Transition Weekend: My Life, My Future
What is Transition Weekend?
Transition Weekend: My Life, My Future is an opportunity for students, their families, and the student's interdisciplinary transition team to learn about the transition process, job shadow experiences, and to brainstorm the next steps in each student's life after high school. The weekend is full of information, entertainment and guidance and we would love for you to attend! If you are interested, please complete and send an application.
Transition Weekend Date:
April 11-12, 2008
University Plaza Hotel
3110 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, OH 43202
Phone: 614-267-7461
Weekend Activities/Expected Outcomes:
- Explore the student's goals for life after school
- Determine the student's skills and vocational interests
- Provide students the opportunity to gain work experience during the weekend
and use their feedback to guide their transition plan
- Develop a transition plan that connects students with rehabilitation and IDD programs
- Explore the family's expectations for their son or daughter after graduation
- Identify names and contact information for community resources and support persons and define the roles these agencies will take in assisting the student's transition from school to adult life
- Provide students and families the opportunity to network with others
Student Eligibility:
- Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
- Students expecting to complete school in the next two years
- Students expecting to be employed in the future
Transition Team Members may Include (optimally 3-4 members):
- A representative from the student's school (e.g. transition specialist, special education teacher, job training coordinator, work study coordinator, vocational special education coordinator, etc.)
- A representative from the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission (ORSC BVR/BSVI Counselors)
- A representative from the student's local IDD agency
- Other individuals who can support the student with transition
Families who bring representatives from their son's or daughter's transition team will be given priority in the selection process.
Suggestions for Developing your Transition Team:
1. Identify a student eligible to attend Transition Weekend: My Life, My Future
2. Discuss weekend goals and dates with family members
3. Identify prospective team members and a team coordinator, including representatives from the student's school, the county board of IDD and ORSC
4. Obtain a commitment from each team and family member to participate in the weekend's activities
5. Select a team coordinator
6. Complete the application
7. Submit the application by February 8th, 2008
8. Contact Bianca McArrell or Tom Fish if you have any questions
Times: Transition Weekend will begin at 3pm on Friday and end at 3pm on Saturday
Attendance: Students and families must attend both days of Transition Weekend. Supporting transition team members are strongly encouraged to attend both days as well.
Assistance: A facilitator will be assigned to each family to lead Transition Weekend activities with help from additional support providers. Accommodations will be available to students as needed.
Contact:
Bianca McArrell
mcarrell.1@osu.edu
(614) 292-9920
Tom Fish, Ph.D.
fish.1@osu.edu
(614) 292-7550
Application Deadline (download application in MS Word):
Ohio Transition Weekend Deadline: February 8, 2008
Feedback from Previous Transition Weekends:
"It was amazing. I like the new people I met and making new friends."
~Student
"I would encourage more parents to participate in this meeting and to begin considering transition needs at an earlier age."
~Parent
"I feel this was a very educational and learning experience and has given me some new goals as a parent to help in improving my child's future."
~Parent
