Transition Information
High Incidence Disabilities
6 December 2022
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) - December Update
The state currently recommends that all students apply to OVR by the spring of their junior year or two years before graduating, if staying beyond the senior year. To apply, visit the PA Career Link website, create a log in, and look for the OVR button. The PA Career Link site can also be used to research a variety of occupations.
Ms. Webster, our OVR Early Reach Coordinator, will come into PAHS approximately one day per month to provide transition lessons to our students. The lessons will focus on one topic within the three areas of transition, which are post-secondary education, employment, and independent living.
Families often ask, "Is this appropriate for my child?" The answer is a resounding, "YES!" Once your student graduates, it will be their responsibility to self-advocate at work, in daily life, and at post-secondary education. The OVR presentations provide them background information and foundational skills to be their own advocate.
If you would like for your student to participate, and have not yet done so, please, fill out the Parent Input Form. You will also need to submit the release for your student to participate.
On December 16, 2022, Ms. Webster's presentation will focus on Time Management and Organization.
AGENCIES AND GROUPS
The ARC
The ARC of Chester County www.arcofchestercounty.org
The ARC of Chester County provides services to individuals with disabilities through two types of support: programs and advocacy.
Programs include Early Intervention, Comprehensive Employment Services, Family Support Services, Agency with Choice, and the associated Self-Directing Services. Through these services, the ARC supports individuals birth through adulthood. For example, due to staffing shortages for many community supports, the ARC will work with families to help them onboard individuals to work with their family members and will assist with items like payroll and employment details that may be obstacles for families.
The ARC provides three different types of advocacy services. First, in educational advocacy, an ARC advocate will review documents with families, attend IEP meetings, and answer questions for families about the special education process. In systems advocacy, the ARC staff will help families navigate complex systems such as social security and waiver funding. Finally, the ARC of Chester County provides legislative advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities. The team works with legislators to promote laws that are positive and forward thinking for individuals with disabilities and defeat bills that could be detrimental to this group.
As part of their parent training, the ARC presents an ongoing, free, virtual, lunch-time learning series called Chat-n-Chews. Here is the link to register for upcoming opportunities:
The Arc’s Center for Future Planning has developed a series of new videos on the following topics:
- An Overview of ABLE Accounts
- An Overview of Special Needs Trusts
- Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts: How Are They Different?
- Pooled Special Needs Trusts
- How Death Affects the Money Left in ABLE Accounts and Special Needs Trusts
The Arc recently shared a new Virtual Program Library, a free hub full of on-demand activities that can be done from home by people with disabilities, their families, and service providers.
Topics include arts, community and life skills, health and wellness, virtual clubs, and more. Visit the hub to check out the resources added so far and share it with your networks so it can continue to grow into a robust resource for people with disabilities and their supporters!
If you want to learn more about the ARC of Chester County and its services, please contact:
Kimberly Booz | Director of Advocacy
The Arc of Chester County
900 Lawrence Drive | West Chester, PA 19380
tel (610) 696-8090 ext. 234 | fax (610) 696-8300 | cell 610-241-0197
email: kbooz@arcofchestercounty.org
Chester County Self-Determination Action Team
This is a working team of parents, providers, educators, advocates, self-advocates and county staff who meet virtually the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 1:00 PM.
For more information, call or email Julie Moyer, 610-344-6029 or jsmoyer@chesco.org.
Citizens Advocacy
Located in Phoenixville, Citizen Advocacy’s mission is to initiate and support a variety of intentional relationships that provide advocacy for opportunity, protection from harm, sponsorship into community life, friendship, and justice for isolated people living with a disability.
For more information, call: 610-933-1299, email info@citizenadvocacycc.org, or visit https://citizenadvocacycc.org/
RESOURCES
Chester County 2022 Resource Guide
Check out this guide to resources in Chester County for families of and individuals with disabilities.
Chester County Transition to Post-Secondary Website
Secondary transition is the process of preparing students for life after they leave high school, including participation in post-secondary education or training, employment, and community living. These areas are the driving force behind Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) written for students aged 14-21. The planning process is a collaborative effort between the student, family/caregiver, school team, and agency partners. Services include Indicator 13 training and monitoring support, resource development, and best practices in transition planning.
UPCOMING EVENTS
TCHS Pickering Campus, Open House
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Open House
It should be noted that attending TCHS is an IEP team decision. If you are interested in attending TCHS, be sure to notify your student's IEP case manager to keep them in the loop.
Family Network Virtual Summit: Long-term Planning and Housing Options
Join the team at PA Family Network for a full day regional workshop on long-term planning and housing options for individuals with disabilities. The Southeastern Region's meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 13th from 9:30AM-3:30PM. Registration is free and can be accessed here.
Community Trainings
Please join us for 2 FREE evening events discussing topics in special education for families. Come learn with us about understanding the IEP process, mental health and social emotional learning, and strategies to support the whole child. Details and registration available in the file below.
Mental Health & Social Emotional Learning
This training will include information on supporting students with mental health needs as well as tips to incorporate social emotional learning into
Date: January 30, 2023
Time: 12:00-1:00 PM or 6:00-7:00 PM everyday practices.
Location: https://cciu.zoom.us/j/425924529
Strategies to Support the Whole Child
This training will provide a multitude of strategies to support children outside of the educational setting in areas such as academics, behavior, communication, and more.
Date: Monday April 24, 2023
Time: 12:00-1:00 PM or 6:00-7:00 PM
Location: https://cciu.zoom.us/j/4259245299
High Incidence Transition Coordinator
Michelle Rusanovschi
I currently hold teaching certifications in the areas of Special Education, Secondary English, Reading Specialist, Middle School Mathematics, Middle School English, Elementary, and Early Childhood Education. In addition, I hold an administrative certificate as a Supervisor of Special Education.
I earned my Bachelor's of Science in Education from Temple University and my Master's of Education in the area of Reading from West Chester University. I have also earned certifications through Penn State.
At the high school, I predominantly teach reading courses, such as Read 180, Wilson, and SRA Corrective Reading. I also serve as one of the special education Transition Counselors.
Teaching is who I am. I could not see myself doing anything else. Each day I do my best to work with students and parents to help the student be successful. I believe that communication between the student, teachers, and parents is essential to a student's success.
Email: rusanovschim@pasd.com
Website: https://www.pasd.com/academics/special_education/transition_to_postsecondary
Location: 120 Gay Street, Phoenixville, PA, USA
Phone: 484-927-5075