A Guide for Transition to Adulthood

Updated in 2021, OAR’s Life Journey Through Autism: A Guide for Transition to Adulthood (2nd ed.) provides an overview of the transition to adulthood process. Packed with evidence-based tips, resource recommendations, informational handouts, and activities, the guide includes information about how to:

Initiate the transition planning process and engage your child, their family and friends, the school’s professional staff, and representatives from adult service systems as members of your child’s transition team.

Prepare for the changes in available supports and legal protections that accompany the transition to adulthood.

Center the transition plan around the interests and strengths of your child.

Equip your child with the self-determination skills they need to advocate for themselves, problem-solve, set goals, and develop a plan for their own future.

Prepare your child to navigate higher education, employment, independent living, and other relevant aspects of adulthood.

A Guide for Transition to Adulthood is available as an interactive, fillable PDF download and as a physical guidebook with detachable activities. 

You can find more information and download or order (free) the guide here. 

Archived Video Presentation - My College Life: Students with Intellectual Disability Share Their Lived Experiences

 My College Life: Students with Intellectual Disability Share Their Lived Experiences

Students with intellectual disability are increasingly identifying college as a goal, but far too few have actually had the option. It’s been nearly 20 years since the first inclusive college programs began and still, just 2% of school-age students with intellectual disability are attending college. It’s time to change that! The “Think Higher. Think College.” Public Awareness campaign was created to educate and inform families, students, teachers, school administrators, transition and vocational rehabilitation professionals, and higher education faculty and staff about what’s possible for students with intellectual disability. Join this AUCD (Association of University Centers on Disabilities) webinar to hear from a panel of college students about their experiences; watch the “Think Higher. Think College.” Campaign video; and get access to new resources for students, families, and educators, plus campaign tools to spread the word about college access for students with intellectual disability

You can view the archived webinar here. 

Services for Young Adults with Disabilities - Regardless of Waiver

Register here.

Assessment Strategies for Autism and Communication in Middle and High School Students (virtual training)

Registration for this training has closed.  

April 21   1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

May 4      1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

(same content each date)

This virtual training will address: 

            1. breaking down male and female presentation of autism in adolescents;

            2. understanding the impact of previous interventions on current presentation;

            3. assessment strategies that align with the OPI autism criteria;

            4. Does the student have autism, emotional disturbance or both? 

            5. What's next? --what types of interventions are available, why interventions are necessary (poor outlook for job acquisition/retention, post-secondary education and emotional health, etc.)

This training is free from the OPI and three OPI renewal units are available for attending the training.

UM ranks top 10 in assisting students with autism

The University of Montana is getting national attention as it was recently ranked the seventh best school for assisting its students with autism. 

The rankings are from bestvalueschools.com. The schools were ranked based on the quality of support it provides in five categories to make students with autism happier and SAFER: 

• Social (peer mentoring, social skills development, group activities, etc.)
• Academic (tutoring, study hall)
• Functioning (life coaching, daily check-ins, help navigating campus, advocacy support)
• Employment (career training, interview help, job connections)
• Residential (designated living quarters, single-room options, knowledgeable resident assistants)

The University of Montana has an organization called MOSSAIC, which stands for Mentoring, Organization and Social Support for Autism and All Inclusion on Campus. 

Senior Hedy Dolan was drawn to UM, from Colorado, because of the program. 

Read more here. 

 WAVES 2020-21 Session Archives Available

Hopefully you’ve taken advantage of the free professional development opportunities that the Wyoming Department of Education provided this past semester. We know how hard you’ve been working to meet the needs of Wyoming students. If you missed a session or two, we’ve got you covered. Educators can access all the WAVES recordings and materials  below, or visit the Wyoming Instructional Network [lnks.gd]. 

WAVES 20-21 Session Archives [lnks.gd]

IDEA Legal Issues in COVID School Closures: FAPE, Compensatory Services, Other Issues - Jose Martin

There are special factors for IEP teams to consider during the pandemic. This session provides excellent guidance to assist you:

• Presentation slides [lnks.gd]
• Presentation video [lnks.gd]

What About Us? PLC at Work Process for Grades Pre-K – 2 - Brian Butler and his co-authors 

Discover how to achieve the full potential of preK-2 classrooms through proven best practices aligned to the PLC at Work® process. Learn how to work in collaborative teams to determine essential standards, design assessments, monitor student progress, and more.

• Agenda [lnks.gd]
• Handout: What About Us? Reproducibles. [lnks.gd]
• Presentation slides [lnks.gd]

Conducting Comprehensive Evaluations - Bart Lyman

Explore the foundations and identify the specific components of a comprehensive evaluation.

• Presentation slides [lnks.gd]
• Presentation video [lnks.gd]

Modern Issues in Least Restrictive Environment: Does the Mandate Really Apply Equally in All Context? - Jose Martin 

LRE is a foundation of IDEA. This will walk you through all the components to consider.

• Presentation slides [lnks.gd]
• Presentation video [lnks.gd]

Goal Writing (K-12 focus) - Dr. Tessie Bailey

An overview of strategies for setting high quality Academic and Behavioral IEP Goals.

• Presentation slides [lnks.gd]
• Presentation video [lnks.gd]
• Handout: Strategies for Setting Data-Driven Academic IEP Goals [lnks.gd]
• Handout: Strategies for Setting High-Quality Behavioral IEP Goals [lnks.gd]

Comprehensive Evaluations & Observations for Early Childhood Pre-K – 2 - Annastashia Teepe

Take an in-depth look into conducting comprehensive evaluations and observations for children ages 3 - 8 as part of the referral process for special education. 

• Presentation slides [lnks.gd]
• Presentation video [lnks.gd]
• Handout: Time on Task Template [lnks.gd]

Addressing Postsecondary Transition: Student with Complex Needs - Ellen Condon

Find ways to encourage families, young adults, and support staff to stretch their thinking in the possibilities of postsecondary transition.

• Presentation slides [lnks.gd]
• Presentation video [lnks.gd]
• Handout: Unpaid Work Experiences, Volunteering, and Internships [lnks.gd]

MTSS 101 (K-12 focus) - Bart Lyman

Develop a basic understanding of MTSS components, learn the benefits of utilizing the framework, and begin to evaluate current practices through an MTSS lens.

• Presentation slides [lnks.gd]
• Presentation video [lnks.gd]

Social Emotional Panel Discussion (Early Childhood focus) Panelists - Nikki Baldwin, Kathy Buchanan, Laura Fowler, Nicole George, and Tiffany Hunt

Panelists discuss some practical strategies/suggestions for educators to provide social emotional learning and support for our children and families while ensuring a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), while providing tips on how teachers can feel supported in their own social/emotional well-being among the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Presentation video [lnks.gd]

Trauma-Informed Care (K-12 focus) - Clark Fairbanks and Wendy Gaunter

• Presentation slides [lnks.gd]
• Presentation video (K-12 focus) [lnks.gd]
• Presentation video (Early Childhood focus) [lnks.gd] 

Trauma-Informed Care (Early Childhood focus) - Clark Fairbanks and Wendy Gaunter

• Presentation slides [lnks.gd]
• Presentation video [lnks.gd]

Woodcock Johnson/Review of General Administration Procedures -  Dan Mayer

• Presentation slides [lnks.gd]
• Presentation video [lnks.gd]

Visual Impairment Eligibility Determination - Leslie Van Orman 

• Presentation slides [lnks.gd]
• Presentation video [lnks.gd]
• Handout: Letter to Kotler [lnks.gd]
• Handout: OSEP Memo 17-05 [lnks.gd]

Overcoming Poor Quality Tier 1 through Effective Implementation of High Leverage Practices/Evidence Based Practices - Dr. Tessie Bailey

Develop a quality Tier I through the selection and implementation of High Leverage Practices/Evidence Based Practices.

• Presentation slides [lnks.gd]
• Handout: Tier 1 High-Leverage and Evidence-Based Practices [lnks.gd]

Kindergarten Transition & Executive Functioning Skills - Deana Smith, Nikki Baldwin, and Amy Reyes

During this session, you will find ways to improve Kindergarten transition, help your students develop or improve their social/emotional and executive functioning skills, and learn strategies and ideas from teachers within the state  to help your student’s transition be more successful as they enter kindergarten. 

