEP – Rosslyn “Roz” Bethmann PAVE, Partnership for Action Voices for Empowerment, Parent Training and Information Center

Join Rosslyn and explore the topic of Student Led IEP’s.  Why is it important, who leads the meeting, how to implement student led IEP’s, explore the development of an agenda and what is included in a transition plan.

A short overview of “Thinking outside of the box” IEP meetings that encourage student involvement, true student buy in and entire team involvement.  Learn how to develop an IEP that promotes equal membership in the community, develops leadership skills and empowers the student to shoot for the stars!

DVR: What you need to know about the process – presented by Deborah Roberts, M.A., CRC , Division of Vocational Rehabilitation 

The Vocational Rehabilitation process is one that encompasses informed choice for the purposes of developing and implementing a customer-driven plan for employment. The purpose of the Washington State DSHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is transforming lives by empowering people with disabilities to achieve a greater quality of life by obtaining, maintaining and/or advancing in employment. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) believes employment contributes to a person’s ability to live independently and everyone has a right to work. Session participants will receive a high level overview of the vocational rehabilitation process in order to understand important steps in the process where collaboration is key in assisting individuals with maximizing their rehabilitation program in order to achieve a successful employment outcome.

Healthy Relationships – Theresa Fears, MSW. - Partnership 4 Safety Program, The Arc of Spokane

Youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience all forms of abuse at a higher rate than do their typically developing peers. This session identifies some of the vulnerabilities and offers a free classroom curriculum that addresses them. The curriculum was developed specifically for transition students and has been taught in transition classrooms in Spokane for 10 years. Participants will receive a sample student workbook. 

Please note that a $25 administrative fee will be charged for any cancellations prior to March 15th. After this date, the event fee will be non-refundable

Keynote Information

WIOA:  Realizing the Vision of Employment Success for Youth

This year we are excited to have David Hoff of the Institute for Community Inclusion at University of Massachusetts in Boston joining us to share about the new opportunities under WIOA for young people transitioning from school to adult life, the enhanced role of DVR in the transition process, expanded opportunities via the general workforce system, and the critical role of educators in realizing a core principle of WIOA: that "individuals with disabilities, including those with the most significant disabilities, are capable of achieving high quality, competietive integrated employment when provided the necessary skills and supports."

This event is sponsored by: