Community Support Network 2023 ‘Virtual’ Transition Institute
Thank you for attending the 2023 Community Support Network Transition Institute, our annual conference on post-secondary transition covering topics ranging from employment options, inclusive college programs, social and recreational programs, systems navigation, self-advocacy, and policy issues.
- Please view session videos and other presenter materials below.
- Please also check out the video showcase on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/showcase/10160466
Conference Materials and Recorded Sessions
Please note, these sessions were presented at the CSN Transition Institute, January 25-27, 2023 and are available for viewing only. They are the sole property of CSN Transition Institute at Westchester Institute for Human Development and should not be replicated or shared without express permission from the owner.
Wednesday, January 25th
Morning Breakout Sessions: 8:00am, 9:00am & 10:30am
Ask the Experts: School Administrator Q/A- How to best work with students to hear their voice
Presenter: Mariela Adams
Session Description:Join Mariela Adams for a conversation about engagement of self-advocates.Mariela is part of the WHID Community Support Network and a LEND Faculty member. As part of her role within the Hear Our Voices Organization, Mariela works closely with Self-advocates empowering them to tell their story in an effective way. Join her for an hour of conversation about working with self-advocates, engaging them in productive discussions about their life and exchanging concrete suggestions on how to incorporate their voices in their educational program. How can schools provide access to these teaching tools to develop a local speaker’s network supporting students on their path to self-advocacy?
Working While on Benefits
Presenters: Michael Beloff
Session Description: With the increase in emphasis on paid employment for individuals with disabilities, navigating how earned income will effect the benefits and services these individuals rely on can be extremely challenging. This workshop goes into detail on how earned income effects government benefits such as SSI, Medicaid, SNAP, SSDI and Medicare, as well as strategies to mitigate the effects. For each of these benefits examples will be given on how earned income may affect that benefit.
Planning for College Success and Preparing for IHED
Presenters: Samantha Viscovich, Lorraine Termini, Irina Cain
Session Description: Since the enactment of the Higher Education Opportunity Act in 2008, attending college has become a reality for many students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In this time, we have learned a lot about how students with IDD meet higher expectations when fully included in learning and working opportunities with their peers in institutions of higher education. At the same time, we have also learned more about how we can better prepare younger students for college success. This presentation identifies the areas of training and specific skills that are essential in preparing for a successful college experience. This presentation will also discuss methods of aligning these skills with individualized education program (IEP) goals and objectives, and the roles of those involved in the decision-making process.
What does transition look like?
Presenters: Lynn Giles-Harris, Judy Harrington, Rick Healy
Session Description: The presenters will describe the transition related work they do for and with students to prepare them to be career and college ready. They will explain the importance of collaboration in providing best practices and comprehensive opportunities for post high school success inclusive of community agencies. Additionally, they will discuss the ways in which they help students of all abilities prepare to enter life after high school.
Self-Direction 101 – An Overview
Presenter: Cayle White
Session Description:What is the OPWDD’s Self-Direction and how does it compare with traditional agency services? How do we apply and and I or my family member even eligible? How does it work with other government benefits and and can I even have all of these at the same time? A conversation about Self-Direction with special tips on how to navigate the process and maximize your resource budget.
Financial Strategies for individuals and Families
Presenters: James Traylor
Session Description: We will review how to maximize benefits and services in NYS to create the income necessary for independent living. Topics will include government benefits, rules/compliance, and how to properly supplement benefits using private funds, ABLE accounts and Supplemental Needs Trusts.
Management of HealthCare Transition for Young Adults with IDD
Presenters: Jennifer Manganello, Izel Obermeyer
Session Description: There is a distinct difference between pediatric and adult health care, and it is essential for individuals with disabilities and their families to understand how to navigate this transition. This presentation will share key elements of health care transition (HCT) for adolescents and young adults (AYA) with disabilities. The role of primary care in the support of adults with disabilities and their families will be the focus of ensuring access to developmentally appropriate care. The WIHD model of services will be shared and a discussion will be lead around the benefits of building a partnership with service providers that can meet a wide array of health care needs in one convenient location. We will also share how WIHD’s family of physicians can play a key role in improving the quality-of-life of individuals with disabilities and their families when they embark on the journey of transitioning from adolescence to adulthood.
