Description of Workshops

Early Bird Session: 8:30am –9:20am

School to Work Transition Services through Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services and Fairfax County Public Schools
Kristina DeSantis, MA, CRC, Rehabilitative Counselor, Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services
Transition services assist students in the movement from school to world of work and adult life. The Department of Rehabilitative Services works together with students, families, schools and community agencies to provide services to support a successful transition from school to work. This workshop will provide information on services provided to students in transition, referral information, and how the process of vocational rehabilitation works through Department of Rehabilitative Services.

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. Session Handout (PDF)

Advocacy: Student-Led IEP Meetings
Vicky G. Spencer, PhD
Advocacy is a skill that is necessary in making decisions that are best for you!  Learning how to advocate for yourself is a critical skill in learning to be actively involved or even leading your own IEP meeting. Your increased involvement in the IEP process will give you more ownership in developing your transition plan which is the key to focusing on future plans and goals.  Research shows that students who lead their IEP meetings increase their confidence, communication skills, leadership skills and advocacy skills. This session will focus on ways to increase your involvement in IEP meetings. Session Handout (PDF)

Resume Writing and Job Search Tools
Jennifer DeCamp, Transition Employment Specialist, Prince William County Public Schools
This presentation will address a variety of different job search tools including developing effective resumes, writing good cover letters, follow-up techniques, as well as tips for job fair success.

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.

Work Opportunities for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
Ernst VanBergeijk, PhD, Associate Dean and Executive Director, 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. Session Handout (PDF)

Accessing Assistive Technology in College and at Work
Korey Singleton, Assistive Technology Initiative Manager, Office of Equity & Diversity Services – GMU
Assistive Technology is sometimes called the great equalizer. There are many software and hardware applications that can allow individuals with disabilities to be independent and successful in college and in the workplace. The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures that individuals have access to this technology in both college and the workplace. This presentation will provide a brief overview of the assistive technology available. It will also discuss the rights and responsibilities of both parties in obtaining such accommodations. The services available at George Mason University will be highlighted. Session Handout (PDF)

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. Session Handout (PDF)

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. Session Handout (PDF)

Comprensión de lo que es la Transición e IDEA en Español
Rosalia Fajardo, Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) Latino Outreach
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.

Keynote Address: 9:30am – 10:30am

Facing Your Future: Steps to Creating the Life You Want
Keynote Speaker: Jennifer Kemp, US Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy                      
Using humor and personal stories, Ms. Kemp will share her perspective of growing up with a disability as well as a few of her "survival tricks."  She will also talk about how her family impacted the choices she has made as an adult.

Session 1: 10:50am – 11:40am

Q and A for Young Adults with Jennifer Kemp
Jennifer Kemp, US Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy
Jennifer will answer questions and talk about her experiences growing up with a disability. This session is specifically geared for young adult participants.

Amazing Social Security (SSI/SSDI) Work Incentives
Diana W. Varela, Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration
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. Session Handout (PDF)

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. Session Handout (PDF)

Self-Advocacy: Making It Happen in College and Beyond
Dr. Henry Reiff, Professor of Special Education, McDaniel 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 yourself. Fortunately, there are clear ways that adults with disabilities can significantly increase the likelihood of career success and personal satisfaction. Henry B. Reiff, author of Self-Advocacy for Students with Learning Disabilities: Making It Happen in College and Beyond, 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. Reiff will share inspiring stories from adults with disabilities and practical tips on how to be successful. Session Handout (PDF)

Resume Writing and Job Search Tools
Jennifer DeCamp, Transition Employment Specialist, Prince William County Public Schools
This presentation will address a variety of different job search tools including developing effective resumes, writing good cover letters, follow-up techniques, as well as tips for job fair success.

Education Options for Careers in Health Care
Gerry Hofler, Program Manager, NoVaHealthFORCE and Stefan Charles-Pierre, Disabilities Support Counselor/Assistant Professor, NVCC Medical Education Campus
The speakers will give an overview of the career preparation opportunities for health care which are available through the Northern Virginia Community College's Medical Education Campus. From entry level to professional degrees, participants will learn about the career pathways that are available in the region in the high demand industry of health care. There will be time for questions and answers and resource materials will be provided.

Work Opportunities for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
Ernst VanBergeijk, PhD, Associate Dean  and Executive Director, 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. Session Handout (PDF)

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. Session Handout (PDF)

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. Session Handout (PDF)

There are No IEPs in College: Transition from High School to College
Selena Fox, Office of 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.

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.

Lunch – 11:50 – 12:40 pm

Session 2: 12:50 – 1:40 pm

Panel Discussion:  Young Adults Share High School, College & Career Experiences
Come listen to young adults with disabilities share their experiences and their journeys from high school through college and now adulthood. Learn through their experiences how to best advocate for yourself and for your needs now and in the future. Speakers will talk about what helped them most in high school with transition to where they are now in life, the most significant hurdles they encountered and how they overcame them.

Matching Natural Talents and Interests in Today’s Job Market
Facilitated by Evelyn Kaiser, Business Development Manager, NISH, AbilityOne Program
“CHANGE” the buzz word for this economy! How does this changing environment impact your interests, talents and skills plus enhance your ability to reach your career goal? Where are the employment/career opportunities within your community? Come and hear the latest information from a panel of Northern Virginia employers representing federal agencies and private industry. Learn firsthand How to be a Successful Candidate in Today's Job Market.

