Free Webinar: Transition Planning and Pathways for Students Transitioning to Post-Secondary: The Importance of Planning with the End in Mind
Tuesday, November 25, 2014 from 3:30PM – 4:45PM
For secondary students with learning disabilities (LDs), planning for the transition to post-secondary is an important and multi-faceted process. This webinar will explore the various components of, and considerations for, the transition planning process and will cover a variety of topics.
The webinar will begin with a discussion on why planning for transition is important, with a review of key Ministry documents, including PPM No. 156: Supporting Transitions for Students with Special Education Need and PPM No. 8: Identification of and Program Planning for Students with LDs. Additionally, the roles of the Individual Education Plan and the Individual Transition Plan will be discussed.
The next section of the webinar will address: Transition pathways – further education, employment, community life; core skills required for accessing each pathway; assumed level of independence for pathways (self-advocacy, student involvement); individualized pathway planning; the role of the Transition Advisory Committee; and existing community supports. This section will also examine what student services look like at the post-secondary level as well as the statistics on unemployment and dropout rates for youth with disabilities.
The webinar will conclude with a review of the many resources available to assist with transition planning, e.g. “Transition Planning: A Resource Guide”, “Growing Together”, sample transition plans, etc., followed by a question & answer period.
Presenter: Ryan Machete, Transitions Facilitator, Peel District School Board
Ryan Machete is the Transitions Facilitator for the Peel District School Board (PDSB). Ryan works with students in special education of all ages and designations, both identified and non-identified. His role is to ensure that by connecting schools and families with community partners and resources, the student is able to make a successful transition into adulthood in any of the pathways (employment, post-secondary, and community).
Ryan was a Job Developer with the Coalition for Persons with Disabilities before working with the school board for over 5 years. He also coordinated the Work Readiness Program, and Student Transition Program in partnership with the PDSB during that time.