A free biennial career and college forum for students with disabilities, parents and professional.
Future Quest 2011 was held on November 19th, 2011.
Presentation materials for many Future Quest sessions are available below. .
Future Quest 2011 Workshops and Materials
(Note: All presentations are PDF files requiring free Adobe Reader)
Future Quest 2011 Resource Listing (PDF)
Executive Functioning and Life Skills Tools for College and Beyond
Abigail Levrini, Ph.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist & AD/HD Coach
High school coursework often prepares students for the academic road ahead. However, teens often leave the safety of high school and their parents’ homes without all the life skills necessary to stay organized, manage their time effectively, or lead healthy, minimally stressful lives. In this presentation, participants will learn concrete strategies to effectively overcome struggles with executive function. Skills addressed include goal setting, planning and prioritization, study strategies, breaking down tasks, and more. PowerPoint presentation available here.
Preparing for College: From A-Z
Kelly L. DeSenti, Assistant Dean, Student Development, Marymount University
Preparation for college entails many steps: the selection of schools to apply to, the standardized tests to take, and the documentation to get in order. Beyond these tangible things, a student must also garner the motivation it takes to keep up his/her grades and organize and navigate the journey to college. It is never too early to start thinking of college applications, and if you are currently a senior or even a junior in high school, the time to act is now. This session will explore resources for selecting colleges for application, deciphering the application process, getting your documentation for any diagnosed disabilities in order, and choices available with regard to requesting special consideration and support services. Emphasis will be focused on getting current documentation in order, strategies for organizing your college search, communicating with college counselors, and developing the self-advocacy skills paramount as you enter the college experience. PowerPoint presentation available here.
Financing College Beyond “Pennies from Heaven”
Dale Schmidt, Financial Aid Champion
"Pennies from Heaven" is a great song but not so great a strategy for financing a college education. Students and their families need to know how much they are eligible for and how to obtain aid. The FAFSA and fafsa4caster websites will answer those questions. Then families need to understand grants, loans, and work-study programs as components of financial aid and what future obligations they create.
PowerPoint presentation available here.
Learning a Job Skill Through a Volunteer Experience
Emily Swenson, Deputy Director of Volunteer Fairfax
Volunteering can be a great way to forge new relationships, gain personal satisfaction and social status, hone marketable skills, and for networking opportunities. Learn about how a potential volunteer opportunity can help build your skills. We’ll discuss what to think about before embarking on this journey, the parent’s role and what to consider making this opportunity a success and how to get started. Learn more about Volunteer Fairfax.
Understanding Transition and the IDEA
Cathy Healy, Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) Trainer
The IDEA 2004 legislation requires greater involvement by families and self-advocates to ensure the transition years address both academic and functional achievement, all this while a student's strengths, interests and needs are considered. This workshop will outline how IDEA and the transition amendments work to ensure positive student transition outcomes. Learn more about PEATC.
Work Opportunities for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
Dr. Paul Cavanagh , New York Institute of Technology
The workshop will review economic trends and employment predictions for individuals with no post secondary education. Students on the autism spectrum need a different path than the traditional four year college to work route. The speaker will cover three models of education that can be used to transition an individual on the spectrum to the world of work. Those models are: Traditional Vocational Programs, Academically Supported Programs, and Transitional Programs. A six step process will be described in deciding which model or level of integration in the world of work should be pursued by the individual on the spectrum. The speaker will provide participants with resources and examples of businesses and programs that support employment of people with disabilities. PowerPoint Presentation available here
Accessing the Community Through the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia
Kimball Gray, Director of Community Services for the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV)
ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia, Inc. (ECNV) is a community- based resource and advocacy center managed by and for people with disabilities. ECNV staff will moderate a panel presentation composed of adults with a variety of disabilities sharing their life experiences with the peer mentor model of service delivery and how it can inform and empower children and youth with disabilities to take charge of their own lives by setting and accomplishing their own goals in school and community and heading into post-secondary and school-to-work transition. Many times the impact of a peer mentor is undervalued in its ability to be a positive force in the life of an individual with a disability. Join us for a “mind opening” early bird session! Learn more about the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia.