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.
Session Handout (PDF) ~ Web Sites to Explore (PDF)

Self-Advocacy: Making It Happen in College and Beyond
Dr. Henry Reiff, Professor of Special Education, McDaniel 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 yourself. Fortunately, there are clear ways that adults with disabilities can significantly increase the likelihood of career success and personal satisfaction. Henry B. Reiff, author of Self-Advocacy for Students with Learning Disabilities: Making It Happen in College and Beyond, 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. Reiff will share inspiring stories from adults with disabilities and practical tips on how to be successful.  Session Handout (PDF)

Adapting Your Behavior for College and the Workplace
Dr. Anita H. Reed, LCSW and Pamela Jordan, MSW, LGSW 
Students with special needs have more of a challenge modulating their behavior in various settings. While academic preparation and the acquisition of vocational skills are important to success in both educational and employment settings, the use of effective social-emotional skills are equally important, if not more, in order to experience success in academic and vocational endeavors. College and workplace environments are unique for the skills that they require for successful performance. Often, the focus on academic achievement outweighs the importance of learning to “master” these environments; using skills that are commensurate with expectations. It is important for the learner/employee to set goals and use strategies that will promote success in the post-secondary environment. Session Handout (PDF)

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." Session Handout (PDF)

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. Session Handout (PDF)

Where Do We Go From Here?  Serving the Needs of Young Adults with ASD and other Developmental Delays
Andrew S. Rubin, PhD, Director of New Directions for Young Adults
In the last two decades, the number of children diagnosed with high functioning autism, Aspergers syndrome, and other pervasive developmental disorders has increased exponentially. Now we face an increasing number of these children entering young adulthood with new challenges and different needs for services. This presentation will look at some of the behavioral, social, and psychological challenges facing young adults with developmental delays and the service options available to them.
Session Handout (PDF)

Where Will We Live?  Housing Options for the 21st Century
William E. Fuller, PhD, Community Housing Officer, VHDA
Housing for people with disabilities has historically been determined by the social norms of the day, attitudes about institutionalization and the hodgepodge of family values.  Today housing choices are expanding faster than ever before.  New homeownership opportunities through micro boards, supported placement and a myriad of other choices give new direction and greater opportunities to where people can live.

Going to College: A Free Online Resource for Teens with Disabilities
Elizabeth Evans Getzel, VCU-Rehabilitation Research & Training Center
This presentation will demonstrate a free online college resource for students with disabilities. Specifically designed for high school students, the web site builds on the principles of self determination enabling them to access key information, watch video clips of college students with disabilities, complete activities designed to move through the college preparation process,
and review eSources to get ready for college life.  Based on input from college students with disabilities, the website contains three modules, My Place (understanding myself), Campus Life (understanding college), and Planning for College (understanding the steps for transitioning to and remaining in college). The website also offers a Portfolio as a means for students to organize information as they prepare for and transition to college.

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.

Session 3: 12:50 – 1:40 pm

Panel Discussion:  Young Adults Share High School, College & Career Experiences
Come listen to young adults with disabilities share their experiences and their journeys from high school through college and now adulthood. Learn through their experiences how to best advocate for yourself and for your needs now and in the future. Speakers will talk about what helped them most in high school with transition to where they are now in life, the most significant hurdles they encountered and how they overcame them.

Suit and Tie Careers: Careers in an Office Setting
Marta Gonzalez, Arlington Employment Center
This session will provide an overview of the wide career and job opportunities within a business or organization from receptionist, secretary, IT, manager, payroll, accounting, administrative assistant, mail room, data entry, and more! Learn about opportunities within an office environment from entry level positions that may require minimal skills to those jobs which may require more experience, education, vocational training or specific skills training. Come find out: how to match your skills, education, experiences and interest to these career opportunities; how to begin your job search; where to go for assistance; and how to gather and organize your employability skills and profile for a resume.

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.
Session Handout (PDF) ~ Web Sites to Explore (PDF)

Post-secondary Options for People with Intellectual Disabilities on a College Campus
Heidi Graf, GMU-LIFE; Liz Getzel, VCU; Lynn Noel, ODU-Ready!
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.

Virginia Career VIEW - Virginia Tech
Melinda Hayes–Ramsey, M.Ed.
Virginia Career VIEW is the career information system for the Commonwealth of Virginia. It provides free occupational and educational information to the citizens of Virginia. This session will help you plan for your future career by introducing you to the process of self-assessment. The Virginia Career VIEW interest inventories let you look at your interests and abilities and match them with over 600 occupations. Virginia Career VIEW has numerous career assessment tools that can help you learn more about yourself and the world of work. Participants attending this session will be provided with Virginia Career VIEW materials and software to use at home or at school. Learn more about the world of work and yourself through the Virginia Career VIEW interest tools!

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." Session Handout (PDF)

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. Session Handout (PDF)

Where Do We Go From Here?  Serving the Needs of Young Adults with ASD and other Developmental Delays
Andrew S. Rubin, PhD, Director of New Directions for Young Adults
In the last two decades, the number of children diagnosed with high functioning autism, Aspergers syndrome, and other pervasive developmental disorders has increased exponentially. Now we face an increasing number of these children entering young adulthood with new challenges and different needs for services. This presentation will look at some of the behavioral, social, and psychological challenges facing young adults with developmental delays and the service options available to them.
Session Handout (PDF)

Where Will We Live?  Housing Options for the 21st Century
William E. Fuller, PhD, Community Housing Officer, VHDA
Housing for people with disabilities has historically been determined by the social norms of the day, attitudes about institutionalization and the hodgepodge of family values.  Today housing choices are expanding faster than ever before.  New homeownership opportunities through micro boards, supported placement and a myriad of other choices give new direction and greater opportunities to where people can live.

“College Bound” VA Tech Pre College Program
Jody A. Thompson, PhD, Associate Director, Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program, Virginia Tech
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. Session Handout (PDF)

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