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Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) revisit a Season 2 parent interview with Jane Plapinger, improving the audio and combining the two parts into one conversation. Jane shares her experiences supporting her son David, who has autism, as he transitions into adulthood. The conversation covers helpful resources, challenges the family faced, and the small victories along the way. Jane also reflects on what she wishes she had known earlier, the importance of flexibility, and how David is building his adult life. Join the conversation (again)!

Episode Keywords: 
agency, residential staff, families, experience, working, information, admissions, school, transportation, provider, program, housemates, agencies, transition, residential, process, parents, behavioral challenges, services, guardianship

Links:
Adult Agency Snapshot (page)
Supplemental Security Income (page)

Maryland (specific) Links/Supports:
Parents Place of Maryland (site)
Kennedy Krieger Institute (site)

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

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Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) discuss the complexities of guardianship; they highlight the importance of understanding legal capacity and exploring alternatives like supported decision-making. They note that voting rights exist under guardianship and also cover reasonable accommodations, such as having a support person in court, and the role of Medicaid-authorized representatives. Join the conversation!

Episode Keywords:
Guardianship, supported decision making, legal capacity, alternatives to guardianship, court appointed, young adult, decision making, voting rights, reasonable accommodations, Medicaid authorized representative, SSI, representative payee, non-verbal communication, advocacy, transition process

LInks:
Episode 23 - Guardianship (link)
Episode 52 - Audi Levering and Supported Decision Making Pt. 1 (link)
Episode 53 - Audi Levering and Supported Decision Making Pt. 2 (link)
Episode 54 - Audi Levering and Supported Decision Making_Full Discussion (link)
Guardianship (page)
Alternatives to Guardianship (page)
YouTube Playlist - Guardianship (link)
YouTube Playlist - Alternatives to Guardianship (link)

Maryland (specific) Links/Supports:
In the Matter of William Pughsley (document)
Parents Place of Maryland (site) 

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

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Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) take a few minutes to reflect on their journey, now in the fourth season, and the diverse topics they've covered, including interviews, info sessions, and timelines. They celebrate reaching 94 episodes and 5,000 downloads (noting that most podcasts don't surpass seven episodes). They express gratitude for their global audience, mentioning listeners from various countries, and encourage listener feedback and reviews to enhance their reach. Join the conversation!

Episode Keywords: 
podcast, search engine optimization, transition coordinators, listener feedback, episode downloads, global audience, transition topics, community support, milestones, transition commission, political climate, funding concerns, resource links, post secondary transition

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

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Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) discuss summer opportunities for students with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of considering alternatives to Extended School Year (ESY) programs. They highlight the benefits of work and volunteer experiences, mentioning resources like DORS and local workforce development programs; they even discuss sleep-away camps as a way to foster independence! Join the conversation! 

Episode Keywords:
Summer opportunities, IEP, extended school year, vocational skills, DORS counselor, work study, volunteer opportunities, sleep-away camps, independence, social opportunities, community involvement, transition specialist, self-directed services, Rec and Parks, Facebook groups

Links:
Vocational Rehabilitive Agency (page)
Rehabilitation Services Administration by State (page)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (page)
Ep.19 Work-based School Programs (link)
Ep. 21 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (link)

Maryland (specific) Links/Supports:
Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) (site)
Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) (site) 

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

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Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) speak with Kelly Nelson about ABLE accounts, highlighting how they allow individuals with disabilities to save money without affecting SSI, Social Security, or Medicaid eligibility. The conversation covers key features such as tax advantages, online setup, gifting options, prepaid cards, and financial literacy tools, as well as the importance of opening an account early. They also discuss how ABLE funds can be used for health, independence, quality of life expenses, long-term savings, and managing back payments. Join the conversation!

Episode Keywords: 
ABLE accounts, disability support, financial stability, personal choice, independence, asset protection, Social Security, SSI benefits, Medicaid, special needs trust, 529 rollover, quality of life, authorized legal representative, eligibility criteria, transition process, financial literacy, gifting page, prepaid card, Maryland ABLE, investment options, special needs, back payments, financial management, tax benefits, disability savings, financial independence

Links:
ABLE Today (site)
ABLE National Resource Center (site)
California ABLE (site)
Set up a Gifting page (link)
Authorized Legal Representative (ALR) (link)
Financial Literacy (article)
Bank of New York Mellon (site)
VestWell (site)
Vanguard (site)
Social Security (site) 
SSI (site)
Medicaid (site)
ABLE Age Adjustment Act (page)
Guardianship (page)

Maryland (specific) Links/Supports:
Maryland ABLE.org (site) 

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Send a text

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) continue their conversation with Kelly Nelson about ABLE accounts, exploring the many benefits and features these accounts offer. The discussion highlights flexibility, tax advantages, and built-in financial literacy tools, including the online gifting page that allows friends and family to contribute, as well as the prepaid card option that helps account holders manage their funds. They also emphasize the importance of opening an ABLE account early to avoid over-resourcing and protect SSI eligibility, and discuss how ABLE accounts can be used for long-term savings, special purchases, and managing back payments. Join the conversation! 

