Hear students share in their own words about their summer work experience with Heart of Oregon, which sponsors a summer outdoor camp work experience, Camp LEAD, for youth with a documented disability to build skills and prepare for work. Participants learn about forest fire fuel reduction and maintenance as well as building new friendships and their own strengths and abilities. Website: https://heartoforegon.org/  Also, welcome our new co-host, Sarah Statham, Transition Network Facilitator from Portland, Oregon.

The Transition Network Team attended the Breaking Barriers conference in Central Oregon. This unique conference, sponsored by The Central Oregon Disability Services Network, is for self advocates to share on their lives, successes and how to overcome barriers, Listen in as our own Josh Barbour was the Emcee and we captured some great highlights. CODSN Breaking Barriers web page

Hear students and teachers talk about exciting programs, such as Future Build in Eugene and a culinary student business in Pendleton. Learn about important skills students are gaining and how teachers are adapting and accommodating to include student on IEPs in their programs.

The Transition Technical Assistance Network and partners, gathered "secretly" to share and record memories of our "Fearless Leader" and educator, Sally Simich, for a special episode of OTP. She will be missed as she retires end of February, 2024. Sally has been a tireless advocate of students and a leader in Oregon's special education transition services journey. All the best in your future Sally!

This last episode of season 5 focuses on stories by teachers around successes that they have seen with students. At the end there is a special announcement about a hiatus for OTP as we re-focus our teams and work for 2024-25. Thanks to all our listeners!

Top youth and school motivational speaker, keynote for the Oregon Statewide Transition Conference, Brad Butler II, takes some time to share about his past, work with students and his books, speaking, and mission. He shares his principles for success and encouragement on supporting students looking for their future path.  His message of hope will inspire you. Check out his website: https://www.bradbutler2.com/

Listen to the first-ever live recording of the Oregon Transition Podcast. Recorded in Eugene, Oregon, March 2023. The program includes 2 student interviews around working and future goals, Exploring Career Technical Education (CTE) in Eugene Public Schools and an award given to OTP as :Transition Podcast of the Year".

This episode's focus is on Interviews with students and teachers using STEM, (Science, Technology Engineering & Math) to discover career tracks and plan for the future. Youth Transition Program Specialists share how students with disabilities are empowered to identify their own interests and choose their own paths.

The entire OTP podcast team get together to share season fives' mission and get you ready for some great transition stories. Join us for another year of Oregon Transition Podcast!

This bonus episode is the full interview with Oregon Treasury contact for Oregon ABLE Savings Plan that had excerpts in the last full episode on Supported Decision Making , Season 4. There was so much valuable information that it needed to be its' own bonus. For more information on ABLE savings plans visit their website here.