Range of Learning Support Services on College Campuses
Judith S. Bass, CEP, Certified Educational Planner, Bass Educational Services, LLC
Now that colleges are required by law to provide accommodations and support for students with learning differences, it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between colleges that offer minimal support and those that embrace these students and give them every opportunity to be successful. How do you know if a school will offer what your adolescent needs? In this session, you will learn about the levels of support, including moderate services, comprehensive programs, and developmental programs available to students with learning differences and how to determine which is best for your adolescent. You will also learn about other important factors to consider when choosing a college, such as psycho-educational testing, graduation requirements, and self-advocacy skills. Learn more about Bass Educational Services
There are No IEPs in College: Transition from High School to College
Karen WalkingEagle, Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education
The mission of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, is to ensure equal access to education. An important priority is increasing access to higher education for students with disabilities. This presentation discusses the differing rights and responsibilities of students and schools under Federal laws at high school and college.
Finding the Career That Matches Me
Eleana Boyer, DRS Business Development Manager
Come and learn from Eleana Boyer as you begin your search for your dream job. Learn what jobs involve working with things or with data or with people. Learn what you need to know about yourself to help you decide on your future career path. Find out about the Hot Jobs that will be hiring by 2016 and about local jobs available, now in the community.
You Can Take It With You: Portable Applications for Transition
Melissa Hartman and Mark Nichols, Loudon County Public School
This interactive presentation will focus on utilizing the technology and tools available once students leave school to assist with the transition to the real world. FREE portable applications, cell phone, iTouch and iPad activities to support independent living and employment skills will be demonstrated and shared. Participants will gain access to portable application websites and a variety of ideas for activities to utilize with young adults. PowerPoint Presentation available here.
Self-Advocacy: Making It Happen in College and Beyond
Dr. Allison Butler, Disability Support Services Counselor, Northern Virginia Community College
Once you get out of high school, it's often tempting to try to leave your disability behind. After all, as a young adult in college or beyond, you will not necessarily be recognized as someone with a disability unless you decide to disclose. Maybe you hope that your disability will not have an impact in college or work. However, for almost everyone, a disability in adulthood brings a special set of challenges in postsecondary education, work and home, relationships, and especially feelings about you. Fortunately, there are clear ways that adults with disabilities can significantly increase the likelihood of career success and personal satisfaction. Allison Butler, will discuss how a combination of effective self-advocacy and specific life skills can make a huge difference for you. With a focus on what adults with disabilities can do rather than what they cannot do, Dr. Butler will share inspiring stories from adults with disabilities and practical tips on how to be successful. PowerPoint presentation available here.
Post High School Gap Year Programs-Panel
- City Year: Samantha Traverso
City Year Washington, DC unites a diverse group of young people, ages 17 to 24, from all backgrounds for a year of full-time service, giving them the skills and opportunities to change the world. City Year was founded on the belief that young people can change the world. City Year’s vision is that one day the most commonly asked question of a young person will be, “Where are you going to do your service year?” As tutors and mentors these young leaders make a difference in the lives of children and transform schools and neighborhoods across DC.
PowerPoint presentation available here ** Learn more about City Year here
- Year Up: Clifton Morgan, Director of Admissions and Enrollment:
Year Up's mission is to close the Opportunity Divide by providing urban young adults with the skills, experience, and support that will empower them to reach their potential through professional careers and higher education. We achieve this mission through a high support, high expectation model that combines marketable job skills, stipends, internships and college. Year Up is a one-year, intensive training program that provides urban young adults, ages 18-24, with a combination of hands-on skill development, college credits, and corporate internships. During the first six months of the program, participants focus on skill mastery in one of two areas: 1) Desktop Support / IT Help Desk; 2) Investment Operations. Equal emphasis is placed on developing the professional skills required in today's workplace such as effective communication, leadership, and teamwork. During the second six months of the program, students are placed in internships with local partner companies. A Stipend is provided to all participants throughout the one year, full time educational program.
The workshop will address the following:
-Year Up Admissions Requirements and Process
-Courses and Daily Schedule
-Partnership with NOVA (Northern Virginia Community College)
-Program Contract and Stipend
-Support offered to students
-Internship Program/Alumni results and role
Postsecondary Education Isn't Always College
Dr. Cindy Siira, Transition Specialist, Prince William County Public Schools
Dr. Cindy Siira will discuss alternatives to the traditional 2-4 year colleges and introduce different options for students graduating from high school (including on-the-job training, technical colleges STRIVE, etc.).She will also provide suggestions to help students decide which type of education may best suit their career goals. PowerPoint presentation available here.
