Workshop: Transition: Pathway to the Future

On 5/1/2012 at Mankato City Center Hotel from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Exhibits open from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Workshop Description: This FREE workshop will help parents of children with disabilities understand how to use the special education transition process to help plan for life after high school. Parents of students in the 9th grade and beyond are encouraged to attend.  Click here to register.

Transition is an important step in preparing students with a disability for life after high school.  Between the ages of 14-22, parents and students are encouraged to start thinking about life after high school.  SMILES Transition Program provides a bridge between the security of school and the opportunities and responsibilities of adult life by offering resources in areas of post secondary schooling, employment, housing and other areas of need.

SMILES offers Independent Living skills training to students within the school and community to assist with the transition process. We are currently working with students in the both Wells and Fairmont High Schools.  Staff members have been teaching students how to advocate for one self, develop employment skills, and budget money for living on your own after high school.

SMILES collaborates and networks with many organizations that provide a variety of services for students with disabilities by serving on local Community Transition Interagency Committees (CTIC) within our service area.  The committees consist of parents, students and staff from your school district and members from service agencies in and serving the county you reside in.

Look for the SMILES booth at the Mankato CTIC Open House preceding the PACER Workshop: Transition: Pathway to the Future on Tuesday, May 1^st from 6-7 pm at the Mankato City Center Hotel.

Participants in the workshop, which runs from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, will learn how to help students achieve their dreams and goals.  Parents of students in the ninth grade and beyond are encouraged to attend.  Workshop topics will include:

• Using the Individualized Education Program (IEP) to develop transition services
• Having high expectations
• Understanding the age of majority and transfer of rights to the student
• Identifying required transition areas for planning
• Learning about adult services

 Register for this workshop