• Presentation slides [lnks.gd] (Deana Smith)
• Presentation slides [lnks.gd] (Nikki Baldwin)
• Presentation slides [lnks.gd] (Albany County)
• Presentation slides [lnks.gd] (Amy Reyes)
• Handout: Understanding and Supporting Transitions in Early Childhood Education [lnks.gd]
• Presentation slides: Brit Hoyt, Kate Kool, and Alex Goe [lnks.gd] (Teton County)
• Presentation Video: Kindergarten Transition & Executive Functioning Skills [lnks.gd] 

Avoiding Pitfalls in the IEP Process: Don’t fall prey to some commonly overlooked components of the IEP process - Stephanie Weaver

• Presentation video IN THE IEP PROCESS [lnks.gd] 
• Presentation slides ECE Goal Writing Strategies [lnks.gd] 
• Handout Overview of Goal Setting Strategies [lnks.gd] 

Goal Writing Strategies for Early Childhood: An overview of strategies for setting high quality Pre-Academic and Functional  IEP Goals - Dr. Tessie Bailey

• Presentation video Early Childhood Goal Writing Strategies (Pre-Academic/Functional) [lnks.gd] 
• Presentation slides ECE Goal Writing Strategies [lnks.gd] 
• Handout Overview of Goal Setting Strategies [lnks.gd] 

High School Teachers - OPI Training for Linking Assessment and Instruction for Independence (virtual)

This one-day workshop from STAR Autism Support provides participants with information on how to implement evidence-based practices for secondary students using the Links Curriculum. Participants will learn to use a process for assessing and teaching functional routines. Extensive information will be given on selecting and individualizing routines and teaching specific skills to support success during routines.

The Links Curriculum includes extensive data collection systems and participants will learn to collect and use data for instructional decision making, tracking student progress and writing IEP Goals. Video examples and video practice activities will be incorporated into the workshop. An on-line computerized system will be demonstrated with hands-on practice by the participants. Attendees will receive one year of access to the LINKS online curriculum.

The trainings are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a one-hour lunch break.

Attendees will receive six weeks of access to the LINKS online curriculum. 

The training dates are: 

February 19

March 18

April 14

You can register here. 

Archived Webinar - Family-Centered Planning and ASD

Research demonstrates the effectiveness of Family-Centered Transition Planning in increasing student and parent expectations for adult life, student career decision-making, and student participation in employment and post-secondary education. Learn the latest sustainable processes for implementing a Family-Centered Transition Planning model for youth and young adults with autism spectrum disorders.

View the webinar here at the Autism Research Institute.

Movin' On in Montana

An Enhanced E-mentoring Experience

We will host an adapted summer experience (schedule below) in response to CoVid 19. Rather than spending 4 days and 3 nights on campus, participating high school students will attend webinars on the first three Thursdays in June and then choose a one-day campus event that will be partially staffed by the MSUB student mentors.

Before each webinar, participants will receive a package containing materials appropriate to the topic and Movin’ On promotional items. In addition, there will be surprise gifts worthy of envy. Each box will be packed at least a week before mailing to ensure the contents have no trace of the virus.

The day on campus will be packed with information and a few more surprises. Masks will be provided and required when social distancing is not possible. The facility will be disinfected prior to each group.

Books, fees, tuition, & meals will continue to be provided at no charge to students accepted into the program.

To apply, click the appropriate application link:

• School Initiated Application
• Student-Initiated Application
• Parent/Guardian Initiated Application

See more information here. 

Archived - Aging Out: Autism In Montana

Each year, more children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, but the framework of care drastically changes for them after adolescence. The tidal wave of children transitioning into adulthood leaves many families on a search for help and structure. 

Follow Montana families as they recognize their fears and explore their options for the future.

Watch the show here.

Emerging Practices for Supporting Students on the Autism Spectrum in Higher Education:

A Guide for Higher Education Professionals

Get Ready for College

Course Overview

"Get Ready for College: A Resource for Teens with Disabilities" is a free series of online lessons, each focusing on a different aspect in the college preparation, selection, and disability services process. These online lessons contain video presentations and resources that can be used to equip students and others with the knowledge and skills for the transition to postsecondary education. Topics include the differences between high school and college, postsecondary education and training, selecting a college best fit, getting accommodations in college, and what you can do now in high school to prepare for college.

Organization of Course

The course is self-paced and divided into eight lessons. Self-paced allows you to have access to narrated, recorded presentations and resources for you to review at your own pace. Please note, this course does not have an assigned instructor, however, at any time, you can visit the course "web board" and post questions you have regarding any of the lesson topics.

Audience

Whether you're a student, family member, educator, school counselor, college disability support services staff, vocational rehabilitation counselor, or an individual with a disability who wants to learn more about going to college, "Get Ready for College" will provide you with the college planning information necessary in the transition.
Students, grades 9-12, who are interested in attending college and have a desire to take a self-paced online class to learn more about the skills and knowledge necessary for postsecondary success.
Teachers and School Counselors interested in utilizing the course content to equip individual students or groups who are interested in gaining information to successfully navigate the college preparation, selection, and disability services process.

