Celebrating Abilities

Celebrating Abilities

The Desert/Mountain Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) Transition Services Team would like to welcome you back to a wonderful 2017-18 school year. The Transition Partnership Program (TPP), WorkAbility I Program (WAI), and California PROMISE will host their annual beginning-of-the-year workshop on Tuesday, September 26, 2017. This workshop will address issues that focus on the importance of meaningful work to improve education, increase self-esteem and confidence, and improve the overall quality of life for children with disabilities.

Geraldine Ann "Geri" Jewell, an actress noted for roles on the 1980s sitcom, The Facts of Life and the mid-2000s western Deadwood will offer a presentation focused on Celebrating Abilities. Celebrating Abilities is a unique journey using humor and actual life experiences to demonstrate how we can open our eyes and hearts to a better understanding of those with a disability. Celebrating Abilities also introduces techniques on how to open doors in the workplace. Geri's warm yet humorous presentation will help all to realize that those with a disability often have more obstacles to overcome than others.

California Career Innovations (CCI) and Employment Network (EN)

This workshop will discuss the Ticket to Work program and the California Career Innovations grant (CCI). Both are federally funded programs designed to increase economic self-sufficiency. The Ticket to Work program provides services to recipients of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) between the ages of 18 – 64. The CCI grant will provide services to students ages 16 – 21 with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan. The workshop will provide basic facts, goals, and objectives of each program.

Working Towards Independence in the Community

Victor Valley Transit Authority (VVTA) will present information outlining the broad range of services they offer for all people, regardless of their disability. They have certified trainers who have been trained to educate your students in becoming more independent as they venture out into the working world, and as they strive to become more self-sufficient. Their routes extend from Barstow to San Bernardino. Come to this training and find out how they can help your student achieve their goals. Aaron Moore, a representative from Victor Valley Transit Authority, will facilitate this session.

Are You a New Transition Partnership Teacher (TPP)?

In this presentation, participants will be given an overview of the procedures necessary to meet the needs of the Transition Partnership Program (TPP). TPP teachers will have an opportunity to review the TPP contract goals, referral procedures, slot allocations, paid work experience opportunities, and learn detailed information about the Career Choices' curriculum currently being implemented in the TPP classrooms. This training will be facilitated by Adrienne Shepherd, Coordinator Transition Services. This workshop is a mandatory session for new TPP teachers.

Are You Working with Students Who Are Transitioning to Post-Secondary Education?

This workshop will be conducted by a representative from the Disabled Student Programs and Services office of the Victor Valley Community College. The facilitator will provide participants with information that will help ease students’ transition from high school to post-secondary education. The following information will be reviewed during the workshop: policies and procedures; tips and strategies for community college success; and, campus resources such as transfer information and cooperative education.

We are excited to offer this workshop at the Desert Mountain Educational Service Center on September 26, 2017. To register for this workshop, please visit our Organizational Management System (url: http://sbcss.k12oms.org/52-101685). If you have any questions about the Desert/Mountain SELPA Transition Services Team, please email Kaori Hartzler at [email protected]. We are looking forward to an exciting new school year.