Planning for College Success and Preparing for IHED
Presenters: Samantha Viscovich, Lorraine Termini, Irina Cain
Session Description: Since the enactment of the Higher Education Opportunity Act in 2008, attending college has become a reality for many students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In this time, we have learned a lot about how students with IDD meet higher expectations when fully included in learning and working opportunities with their peers in institutions of higher education. At the same time, we have also learned more about how we can better prepare younger students for college success. This presentation identifies the areas of training and specific skills that are essential in preparing for a successful college experience. This presentation will also discuss methods of aligning these skills with individualized education program (IEP) goals and objectives, and the roles of those involved in the decision-making process.
Education and Training for Life After High School
Presenter: Robin L. Davies-Small
Session Description: Education and training can continue even after a student graduates or exits school. Yes She Can is dedicated to helping young women with autism and related disabilities develop transferable job skills and workplace social skills – through authentic work experience, serving teen girls in transition from high school to adulthood and young women with autism spectrum disorders in an inclusion setting at Girl AGain boutique. This program will highlight heir offerings and share ideas for how students can continue learning and building skills.
Incorporating an End-Goal Mindset Throughout Education Years
Presenters: Colleen O Sullivan, Naomi Brickel, Debbie Goddard, Beth Poague
Session Description: The most successful planning for life after high school begins in PreK. This session will offer ideas and strategies for a setting the foundation for a rich, full, and inclusive life after high school. Transition should not start at 15. This panel presentation will highlight perspectives and insights from personal and professional experiences about fostering empowerment, independence, and high expectations throughout the education years.
Afternoon Breakout Sessions: 12:00pm, 2:00pm & 4:00pm
Think College – for every student!
Presenters: Join us for this panel discussion facilitated by award-winning documentary filmmaker Dan Habib featuring families with experience in inclusive postsecondary education and Think College Program Director Cate Weir. The panel will discuss how 2- and 4-year college programs can be a possibility – perhaps even an expectation – for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Social-Emotional Learning and Supportive Environments Increase Academic Achievement and Post-Secondary Success in People with Learning Disabilities
Presenters: Marinda Weaver, Michele Heimbauer, Amber DeBono, Jeremy Antar
Session Description: Winston Preparatory School (Winston), a school exclusively for students with learning disabilities (SwLD), has an exceptional record of student success (e.g., college attendance, employment) compared to the general SwLD population (DeBono et al., 2022) and consistently show annual improvements in their students’ academic achievement (e.g., Reading Comprehension), even during the pandemic. What explains these impressive outcomes? Across multiple studies, the social-emotional skills (SEL, e.g., self-reflection) explicitly taught at Winston predicted academic achievement and several indicators of student success. Supportive environments provided by both teachers and parents partially explain this success. One study revealed that most SwLD felt supported by their teachers and parents when they felt listened to and understood. This presentation will include methods and strategies that promote supportive environments and develop explicit SEL skills in students, so that teachers and administrators can work to improve academic achievement and student success with their own SwLD.
OPWDD’s Employment and Vocational Service Options
Presenters: Bryan Bischoff, Kristine Snyder
Session Description: Young adults, parents, school faculty, professionals and others engaged in the transition planning process are invited to join representatives from the Office for People with Development Disabilities (OPWDD) to learn more about OPWDD, how to become eligible for supports and services, the types of supports and services available and where to get assistance. This presentation will focus on the employment and vocational service options offered by OPWDD and its provider agencies. If you are a young adult preparing to get a job when you exit school -or someone supporting a young adult preparing to get a job- this presentation is for you!
College is Possible! Postsecondary Education for Students with Intellectual Disability
Presenter: Cate Weir
Session Description: Many students with intellectual disability may have thought (or been told) that college is not in their future. This session will explode that myth, describing the postsecondary experiences that are available and sharing a resource where you can learn more about all the 314 college and university programs for students with intellectual disability in the US currently.
Mental Health Supports: Self Advocate Session
Presenter: Michael Orth, Mariela Adams
Session Description: Mental Health Supports for I/DD and Self-Advocates is a commonly asked questions. Hear from Westchester County Office of Mental Health Commissioner, Michael Orth, and Self-Advocates that have navigated these services.
Evening Breakout Sessions: 6:00pm & 7:15pm
Moving the Body to Calm the Mind and Mindfulness and Chakra for Self Regulation
Presenter: Susan Varsames, Yael Sunshine
Session Description: Discover the power of simple movement to support the Special Needs population. We will explore how grounding the body helps to: develop and sustain emotional regulation and calm, increase focus and support the implementation of new coping strategies. Learn how and why a whole body approach is a whole person approach.