Read more here.

Links Secondary Workshop: Linking Assessment and Instruction for Independence

Links Secondary Workshop: Linking Assessment and Instruction for Independence

Bozeman          March 9   Comfort Inn    1370 N 7th Ave #2512
 
Billings           March 10    Quality Inn   2036 Overland Ave
 
Missoula         March 30    WIngate Inn   5252 Airway Blvd

This one-day workshop provides participants with information on how to implement evidence-based practices for secondary students using the Links Curriculum. Participants will learn to use a process for assessing and teaching functional routines that has been documented in the research. Extensive information will be given on selecting and individualizing routines and teaching specific skills to support success during routines. 

The Links Curriculum includes extensive data collection systems and participants will learn to collect and use data for instructional decision making, tracking student progress and writing IEP Goals. Video examples and video practice activities will be incorporated into the workshop. An on-line computerized system will be demonstrated with hands-on practice by the participants.

Attendees of the Links workshop will also need to bring their laptops or tablets to the workshop. 

Attendance at the workshop will include access to the Links Curriculum until 6/30/2020. Attendance is limited to 30 people. 

Register here. 

Archived Webinar - Living on Your Own Series : Part3: Taking Care of Meal Planning - Technology for Grocery Shopping, Cooking, and More

This third workshop in the ‘Living on Your Own’ 3-part series demonstrates apps and devices for meal planning, making a grocery list, and following cooking instructions to help adults with disabilities live more independently.

View the archived webinar here.

Practical Strategies to Help Make Transitions Easier for All

We all make transitions many times a day. Transitions are when you must change from one activity or setting to another. They require a certain level of understanding of expectations, along with the ability to shift attention from one task or routine to another.

Here are some practical strategies to help make transitions easier:

1. Plan and Discuss Transitions
Just like us, children do better when they know what to expect. If you know they only have a half-hour to play in the playground, discuss that with them before you get there. Similarly, if you know you will need to go and get groceries after picking them up from school, let them know the plan before dropping them off in the morning. If they know what to expect, they will be less surprised by the transition. For young or non-verbal children, the “plan” can be shared using pictures of what to expect.

2. Use Time Warnings
To help your child know when to expect transitions, provide him/her with warnings ahead of time. The child may need you to say when there is 15, 10, and 5 minutes left to play at the park. When possible, use a clock or timer to teach how to check how much time is left. You can buy or download visual timers that show time elapsing visually without needing to understand numbers (www.timetimer.com, vis timer app).

Read more here.

Teaching Life Skills and Community Safety Signs

See more here at Teachers Pay Teachers. 

Archived Webinar - Self-Advocacy and ASD: Theory and Practice for All Ages Part 2

This webcast will continue to discuss the core components of self-advocacy., emphasizing the importance of disclosure, individual strengths and interests as well as civil rights. Essential self-advocacy theory will be connected directly to strategies people with ASD use to self-advocate. An emphasis on self-advocacy across the lifespan will be made, and resources and ideas will be shared to help attendees get started with self-advocacy supports.

View the recording here. 

Free Esports Curriculum Contains Full Lesson Plans

An esports league has launched a free high school curriculum to help teachers use gaming to boost student learning. "Gaming Concepts" from the High School Esports League (HSEL), was written as turnkey curriculum "that almost anyone with even rudimentary computer skills could teach," according to authors Kristy Custer and Michael Russell. The project was supported by Microsoft.

The content covers learning standards in areas such as careers in gaming, maintaining healthy practices, self-management and interpersonal communications, as well as an overview of esports gaming and complete lesson plans.

The new curriculum, "Gaming Concepts," is openly available as a downloadable PDF file on the HSEL website.

Read more here at T/H/E Journal. 

Finding Your Way: A College Guide for Students on the Spectrum

Everyone deserves a fulfilling college experience, including students on the autism spectrum. OAR’s Finding Your Way: A College Guide for Students on the Spectrum is intended to help students with ASD become better prepared for college life and academics. This guide addresses challenges that are both universal and unique to students on the college autism spectrum by providing information, guidance, and resources that address them. Finding Your Way offers practical advice from autism experts; powerful narratives from self-advocates; and relevant resource tools. It is intended to help readers anticipate and improve their academic and social situations by advocating for themselves.

You can download or order the guide here. 

Archived Webinar: Self-Advocacy and ASD: Theory and Practice for All Ages Part 1

View the archived webinar here.