Transition 201 #4: Empowering Students by using Assistive Technology in Person-Centered Planning

In my role as an Assistive Technology Specialist, I had the privilege of presenting at this year’s ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association) 2025 National Conference. The title of my presentation was “Technology Beyond the Classroom: Using AT in a Self-Directed Program”. One of the topics during my presentation focused on using AT in creating theContinueContinue reading “Transition 201 #4: Empowering Students by using Assistive Technology in Person-Centered Planning”

Transition 101: #7 Understanding the DDS Application Process for Adult Services

This week, I will take a couple of steps back to provide an overview of the application process we went through to get L eligibility in Adult Services. As a reminder, we live in Massachusetts, so the process may differ if you are in another state. If you go back to the general transition checklistContinueContinue reading “Transition 101: #7 Understanding the DDS Application Process for Adult Services”

SD #6: Step 2–Creating a Vision Plan for a Participant Directed Program: Step by Step Guide

After we had completed enough research and networking to determine that self-direction was a path that L wanted to further explore, the second step was to create the Vision for the Participant Directed Program, aka the business proposal. As I mentioned in a previous post, the Participant Directed Model is similar to running your ownContinueContinue reading “SD #6: Step 2–Creating a Vision Plan for a Participant Directed Program: Step by Step Guide”

SD #5: Practical Steps for Self-Directed Programming: Research and Networking

In previous posts, I gave an overview of the self-direction programming model. Now, I would like to discuss some of the specific steps we took to decide to create and implement the self-direction program model for L. Alt Text: Thought Bubble with the phrase Do your research inside it L’s final stages in his transitionContinueContinue reading “SD #5: Practical Steps for Self-Directed Programming: Research and Networking”

Transition 101 #6: The New Massachusetts IEP Form: Transition Planning Changes and Vision Statement Updates

In January 2024, Massachusetts DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) launched an updated IEP form for school districts to begin implementing. For more information specific to the rollout of these forms, please visit the “IEP Improvement Project “website at this link. Just in time for back-to-school, today I am going to take a lookContinueContinue reading “Transition 101 #6: The New Massachusetts IEP Form: Transition Planning Changes and Vision Statement Updates”