Personal Money Management Skills
Presenter: Connor Tyson
Session Description: Learn the habits and behaviors of successful personal finance. Learn the basic money management skills. Tell your money where to go versus wonder where it went. Lay the foundation for self independent money management skills.
Intelligent Lives: Movie Screening
Presenter: Dan Habib
Session Description: Dan Habib ‘s 2018 documentary, Intelligent Lives, examines our society’s narrow perceptions of intelligence. The Intelligent Lives project also contains four short films focusing on effective practices in transition for youth with disabilities from high school to higher education and employment. This will be a moderated session with Mr. Habib.
Thursday, January 26th
Morning Breakout Sessions: 8:00am, 9:00am & 10:30am
Transition Thought Exchange: Developing and Implementing a Project SEARCH model
Presenter: Yvette Goorevitch
Session Description: The presentation will describe the development and implementation of Project SEARCH models in a variety of communities. Project SEARCH is a replication model originally developed in the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital leading to entry level employment for persons with developmental disabilities. Strategies for planning, development and collaborative implementation with host sites, adult community based agencies, and school districts with be described. Attendees will have an opportunity to hear from Project SEARCH self advocates about the impact of the experience on their long term person centered plans.
Residential Transition Programs
Presenter: Shep Baum, Alison Krause, Catherine Sullivan DeCarlo, Suzanne Gregory, Jennifer Feagle, John Tomasetti, Leah Love, John Morgan, Pia Lauder
Session Description: Residential Programs focusing on vocational and independent living skills, are an option for some students with disabilities after high school. In this session representatives from several private tuition-funded will provide overviews of their Transition programs and offerings.
Advanced Self-Direction Topics and Hacks
Presenter: Laura Heisler
Session Description: This presentation will enable you to maximize using your self directed budget via outlines, guides, tips and forms that streamline and organize accounting, scheduling and hiring. This interactive session is for parents who want to better understand the guidelines and usage of a self directed budget in a creative and non traditional way.
Transition To College
Presenter: Carin Horowitz
Session Description: This session will guide attendees as they navigate the transition from high school special education to college disability services, for those who are degree seeking in college. Differences in applicable laws will be discussed, as will accommodations at college, questions to ask when looking for the right match, student responsibilities and support programs available in higher education.
How to Access Social Groups for Self-Advocates
Presenter: Brendan Klein
Session Description: Join CSN’s staff member and Self-Advocate Brendan Klein who will review the many ways that Self-Advocates can join in on social events. Ways to build a social network through social media platforms, in-person events and online/remote events, and other options will be discussed.
Post-Secondary Pathways for Neurodivergent Students
Presenter: Suzanne Gregory, John Morgan, Pia Lauder
Session Description: How do we assess neurodivergent students’ skills to determine realistic next steps after high school? Presenter will share information and tools that will allow professionals and families to choose between post-secondary educational and training options in an informed way.
Afternoon Breakout Sessions: 12:00pm, 2:00pm & 4:00pm
Small Businesses – Hiring those with I/DD
Presenter: Kim Kaczmarek, Laurie Cameron, Alison Berkley, Lisa Jacoby
Session Description: People with disabilities are a critical part of the workforce, especially for local small businesses. Learn from 3 businesses that primarily employ people with disabilities as they discuss how they started, what they look for in employees, and how those employees provide much needed services.
Using In-School Predictors to Improve Outcomes for Youth with Autism: What the Research Tells Us
Presenter: Leslie Shaw, Hassan Enayati, Katie Brendli Brown
Session Description: This presentation will provide parents, family members, school professionals, and other related stakeholders with a better understanding of different in-school predictors of positive post-school outcomes for youth with disabilities, with a particular emphasis on predictors for youth with autism. The presenters will also introduce a practitioner tool, based on research findings from Cornell University’s Project ATTAIN (Autism Transition to Adulthood Initiative) led by Drs. Leslie Shaw, Katie Brendli Brown, and Hassan Enayati. This project studies transition predictors for youth with autism including but not limited to the vulnerable population of youth with autism receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Using existing longitudinal data viewed through an intersectional lens, our presentation will provide a deep examination of the factors that influence transition outcomes for youth.