Episode Keywords:
ABLE accounts, financial literacy, gifting page, prepaid card, Maryland ABLE, investment options, SSI benefits, Medicaid, transition process, special needs, back payments, financial management, tax benefits, disability savings, financial independence

Links:
ABLE Today (site)
ABLE National Resource Center (site)
California ABLE (site)
Set up a Gifting page (link)
Authorized Legal Representative (ALR) (link)
Financial Literacy (article)
Bank of New York Mellon (site)
VestWell (site)
Vanguard (site)

Maryland (specific) Links/Supports:
Maryland ABLE.org (site)

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Send a text

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) discuss ABLE accounts with Kelly Nelson. They talk about how ABLE accounts are a financial tool allowing families to save money for individuals with disabilities without affecting their eligibility for other benefits like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and/or Medicaid. They also cover how accounts can be opened online, the criteria for qualifying for an account and how ABLE accounts can be used for expenses related to health, independence, and quality of life (including vacations). Join the conversation!

Episode Keywords:
ABLE accounts, disability support, financial stability, personal choice, independence, asset protection, Social Security, SSI benefits, Medicaid, special needs trust, 529 rollover, quality of life, authorized legal representative, eligibility criteria, transition process

Links:
ABLE National Resource Center (site)
Social Security (site) 
SSI (site)
Medicaid (site)
ABLE Age Adjustment Act (page)
ALR (Authorized Legal Representative) (page)
Guardianship (page)

Maryland (specific) Links/Supports:
Maryland ABLE.org (site) 

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Send a text

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) sit down with advocate Martha Goodman, creator of the MEIRA (Maryland Education Information Resources and Advocacy) Planning Tool, to discuss how her work supports families navigating the complexities of the transition process. Martha shares her background, her dedication to education advocacy, and how her experience as a mother of a child with down syndrome has shaped her mission. Martha also opens up about her daughter’s transition journey, from volunteering in Israel to exploring employment & continued education amid the challenges created by funding gaps. She also offers insight into upcoming resource expansions and future developments. Join the conversation!

Episode Keywords:
transition process, students with disabilities, DDA application, Pre-ETS, funding issues, political advocacy, transitioning youth, CCBC program, literacy classes, child care assistant, reading level, parental advocacy

LInks:
Developmental Disabilities (DD) Agency (page)
DD Agency Locator (site)

Maryland (specific) Links/Supports:
MEIRA Planning Tool (site)
Disability Rights MD (site)
Community College of Baltimore County Single Step Academic Preparation (site) 

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Send a text

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) continue their discussion with Martha Goodman, an advocate who has created the MEIRA (Maryland Education Information Resources And Advocacy) Planning Tool. This part of the conversation highlights the uncertainty caused by funding gaps, and the impact that can have on families. Martha also shares her daughter's transition journey, including volunteering in Israel, the complexity of employment and pursuing continued education. Join the conversation! 

Episode Keywords:
DDA application, Pre-ETS, funding issues, political advocacy, transitioning youth, CCBC program, literacy classes, child care assistant, Postsecondary Transition, reading level, parental advocacy, transition process.

Links:
Developmental Disabilities (DD) Agency (page)
DD Agency Locator (site)

Maryland (specific) Links/Supports:
MEIRA Planning Tool (site)
Disability Rights MD (site)
Community College of Baltimore County Single Step Academic Preparation (site) 

Quick Note to Listeners: there was a connection problem during the second part of our conversation with Martha which caused a breakdown in the quality of the recorded audio. We were hoping to be able to save some of it, but the bits and pieces that were clear to understand just made no sense when they were edited together. We did let Martha know and we plan to rectify it by bringing her back again for another great discussion (that we plan to capture in its' entirety 😉). 

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Send a text

This week, hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) have a conversation with Martha Goodman, an advocate who has created the MEIRA (Maryland Education Information Resources And Advocacy) Planning Tool. This tool aims to assist families in navigating the complexities of the transition process. Martha shares her background, her dedication to education advocacy, and how her personal experience as a mother of a child with Down syndrome has  influenced her work. She also discusses her plans to expand the available resources and exciting future developments. Join the conversation!

Episode Keywords:
Postsecondary Transition, families, students with disabilities, transition coordinators, education advocate, Maryland Education Information Resources and Advocacy, Maryland legislation, child find service, parent advocacy, transition planning, special needs, glossary, Wright's Law, life skills teachers, transition issues, Maryland Special Needs Advocacy Project

Links:
IDEA Child Find Mandate (link)
Wrights Law (link)

Maryland (specific) Links/Supports:
MEIRA Planning Tool (site)
Childfind (Parents Place of Maryland) PDF (link)
Maryland Partners in Policy Making (site)

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.