Upcoming Parent Transition Sessions for students with disAbilities and their families
October 18, 2011—Planning for life after high school for students with special needs can be a daunting task. To help address some of your questions/concerns, parents are invited to come hear professionals discuss topics pertinent to transition planning. Transition sessions are being collaboratively offered by transition consultants from several school districts throughout the area.
Upcoming events include:
• Oct 18th @ 6:30 p.m.: College Night at Niskayuna HS for High School students with IEPs or 504 plans and their parents. College representatives from Disability Resource Centers and Admissions offices will provide a presentation about the transition to college for students needing accommodations and services at college. A College Fair will follow the formal presentation. Location: Niskayuna High School.
• Nov 16th @ 6:30 p.m.: Guardianship, Power of Attorney, Special Needs Trusts. Are you concerned about your child’s ability to care for her/himself, and to make medical and financial decisions on their own behalf once they turn 18? Do you know the difference between guardianship and a power of attorney and what you can/can’t do with both? Join us to learn about the legal tools available to you and your child so you can be as prepared and protected as possible once he/she reaches the age of majority. This would be most appropriate for parents with children who are in their teen years. All area schools welcome to attend. Location: Schalmont High School Library.
• Nov 17th @ 6:30 p.m.: Transition Agency Fair. High School parents and students will have an opportunity to shop around and see what services are available in the Capital District. All area schools are welcome. The following agencies have attended in past years: Mildred Elley, Austin Beauty School, CDTA, Center for Disability Services, Employment Options, RSS, Clearview Center, NE Career Planning, NE Associates, Wildwood, Living Resources, STRIDE, Special Olympics, New Visions, TBI, Center for Independence, Culinary Training Institute, ASPIRE, AHEADD, and the Epilepsy Foundation. Location: Shaker High School (follow signs inside main entrance).
• Dec 1st @ 6:30 p.m.: Social Security benefits for children with disabilities. What you should know about applying for benefits for your child with a disability? A representative from Social Security will demystify this system and answer your questions about benefits. All area schools welcome to attend. Most appropriate for parents of elementary through high school students. Location: Burnt Hills High School.
• Dec 7th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Transition Planning: What Parents Need to Know. Location: Clifton Park- Halfmoon Public Library (475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park, NY 12065) Parents are an integral part of the multi-year process of planning for the transition of their child with a disability from school to post-school activities. Transition regulations begin the year a child turns 12 years of age and then transition becomes a part of the IEP development process for students age 15 and older. This workshop will provide parents with information about transition regulations and effective practices that will increase their understanding of the transition time line, vocational evaluations, transition components of the IEP, developing post secondary goals and working collaboratively with teachers and the CSE committee. Presented by: Letah Graff, Transition Specialist; Regional Special Education Technical Assistance Support Center (RSE TASC) Register Now! For questions on this workshop, please contact: Mary Fornabia, Parent Network of the Capital Region, mfornabia@pncrny.org, 518-640-3390.
• Feb 2010: Social Security benefits for children with disabilities. What you should know about applying for benefits for your child with a disability? A representative from Social Security will demystify this system and answer your questions about benefits. All area schools welcome to attend. Most appropriate for parents of elementary through high school students. Time TBD. Location: Columbia High School.
• Date and time TBD: NYS ACCES-VR Orientation. Who are they and what vocational and educational services can they offer to students as they prepare for life after high school? Come hear about services and how to apply. Most appropriate for High School juniors and seniors & their parents. All area schools are welcome to attend. Location: TBD.
• April 2010 @ 6-8 p.m.: Trade Fair. Come shop around and talk to representatives from local vocational and trade schools and get informed about what schools have to offer you. From cosmetology to construction, dog grooming to welding…you will see them all. All area high schools are welcome to attend. Most appropriate for HS students and parents. Date and location TBD.
Registration for these events is encouraged but not required. Click here to send an e-mail RSVP. Please register at least one week before each session. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please send in your RSVP at least three weeks in advance so that we can best meet your needs. Download a printable copy of the Parent Transition Sessions flyer (PDF)
For more information, please contact Administrator for Special Services Stephen E. Hadden at 518-456-6010, ext. 3070.
Also visit the following websites for Parent and Family training in the Capital District:
• www.wildwood.edu: Hosting a conference on supporting healthy sexuality for people with developmental disabilities on November 4.
• www.cfdsny.org: Center for Disability Services has a page with upcoming events.
• www.arcschenectady.org: Hhosting parent workshops throughout the year.
• www.albanyautism.org: Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region has a newsletter with upcoming workshops & training.