Comprensión de lo que es la Transición e IDEA en Español
Lynelle Palencia, ETR, Career and Transition Services, Fairfax County Public School
La legislación de IDEA 2004 (Ley de educación para personas con discapacidades) requiere de la más grande participación de las familias y autodefensores, para asegurar que el éxito de los años de transición séan ejecutados en forma académica y funcional, todo esto mientras las fortalezas de los estudiantes, sus intereses y sus necesidades sean consideradas. Este taller de trabajo explicará como IDEA y las enmiendas de transición trabajan, para asegurar unos resultados de transición positivos para el estudiante.
NAMI Presents: In Our Own Voice “IOOV”
Juliana Kerrest and Lauren Hefty, Presenters
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a grassroots, volunteer-based organization that provides support and education to individuals, families, and communities affected by mental illness. The NAMI "In Our Own Voice" program is a unique public education presentation, in which trained consumer speakers share compelling personal stories about living with mental illness and achieving recovery. Throughout the "In Our Own Voice" presentation, audience members are encouraged to offer feedback and ask questions. NAMI-Northern Virginia's Program Director and volunteers will also host a table at Future Quest to provide more information to anyone interested in getting involved with NAMI at the local level. More information about NAMI-NoVA programs, events, and membership can also be found at www.NAMI-NorthernVirginia.org
Organizational Strategies for Students
Dr. Ralph Perrino, Professor, Northern VA Community College
Dr. Perrino will help students understand how to be successful in a college classroom. He will discuss:
- Different learning styles and how to recognize each style
- Study strategies that will help the learning process
- Test-taking strategies / time management techniques
- How to tackle an essay question
- Strategies for self-advocacy
College Information and Financial Aid: The Internet Connection
Susan Rexford, Director of College Guidance, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School
Valuable information for the college and financial aid search is just a mouse click away. Learn about all the great resources available to you on the Internet. Explore information from college web sites, financial aid and scholarship information sites. Leave with a list of web resources to make your college and financial aid search a success. PowerPoint presentation available here.
One Size Doesn't Fit All: Consider Your Options for Career Pathways
Dr. Emily Richardson, President, Virginia Career Education Foundation (VCEF)
Use VCEF resources, including the updated www.knowhowvirginia.org Web site, to explore options for your future. "Start early. Make a plan. Discover your future." PowerPoint presentation available here.
Life on Campus with Autism
Jessica Tischler, Director of Special Needs at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia
The discussion will be based on the challenges faced by people with Autism and the domains in which these challenges may arise. Much of the discussion will surround how these obstacles may affect not only the transition to college, but being able to live an independent life and achieve the highest possible quality of life on campus. The presentation will touch on how to take steps in achieving one’s own definition of success and happiness. It will then conclude with a brief question and answer segment. PowerPoint presentation available here.
Careers You Can Learn in Two Years or Less
Laura Murray, Career/Vocational Evaluator for Special Education Students, Arlington Public Schools
There are exciting careers that are in demand and also have earnings potential. Many can be achieved through one or two-year programs offered at community colleges and career and technical schools. Come and explore some of these programs and gain information about the tools you can use to launch your own career exploration. Some useful strategies for obtaining a career will also be discussed.
PowerPoint presentation available here.
Estate Planning and Guardianship for Individuals with Disabilities
Michael D. Toobin, Attorney at Law
Families with a member who has special needs face a myriad of unique legal matters. These include estate planning issues and guardianship. This workshop will address the following issues:
•The need to plan - it must be in writing
•Basic estate planning - what documents everyone must have
•Special needs estate planning - including the various special needs trusts - there are more than just one
•Guardianship
•Conservatorship
•Alternatives to these legal proceedings - protecting our young adults.
Session Handout available here.
NVCC and on to a Four Year College
Kerin Hilker-Balkissoon - Director, Pathway to the Baccalaureate Program Northern Virginia Community College
Learn what programs transfer from Northern Virginia Community College to four year universities and colleges. Find out about NVCC's articulation agreements and guaranteed admission agreements with Virginia state and private universities and colleges. Participants will learn what disability services are available at NVCC, the eligibility requirements for these services, guidelines for providing documentation, and the process for obtaining accommodations. Information will also be provided about taking the placement tests and available resources. Learn what types of support services and accommodations are available at NVCC and how to access the supports and resources you need to be successful in college.
