Wisconsin Transition Improvement Grant

Deb Gilster, Disability Services Coordinator from Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville, WI joins us to discuss the important differences between secondary and postsecondary education and training.  Deb will be focusing the conversation on IDEA vs ADA and some of the common examples of accommodations that are likely acceptable within many postsecondary education and training  programs.

In today’s episode we will be talking with Quinn Hause & Jim Pritzkow, both with Sauk County ADRC (Eagle Country ADRC).  Quinn is a Disability Benefit Specialist (DBS), and Jim is an Information and Assistance Specialist.  They will discuss the 3 key areas that ADRC’s focus on with youth related to transition planning for life after age 18 - Transition they focus on three key areas:  Legal Decision Making, Social Security Disability and the Long Term Care Programs.

Melissa Emler will provide us with a detailed framework of Universal Design for Instruction (UDL).  UDL provides a best practice learning environment that allows for all youth to be lifelong learners and thrive.

Today Jennifer Hilgendorf will give us an overview of the WI Dropout Early Warning System (DEWS) and explain what this data means to school districts in relation to potential student outcomes.

Today Karin Smith from the Wisconsin Dept of Public Instruction will be joining us to discuss the crucial components of both Career Based Learning Experiences (CBLE’s) and Work Based Learning Experiences (WBLE’s).  Karin will discuss the importance of students with disabilities having early and frequent participation in these valuable opportunities to develop career awareness and career readiness skills.

Joining us today is Kathy White to talk about ways we can support inclusive practices both in the classroom and in the community, utilizing assistive technology.  Kathy White is a recently retired  Assistive Technology Specialist. She worked for the School District of Janesville for 33 years, where she directed the program, and provided technology solutions for students with disabilities (ages 3-21).

Hayward school district has been really engaged in increasing outcomes for students transitioning from middle school to HS.  They have created a course within their district called Freshmen Success.  The class is focused on building a mentor-mentee relationship between youth and adults within the building.  Today we will be collaborating with Dr. Laura Kieran who is the Director of Special Education and Cathy Larson who is a Teacher at Hayward.

Career Readiness and Career Learning are important aspects of the overall ability of a student to become career, community, and life ready.  Karin Smith will share some great resources and insight into the importance of connecting career readiness concepts to the Postsecondary Transition Plan (PTP).

Wisconsin’s Registered Adult Apprenticeship (RA) Program now has Apprenticeship Navigators to help guide secondary school youth to engage in the RA program.  The Navigators are assigned to regions across Wisconsin and they engage youth through phone and email contact as well as attending IEP meetings when it is feasible.  Today we are connecting with Jeff Kennedy who represents the Central and Southwestern regions of WI.

Financial planning discussions can be very important conversations for parents to have with the IEP team.  Joe Dettwiller will share best practices from his years of experience working collaboratively with families  as they plan for  financial security and independence for their young adult with a disability.