Finding a College That Fits You – The Search for An Inclusive Post-Secondary Program
Presenter: Patrick Foraker, Beth Foraker
Session Description: Your child with an intellectual disability is completing high school…what is next? For many, this time is called Falling Off A Cliff for a reason. Supports go away and you need to find your way on your own. One family shares their journey to finding an inclusive post-secondary program that felt like a good fit…and shares the inside scoop of what inclusive college is like.
Making Dating and Relationships Easier
Presenter: Kathy O’Connell
Session Description: Living in a society where people with disabilities are treated equally and fairly is the goal of any good organization. There is a huge element that is rarely addressed if at all in many groups that is stifling the equality of people with disabilities. If we want to see holistic success we have to address dating and healthy relationships.
Many uncomfortable and harmful circumstances, stemming from people not having relationship skills, can arise. Sometimes in not knowing how to address such issues, they get swept under the rug.” Imagine if you were told these feelings were wrong and should be avoided? There is a way to address the social and emotional challenges of dating and relationships for people with disabilities so they can expertly navigate them. This not only enhances relationship skills but also helps develop better boundaries, increases self esteem and confidence, and improves mental health for pursuing goals.
Marcus’s Journey to Living Independently
Presenter: Cindy Romanowski
Session Description: Marcus is 24 years old, autistic, minimally verbal, and is in his 4th year of living independently with self direction supports. Shortly after completing high school at age 21, Marcus signed his own lease and moved into an apartment with 2 friends. Although his IQ is only 57, his family used his “love of routine” to create a predictable environment for him and his friends. Shared staff and living expenses make this model FINANCIALLY SUSTAINABLE. Discover how we created a budget, trained staff, encouraged independence, and used technology to reduce needed staff and increase independence.
Evening Breakout Sessions: 6:00pm
Passing the Torch – and Soaring into Adulthood
Presenter: Vicki Doucet, Casey Schmalacker
Session Description: The transition towards adulthood isn’t easy for anybody. The journey towards being fully responsible for ourselves is filled with struggle, trial and error, yet can be a powerfully rewarding experience. Individuals with varying needs transition may look different, but there are certain tenets that is shared across all populations. Learning to ‘pass the torch’ is a key concept in encouraging the development of the skills necessary to live independently. This presentation will go through (1) the learning process, (2) why transitions are difficult, (3) key domains of encouraging independence, (4) how parents can both encourage and limit the development of independence and and (5) strategies for both parents and their children to navigate this journey.
The Parent/Caregiver’s Role in Life-skills development: Training and Decision Support
Presenter: Janine Belfast
Session Description: Life-skills are those skills needed for our loved ones to live their most independent life. They include hygiene, self-care, accessing healthcare, accessing employment and training resources, and money management. This workshop provides parent/caregivers with a framework for both helping their loved one to master life-skills, and supporting them in making the decisions that need to be made in these areas.
The 5 Steps to Making Friends, Being More Social, and Finding Love with Neurodiversity
Presenter: Ilana Frank, Jeremy Hamburgh
Session Description: Jeremy and Ilana demystify the process for meeting new people and share 5 simple, science-based steps that help you, or your young adult, make new friends, start dating, and build relationships. You’ll leave the presentation with a step-by-step guide to having more seamless conversations that can create a spark.
The Future of Young Adults with a Disability – and how to change it
Presenter: John Keating
Session Description: Since the closure of workshops and new regulations for funding that must include inclusion, The disabled population hasn’t made much progress regarding employment, post high school academic programs or housing. This workshop describes the truth about how this population can break away from its norm and excel in any area they choose.
Friday, January 27th
Morning Breakout Sessions: 8:00am, 9:00am & 10:30am
Self-Direction What’s it all about? A basic guide for schools
Presenter: Laura Arrington
Session Description: Self-Direction offers personal choice for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to make decisions over the delivery of Medicaid waiver and state funded services that provide the supports they will need after high school through the adult system. Self-Direction gives families and individuals flexibility, choices, and control over their supports and services each individual needs for a healthy, happy and productive life. Self-direction is the model of choice for most young adults entering the OPWDD system, and it is critical that educators and families understand how it works.
This webinar will discuss:
- An overview of Self-Direction for school personal
- Explore ways for schools to help individuals prepare for life after high school through Self-Direction
- Discuss how school personal can support families in transition planning for Self-Directed services and make the critical connections and preparations before students exit
Preparing for Adult Services
Presenter: Debbie Goddard
Session Description: This presentation will give an overview of the different adult service systems which must be accessed by families in order to receive continued support services or programming for young adults as they prepare to exit from high school seeking employment opportunities, independence in their community and continued learning. Suggestions will be provided for parents to consider as they prepare for the many changes that can be expected as their child transitions from special education to adulthood.