Surviving the Fallout: What are Some of the Roadblocks to a Successful Transition to College and What to Do if Your Student Comes Home
Laurie Chester and Kim Smith Kidd
Where is it written that all students must follow the same path and timeline after high school? In our highly achievement-oriented communities, there is a tendency to overemphasize academics and athletics to the detriment of development of non-academic/athletic components of success beyond high school. This workshop will cover some of the topics (social and life skills) that college counselors, parents, and teachers often shy away from discussing but that are critical to a successful transition to college. It will also look at what happens when that transition is not successful and how parents can help their students carve out alternative paths to success.
Hot Job Trends
Karen Burke, Career Center Specialist, Fairfax County Public Schools
Have you ever wondered what the job market will look like in 2018? Are you interested in finding out about job trends and a solid career path? Want to know which careers will be hot and which will not? Then be sure to attend the very informative Hot Jobs presentation for a glimpse into the future. PowerPoint presentation available here.
Amazing Social Security (SSI/SSDI) Work Incentives
Marilyn Morrison, Community Work Incentives Coordinator, Virginia Association of Community Rehabilitative Programs
The Ticket to Work law made amazing changes that allow most Social Security (SSI/SSDI) recipients to go to work, have more money in their pocket, and keep their health insurance (Medicaid/Medicare). Special provisions allow students on SSI to make several thousand dollars a year without impacting their monthly benefit checks. The presentation will demonstrate how individuals and families can use this and other Social Security Work Incentives in pursuing their job goals. The presenter also provides information about free benefits counseling available to those on Social Security who are interested in learning how employment impacts their benefits.
Certificate Programs at NVCC
Asante Clarke, Counselor/Associate Professor, NVCC-Manassas Campus and Stefan Charles-Pierre, Disabilities Support Counselor/Associate Professor, NVCC Medical Education Campus
The speakers will give an overview of the career preparation opportunities for health care careers and non health care careers, which are available through Northern Virginia Community College. They will provide information on certificate programs the college has to offer. These career options will range from entry level to professional degrees, participants will learn about the career pathways that are available in the region. There will be time for questions and answers and resource materials will be provided.
Mom and Me Against the World
Kim Fortney and Dani Fortney, Loudon County Public Schools
This is the journey of my mother and I and how we worked together to make my transition into college a success. We will discuss the strategies and resources we used in middle and high school and what we would have done differently. We will discuss the ever changing role that my mom took on as I journeyed through my transition and her advice for parents going through the transition process.
PowerPoint presentation available here.
Tools for Autism: Apps and Beyond
Camilla Gagliolo, Technology Specialist, Arlington County Public School
The presenter will share examples of various technology application tools and sites that can be very useful for students with Autism.
Post-secondary Options for People with Intellectual Disabilities on a College Campus
Heidi Graf- GMU-LIFE; Liz Getzel, VCU
Long held views that individuals with intellectual disabilities shouldn't or couldn't be exposed to learning in a college setting are being disputed. Virginia is one of several states creating opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities to attend, participate, and benefit in college programs. Session participants will learn about the rationale behind this exciting programming and hear descriptions of the various models. Learn more about GMU-LIFE
“College Bound” VA Tech Pre College Program
Virginia Tech Staff
What accommodations do I need to be successful in college? Do the colleges I'm interested in offer this assistance? What type of college best serves my needs? How do I access these services? The transition to college is challenging to most students, however, it might be more difficult for students with disabilities. College Bound is a summer orientation program designed by New River Community College, Radford University, and Virginia Tech to help students and their parents address these and many other concerns. The two-day program will increase your knowledge of the accommodation process, assistive technologies, leadership skills, and other exciting aspects of college life. College Bound is open to rising high school juniors, seniors, and entering college freshmen and their parents. You do not need to be planning to attend college in Virginia to attend College Bound. Representatives from Virginia Tech will discuss the College Bound Program, and answer other questions about services students can expect at college. Learn more about College Bound.
Learn About “Schedule A” Government Jobs
Carla Broddie, OASAM CRC
This workshop will facilitate and encourage the development of both individual and group skills in the pursuit of "Schedule A" jobs. Ms Broddie will provide participants with the necessary skills to improve their knowledge and proficiency when applying for federal employment upon transitioning from High School or College to the workforce. Participants will understand what reasonable accommodations can be provided in the federal government.
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