Texas Statewide Capacity Building Conference

THE POWER OF ONE

Adam Saenz, Ph.D., D. Min., Founder and CEO, Applied EQ Group

Remember? You went into this field to make a difference! But is it really possible to build the kinds of life-impacting relationships with students in the wake of the massive disruptions caused by a global pandemic? Licensed psychologist Dr. Adam L. Saenz answers with a resounding, “Yes!” Dr. Saenz presents two case studies that will encourage you by reminding you that what you do in your professional role doesn’t just matter—it matters deeply. We in education and vocational rehabilitation are uniquely postured to make life-changing impacts in the lives of the students with whom we interact every day.

EDUCATE, COLLABORATE, AND ENGAGE STUDENTS AND FAMILIES AS TRANSITION PARTNERS

Judy M. Averill, M.Ed.,Director, Virginia Commonwealth University Center on Transition Innovations

Student and family involvement in transition planning is important to successful post-school outcomes for students with disabilities. However, schools often struggle to harness the power of these partnerships. With all the other responsibilities we have, how do we incorporate effective strategies to support student and family engagement? This workshop will focus on easy-to-implement, high-leverage practices and strategies schools can introduce to enhance the development of students’ self-determination skills that will lead to better involvement of students and families in transition planning and successful postsecondary outcomes.

EARLY TO EXIT: COLLABORATION CONSIDERATIONS FOR STUDENTS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Elizabeth Danner, State Transition Coordinator, TEA

This session will focus on subjects to consider when students are exiting out of middle school and going into high school. Attendees will learn about TEA guidelines and best practices that should be considered by staff when working with transitioning students with disabilities. Education and VR staff will learn effective approaches for transitioning students.

ADDRESSING FAMILY AND PROFESSIONAL’S OBSTACLES IN PRE-ETS: PROVIDERS’ PERCEPTIONS ACROSS TEXAS

Wen-Hsuan Chang, Ph.D., Texas A&M University

Individuals with disabilities experience challenges in obtaining and maintaining employment. Pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS) are designed to help youth with disabilities acquire essential employment skills to prepare them for employment. This study investigates the challenges and solutions that professionals encounter in providing Pre-ETS. Particularly, this presentation will address family and professional’s obstacles and solutions in providing Pre-ETS. We conducted 24 focus groups, consisting of 162 Pre-ETS professionals to gather information. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data, using open, axial, and selective coding through a constant comparative iterative method. The study aims to identify effective strategies for addressing obstacles in Pre-ETS, and the results will inform practitioners about the importance of collaborating with families and providing practitioners with effective coping strategies for family-professional obstacles in Pre-ETS. This study represents an essential step in improving the provision of Pre-ETS and enhancing the employment outcomes of individuals with disabilities. This interactive session will also encourage you to share your personal experiences of working with families.

EQUAL POWER! EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO TAKE POSITIVE CONTROL OF THEIR LIVES AND EDUCATION

Aimee Day, Mentor Trainer, Person-Centered Thinking, Learning Community for Person-Centered Practices, and Ty Day, Student and Self-Advocate

Join Ty Day and Aimee Day to learn how they have used person-centered planning and trauma-informed care to help Ty grow into a strong self-advocate. When Ty leads his ARD meetings, he makes informed choices and has positive control over his goals and the support needed to help him reach his vision of a good life.