Transition Fair Presentations

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Future Planning: Navigating Resources and Supports for Your Child's Adult Life

Early planning for your child’s future will create a smoother transition from high school to adult life. Parent involvement and building a support network is critical to navigating this process successfully. This presentation will discuss the resources available to build a future plan for your child that is unique to his or her needs. The transition to adult life can feel overwhelming but can be managed with planning and a better understanding of the resources available so that you can launch your young adult successfully into the future. Join Diane Monnig, Director of Programs at The Arc of Northern Virginia, to learn about the public benefits available and how to access them, financial tools to safeguard financial eligibility for benefits, supported decision making, legal authority supports, employment, day support, post-secondary, and housing options.

Presenter: Diane Monnig, Director of Programs at the Arc of Northern Virginia

Guardianship in Virginia

Barbara Lloyd Kessinger, Esq., will provide an overview of guardianship proceedings in Virginia and summarize important recent Virginia Code changes. What is guardianship and when is it necessary? What distinguishes guardianship from conservatorship and what strategies can help avoid conservatorship? What are some alternatives to guardianship and when are they ? Ms. Kessinger will answer these and other questions during this breakout session as she addresses issues related to the incapacity or diminished capacity of your loved one.

Presenter: Barbara Lloyd Kessinger, Attorney with Lloyd Law, PLLC

Special Needs Trusts & ABLE Accounts

It is important to ensure that your child is financially secure when you are gone. In this presentation, learn about of Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts in safeguarding government benefits and ensuring your child’s personal needs and aspirations are met now and in the future.<

Presenter: Ana Hughes, Director of Trusts at the Arc of Northern Virginia

EMPLOY I, II, III and IV

All Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) high schools offer EMPLOY, which is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program for students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs). EMPLOY aligns with Virginia’s 21st Century Workplace Readiness Skills, which are a set of personal qualities, people skills, and professional abilities identified by Virginia employers and educators as essential for employee success in the workplace. EMPLOY offers students the opportunity to participate in class and community-based instruction where they learn about their interests and aptitudes and related career opportunities. Students develop the skills that will support their successful entry into the workplace, to include job search and retention skills. Join the presentation to learn more about EMPLOY, offered at the high school level.

Presenter: Lorri Jones and Rian Burnside, PWCS EMPLOY Teachers

Project SEARCH

Project SEARCH is a one-year Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) transition program that provides education and on-site job training to prepare students with disabilities, ages 18-22, to be ready for post-secondary success upon completion of their public education services. The youth participate in three 10-12-week unpaid internship experiences based on the youth's interest, skills, and abilities. The goal for Project SEARCH is integrated and competitive employment.

Presenter: Heather Brown, Project SEARCH Teacher; Theresa Polk, Skills Trainer at Didlake

Project Explore

Explore is a one-year Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) transition program that provides education and on-site job training to prepare students with disabilities, ages 18-22, to be ready for post-secondary success upon completion of their public education services. The youth participate in three 10-12-week unpaid internship experiences based on the youth's interest, skills, and abilities. The goal for Explore is competitive employment within the local community. Explore locations include Capitol Ridge Gracious Retirement Living (Western Business Partner) and Todos Neighborhood Market (Eastern Business Partner.)

Presenter: Shannon Scott Barham, Explore Teacher at Todos Neighborhood Market; Ann Johnson, Administrative Coordinator, Career & Transition Services

Postsecondary Education Isn't Always College

A college degree is not the only option for postsecondary education. Many nontraditional postsecondary educational options provide rewarding and lucrative employment with minimal financial investment. These include apprenticeship programs, career certificate programs, military, technical education, on-the-job training, and more. This session will also address options within PWCS for students to prepare for such a career path.

Presenters: Roger Styron and Jay Iacuele, PWCS Transition Specialists

The Skills & Beliefs of Self-Determination

Every day, the I’m Determined Project delves into numerous questions. What exactly does it entail to be self-determined? What specific actions align with self-determination? Is self-determination within reach for everyone? Join us for an enlightening session featuring members of the I’m Determined team, Cesar Dulanto III and Kendal Swartzentruber, as they recount tales of advocacy, resilience, camaraderie, and unwavering resolve. Expect to experience a spectrum of emotions, from laughter to tears, as you ponder, introspect, and most importantly, discover more about yourself, your capabilities, and the potential avenues you might explore on your journey towards self-determination.

Presenters: Cesar Dulanto III, I'm Determined Youth Leader; Kendal Swartzentruber, I'm Determined Coordinator

What are Medicaid Waivers & A Few Other Secrets

Virginia offers two Medicaid Waiver programs that are used by many individuals with disabilities. In this session, we will cover the basics focusing on the CCC Plus Waiver program (formerly the EDCD and Tech waivers). Learn the eligibility requirements, application process, services provided in the waivers, the wait list be given the opportunity to ask questions.

Presenters: Lucy Cantrell, The Arc of Virginia

NOVA Community College (NVCC) Admissions Process, Programs and Navigating Next Steps

Join Leilani Liguid and Collyn Alford in discussing the admissions process, programs offered, and navigating next steps at NVCC.

Presenters: Lelani Liguid and Collyn Alford, Outreach and Recruitment Coordinators