Supports for Transition-Aged Students with Disabilities

Description

(August 2022) Supports for Transition-Aged Students with Disabilities

This workshop will review how schools and the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)-Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) work together to provide transition supports for students with disabilities ages 14-21. Transition is the time when students are preparing for and entering into adulthood. A student with a disability is a student in special education (has an Individualized Education Program or IEP), has a 504 accommodations plan or has other medical or mental health documentation.

Alyssa Klein, MS, CRC Transition and Pre-Employment Transition Services Coordinator Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS )Alyssa has worked for Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) for 25 years. She began her tenure as a career guidance (VR) counselor for youth and adults with disabilities. In her current statewide role, she works on policy, leads interagency initiatives and provides training and technical assistance to VRS staff and stakeholders related to assisting youth with disabilities to be successful in postsecondary education and employment. Her primary interest is to see that all people with disabilities have the information, opportunities and supports needed to explore, prepare for and be successful in careers.

Lindsey Horowitz, Postsecondary Transition Specialist, MN Department of Education. Lindsey has worked in education for over 15 years. She began as a special education teacher in California, working with students of transition age. She came home to MN to work in Saint Paul Public Schools in multiple positions, including, special education transition teacher, lead teacher, peer coach and coordinator. She is also a former principal of a transition program in Minneapolis Public Schools as well as a director of special services for Brooklyn Center Schools. Lindsey is currently the Postsecondary Transition Specialist for the Minnesota Department of Education. She works together with families, districts, and other state agencies supporting increased outcomes for employment and postsecondary options for our youth.

Watch time: 52 minutes

Eligible Certificate of Completion time: 60 minutes