Under IDEA (2004), the IEP team are responsible for ensuring:

1. There evidence that the student was invited to the IEP Team meeting where transition services were discussed?

In Pennsylvania, we have one Invitation to Participate in the IEP. The student should be listed in the IEP Team Meeting – Invited IEP Team Members, and a copy of the invitation should be given to the student. Other evidence of the student being invited to the IEP meeting can be found in the IEP itself, if documented accordingly.

2. (If appropriate) There evidence that a representative of any participating agency was invited to the IEP Team meeting with the prior consent of the parent or student who has reached the age of majority? It's important to note, that if an agency is likely to provide a transition service, or be of assistance in the transition planning process, the parent/ student should be asked to give permission for them to attend the meeting.

In Pennsylvania, this is accomplished through documentation on the Invitation to Participate in the IEP Meeting by checking the box next to the language. Best practice would also include having a conversation with a parent/caregiver or some other type of written documentation informing them of who the different agencies that are being invited are, as well as the potential services they could provide to the student.

"Transition Services. If necessary, and with your consent, staff from other public agencies that may be providing or paying for transition services will be invited to IEP team meeting. We are inviting representative(s) from the agency or agencies as listed:" (names included on the invitation)

The PA Secondary Transition Team is pleased to present a new assessment resource feature on the pasecondarytransition.com website.

This resource:

• describes the purpose of transition assessment
• includes an assessment finder based on different transition planning domains
• provides a transition mapping resource, a tool for individual transition assessment planning, and a tool for teams to use when considering new transition assessments

Impact: Inclusive Higher Education(link is external)

The latest issue of this publication from the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota explores the state of inclusive higher education for people with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities. Contributors include senior academic leaders in the field, heads of successful and emerging alliances and programs, and students and alumni, who share their college experiences.

Enhancing Postsecondary Ed(link is external)

The Institute on Community Integration is joining with the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) and other partners to oversee and expand the National Center for College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD). The consortium will create educational modules for higher education faculty and educators working in transition programs, and provide educational materials and technical assistance to transition staff, parents, and young adults with disabilities.

The U.S. Department of Education (Department) issued a notice inviting applications on March 21, 2022, fiscal year (FY) 2021 for the Disability Innovation Fund—Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment, Assistance Listing Number 84.421D. The application deadline is June 21, 2022.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education is pleased to announce the following training opportunity.

The Nuts and Bolts of Job Coaching
Online Course
July 5, 2022 – August 15, 2022

This self-paced five module online course provides participants with relevant information regarding the role of a Job Coach to support students in community-based work settings.

Target Audience
Paraprofessionals, other support staff, teachers, transition coordinators, special education directors, or anyone interested in this topic.

Registration Information
Please register online by visiting the PaTTAN website at https://www.pattan.net/Events/On-line-Courses/Course-2985/Events/Session-36764

For registration questions, contact:
Kristen Olszyk, kolszyk@pattanpgh.net, 800-446-5607 x6848

For content related questions, contact: Kaylee Wynkoop, kwynkoop@pattanpgh.net, 800-446-5607 x6888

The Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs invites you to register for the 2022 Virtual Everyday Lives Conference! The Everyday Lives Conference seeks to provide valuable information to Individuals with an intellectual disability and/or autism, their families, and support professionals to help empower individuals to live their ideal everyday lives.

Registration

The conference is free for individuals and families, and $50 for professionals. Registration allows access to all virtual conference sessions. To register online visit https://everydaylives.org/ and click on the Registration tab. Or, you can mail in your registration using the form below.

Conference Lineup

The conference lineup, including presenters and presentation topics, is now available to view at https://everydaylives.org/ under the Schedule tab.

Conference Dates and Tracks

May 17, 2022

Communication and Connection

May 24 - May 25, 2022

Community of Practice for Supporting Families Regional Collaborative Summit

June 1, 2022

Supportive Technology

June 8 - June 9, 2022

Dual Diagnosis

June 16, 2022

Employment

PEAL's 21 and Able Project is hosting several parent virtual meetings and drop-in sessions in the coming months (starting March 15th!) to support empowering parents to empower their youth/young adults in transition! We have attached the flyer and the link that will lead you to the registration. 21 and Able, Powered by United Way Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

Registration Available Mid-May

Scholarships will be available for youth and families to attend!

Location: The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center

Keep an eye on the PaTTAN Website for information about registration!

Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT) Townhalls

DCDT wants to connect, engage, and provide support to our community. That is why we are offering a series of DCDT Townhall discussions, which are free to all members! We hope to connect with you on the second Tuesday of each month at 3pm EST.

• May 10, 2022 - Publications
• June 14, 2022 - Research

Visit the DCDT website to learn more.

NOTE: These townhalls are for MEMBERS only. To learn more about how to join, visit the DCDT website.

The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C) provides information, tools, and supports to assist multiple stakeholders to provide effective services and instruction for students and out-of-school youth with disabilities.

Check out their Training Resource Library.

If you're new to transition, be sure to check out Transition 101!