Planning for the Transition to 2 & 4-Year Colleges
Presenter: Joyce Hawk
Session Description: Academic ability alone is often not enough to ensure a smooth transition to a college/university setting and the attainment of a higher education degree. School personnel, families of young adults with disabilities and college-bound students themselves, will benefit from this session which shares important points for consideration. Highlights include the major differences from high school; the process of accessing accommodations; forms of disability documentation and other possible challenges that may be encountered. By understanding the changes in environment, expectations, responsibilities and available supports, a student’s confidence can be improved. Ideas for transition activities that can be provided to better prepare young adults with the skills they need for a successful college experience, will be offered.
Five Important Things Parents Need to Know About Transition
Presenter: Laurie Levine
Session Description: The Five Most Important Things a Parent Needs to Know about the Transition Process. Presenter will share with the participants what she has learned as a Transition Specialist working with parents of students with disabilities. During her presentation she will focus on these five important points that help ensure a successful transition.
- How parents can help their children/young adults develop self advocacy skills. Helping their child understand their own transition goals – Student Directed IEP Process
- How can parents take a proactive role in driving the transition process.
- How to develop successful partnerships with schools. How to work effectively with school personnel- school’s responsibilities, importance of point person
- How parents can realistically determine what their goals are for their child-
- How to navigate adult service systems – OPWDD, ACCES, SSI, Medicaid – What are different roles of professionals.
Introduction to: Medicaid Waiver, Self-Direction, and Independent Housing
Presenter: Donna Maxon
Session Description: This session will offer an introduction to Medicaid Waiver benefits through OPWDD, basic components of Self-Direction, and the connection between Self Direction and strong independent housing plans that build bright futures. Topics to be explored include: 1. Medicaid Waiver and OPWDD: Basics of the HCBS Waiver program and how to obtain eligibility 2. Self-Direction: Fundamentals of Self Direction and Steps to Take 3. Independent Housing Plans: Tips and Tools for Success 4. Questions and Answers
How Day Habilitation Programs Help Build Skills
Presenter: Ed Shultz, Jeremy Scalchunes, Jacie Feuer, Noreen O’Connor, Jennifer Havrilla, Nicole Sugrue, Amy Lusk-Mannfold, Elizabeth Pugo
Session Description: Day Habilitation Programs can assist people to acquire, retain or improve their self-help, socialization and adaptive skills, including communication, travel and other areas. Programs are designed to foster the development of skills and appropriate behavior, greater independence, community inclusion, relationship building, self-advocacy and informed choice. In this session, regional agencies will provide overviews of their offerings.
How to Work with Employers to Increase Employment for People with Disabilities
Presenter: Tracy Powell-Rudy, Sara Hart Weir, Tom Cory
Session Description: Join us to hear from 3 organizations that have been successful in placing people with disabilities into competitive integrated positions within a wide array of companies. How can people with I/DD be beneficial to companies? What skills are important to work on while still in school?
Social Groups/classes/programs using Self Direction
Presenter: Kathleen Macias-Torres, Ellie Arnemann, Austin Cunney, Doug Dulin
Session Description: Social groups in the community play an important role in helping prepare young people for adulthood. Join us in this session to learn about various community offerings in our area, many of which can be funded with Self-Direction.
Afternoon Breakout Sessions: 12:00pm
Legislative Town Hall with Commissioner Neifeld
Presenter: Kerrie E Neifeld (Commissioner), Rebecca Seawright (NYS Assembly Member), Chris Burdick (NYS Assembly Member), Susan Fox (President & CEO, WIHD), Naomi Brickel (Associate UCEDD Director, Community Support and Public Policy, WIHD)
Session Description:This year’s Legislative Town Hall general session will include a dialogue with the new chairperson of the NYS Assembly People with Disabilities committee, Rebecca Seawright, and OPWDD Commissioner Kerri E. Neifeld facilitated by our local Assemblymember, Chris Burdick, who is also a Disability Committee Member. Chris will pose questions on Self-direction, Housing, Employment, Supported Decision-Making, the DSP shortage, and others. If you are or have a loved one in the OPWDD system, don’t miss this! No time is more important than now to become educated and informed in order to advocate on behalf of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities!
Thank you to our sponsors!
