Washington State 2018 Transition Forum 

This year’s invite-only Statewide Transition Forum will give invitees the opportunity to focus in-depth during the day with facilitated group conversation, idea development, and a call to action for us to move forward throughout the next year focusing on the outlined transition needs. Registration includes a light breakfast, lunch, and handouts.

Keynote Information: 

Making Transition a Reality Through Effective Policy and Practice 

This year we are excited to have David Hoff of the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts in Boston joining us to share his thoughts about effectively connecting public policy and practice resulting in enhanced employment outcomes for youth with disabilities. His opening keynote presentation will look at implementation of the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) and other public policies and how to translate the vision of these policies into enhanced transition services, new partnerships, and improved employment outcomes. He will also discuss the role of educators in ensuring that young people have quality work experiences while in school and are well-prepared for employment as adults. As part of his opening keynote session, David will share ideas on how participants can make best use of the day in working with other attendees to develop new ideas, strategies, and partnerships that will positively impact the employment prospects for youth with disabilities. At the end of the day, David will provide some closing remarks to inspire attendees to act on the new information and partnerships they have built.

David Hoff has an extensive background in working with public systems and community agencies to enhance employment outcomes for people with disabilities.  He has worked across the United States and internationally, providing technical assistance and training on effective practices in human services and workforce development. David regularly presents on a range of employment-related topics to policymakers, practitioners, people with disabilities, and family members, at various forums. In addition to his 18 years at ICI, his background includes working in administrator and direct service roles, as well as 10 years in the private sector in management positions.

You will choose one of the following questions to focus on for the day:

1) How do we better collaborate to enhance positive Transition outcomes? 

2) What is going well with Transition in your area? 

3) How do we start the Transition process early? What do students need to be prepared earlier?

4) How do we assist youth in gaining life experiences? How can we maximize services/resources, including non-paid resources, to assist youth in building a meaningful life?