The Oregon Transition Podcast ends season 2 interviewing Heather Lindsey, Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Services Deputy Director. Heather shares efforts within VR to provide counselor training for virtual service delivery, a client based equity model, current outcomes during this time of COVID-19 pandemic, and successes around the state. Heather brings positive insights into delivering transition services and partnering with your local VR office. Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation; Applying for VR During COVID-19 Pandemic (pdf)

This "At Home" Episode of the Oregon Transition Podcast features inter-agency teamwork through the Westmoreland Transition Program in Eugene. The teamwork story is told through soundbites from VR, YTP, Teachers, Administrators, and DD, as they work together to make dreams for the future a reality for students in the program. Hear about elements that make successful teams and take these tips to strengthen your own program.

OTP explores the use of technology in school transition services. Marcola School District, Access Technologies Inc. and Cognitopia are highlighted in this episode which shares valuable resources for connecting students in person or in the distance-learning world.

Check in and listen as transition providers and teachers share how service delivery is being adapted for students online. This episode highlights ideas for a virtual transition fair, YTP services, adapting summer activities with SWIFT and the summer work RFA, and a real-life story about how the YTP program prepared a student for the work he does as an adult today. Youth Transition Program, University of Oregon.

This episode highlights the connection in higher education with transition through the UCEDD (University Center for Excellence and Developmental Disabilities) programs at OHSU, Portland and U of O, Eugene. Topics include a friendships and dating student curriculum and training for teachers pilot opportunity; Unique, previewed online COVID-19 resources for talking about the illness and issues with people with IDD; A new project to develop an online training for para-professionals around working with IDD students in schools; A story of advocacy by the CAC (Community Advocacy Council). websites: U of O Center; OHSU Center

OTP hosts, Josh & Nicole, explore the topic of well being in this episode, featuring 2 presenters highlighted as part of a new well being strand added to the Oregon Statewide Transition Conference. Topics include dealing with stress, resources in mental health for the IDD population and a new assessment being developed by U of O. Listen to transition teachers and specialists share what they are doing to take care of themselves while working at home under the COVID-19 restrictions. 

Join Josh and Nicole for the first stay at home, work from home podcast. This episode highlights a transition specialist, Patty Bates, from Crook County and how she is using Google Classroom for transition topics in distance learning. Also, OTP interviews Incight, an online organization sharing their student learning from home options. Website: https://www.incight.org/ 

Season 2 kicks off with a look at what has been happening in the world of transition around the state - all events happened in the month of October 2019. Highlights include Students on the Capital steps in Salem for National Disability Employment Awareness Month,  a Community Conversation dinner event in Eugene area and interviews with students and teachers at the first ever, Oregon state-wide student summit in Hood River. 

Join in for another bonus episode as we hear students, professionals and your hosts, Josh and Nicole unpack the elements around what it means to say "Everyone can work." This final episode of season one will be sure to encourage and inspire!  Transcript

Follow along with Nick Kaasa, a professional from Eugene-Springfield area, working in the disability support field while experiencing his own disability. Hear how he dealt with a situation that challenged his ability to stand up and not compromise his values. This bonus will encourage those that need to be willing to advocate for themselves in the workplace. Transcript