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Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) had challenges around their school schedules, so a full discussion is still forth coming. Not wanting to leave listeners without new content, they have a quick chat about a resource from the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services that is linked to their parent website, www.postsecondarytransition.com. They discuss the importance of developmental disability (DD) agencies and highlight that each state has their own agency, typically provide services like case management, housing, vocational training, and employment services. Listen up!

Episode Keywords:
transition process, developmental disabilities, state agencies, personal growth, independence, inclusion, case management, residential options, vocational training, employment services, respite care, eligibility criteria, waiting lists, future planning, resource guide, share

Links:
National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (site)
Developmental Disability (DD) Agencies (page)

(Coming Soon) Help Support the show; Buy us a cup of ☕️

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Send us a text

Hosts Meghan and Patrick interview Donna Pidel and Adebayo Sodunke from “The Difference 2-17.” The discussion covers the program’s growth, focusing on self-direction, community building, and the importance of independence, relationships, and a supportive environment. They emphasize the program’s focus on personalized care, community inclusion, and giving individuals a voice, with a strong commitment to accessibility and being centrally located. Challenges discussed include maintaining quality during expansion and addressing housing needs. Join the conversation!

Episode Keywords:
community creation, self-directed services, Alexander, legacy, personal touch, engagement, member happiness, housing challenges, staff training, quality control, community inclusion, parental trust, member progress, genuine relationships, organization growth, transition, self-direction, autism, community building, skill enrichment, independent skills, volunteer opportunities, parental support, cultural shift, relationship building, job progression, neuro-diversity acceptance, legacy creation, partnerships

Links:
The Difference 2-17 Team (site)
Self Direction (page)
Shiny Shell (site)
Mommy Magic Cakes (site)
Blossom & Basket Boutique (site)
Ace Hardware (site)
The Last Word (site)
Mt. Airy Commons (site)
Shepherds Purse Alpacas (site)
Wagner’s Meat Market (site)
Mt. Airy Lanes (site)
The Kiwanis Club of Mt. Airy (site)

(Coming Soon) Help Support the show; Buy us a cup of ☕️

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Send us a text

This week, hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) continue to talk with Donna Pidel and Adebayo (Bayo) Sodunke from "The Difference 2-17." This time, their discussion focuses on The Difference 2-17's emphasis on personalized care, community inclusion, and the importance of giving individuals a voice; they stress the importance of being in the heart of towns for accessibility and how that is essential for inclusion. They cover overcoming challenges including maintaining quality as they expand and the desire to address housing needs. Join the conversation!

Episode Keywords:
community creation, self-directed services, Alexander, legacy, personal touch, engagement, member happiness, housing challenges, staff training, quality control, community inclusion, parental trust, member progress, genuine relationships, organization growth

Links:
Self Direction (page)

Maryland (specific) Links/Supports:
The Difference 2-17 (site)

(Coming Soon) Help Support the show; Buy us a cup of ☕️

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Send us a text

This week, hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) interview Donna Pidel and Adebayo (Bayo) Sodunke from "The Difference 2-17. Their discussion covers how the program focuses on self-direction and community building; emphasizing the importance of independence, relationships, and a supportive environment. They talk about how the program has grown from a small initiative to multiple sites, with strong partnerships. They highlight the significance of building a community that cares for and supports its members, ensuring they are never alone. Join the conversation!

Episode Keywords:
transition, self-direction, autism, community building, skill enrichment, independent skills, volunteer opportunities, parental support, cultural shift, relationship building, job progression, member engagement, neurodiversity acceptance, legacy creation, partnerships

Links:
Self Direction (page)

Maryland (specific) Links/Supports:
The Difference 2-17 Team (site)
Shiny Shell (site)
Mommy Magic Cakes (site)
Blossom & Basket Boutique (site)
Ace Hardware (site)
The Last Word (site)
Mt. Airy Commons (site)
Shepherds Purse Alpacas (site)
Wagner’s Meat Market (site)
Mt. Airy Lanes (site)
The Kiwanis Club of Mt. Airy (site)

(Coming Soon) Help Support the show; Buy us a cup of ☕️

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Send us a text

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) invite Zabrina Kearns to have a discussion with them about what transition looks like for families in her New Jersey district. Zabrina shares out from her extensive background in special education, applied behavior analysis and her current roles as Work-Based Learning supervisor, & transition coordinator. The trio discuss the differences in transition programs and outcomes between states, the importance of independent living skills, and the challenges parents face in navigating post-high school options for their children with disabilities. Their conversation considers the importance of teaching soft skills like professionalism & interactions, the need for students to gain experience in various industries, the complexities of funding and the need for better communication with families about available resources through local DD and VR agencies. Join the conversation!

Episode Keywords:
diploma, program, work, New Jersey, districts, community, special education, participants, IEP, DVRS, transition, students, coordinator, families, learning, jobs, DDD, career, graduate, community, volunteer, challenges

Links:
Pascack Valley Regional High School District Transition Resources (site)
University of Kansas Master Program in Secondary Education & Transition (site)
Charting the LifeCourse (site)
New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (site)
Trying to find your states Rehabilitation Agency? Look for it here.
Project Search (site)

(Coming Soon) Help Support the show; Buy us a cup of ☕️

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Send us a text

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) continue their conversation with educator, supervisor and transition coordinator Zabrina Kearns. They cover the importance of teaching soft skills like professionalism & interactions, the need for students to gain experience in various industries, the complexities of funding and the need for better communication with families about available resources through local DD and VR agencies. Join the conversation!

Episode Keywords:
DVRS, transition, students, coordinator, families, learning, jobs, DDD, career, graduate, community, volunteer, challenges

Links:
University of Kansas Master Program in Secondary Education & Transition (site)
Charting the LifeCourse (site)
New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (site)
Trying to find your states Rehabilitation Agency? Look for it here.
Project Search (site)
Pascack Valley Regional High School District Transition Resources (site)

(Coming Soon) Help Support the show; Buy us a cup of ☕️

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Send us a text

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) invite Zabrina Kearns to have a discussion with them about what transition looks like for families in her New Jersey district. Zabrina shares out from her extensive background in special education, applied behavior analysis and her current roles as Work-Based Learning supervisor, & transition coordinator. The trio discuss the differences in transition programs and outcomes between states, the importance of independent living skills, and the challenges parents face in navigating post-high school options for their children with disabilities. Join the conversation!

Episode Keywords:
transition, diploma, program, students, work, New Jersey, districts, community, special education, participants, IEP

Links:
Pascack Valley Regional High School District Transition Resources (site)

(Coming Soon) Help Support the show; Buy us a cup of ☕️

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Send us a text

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) are back for Season 3! At the start of the upcoming school year, they continue their discussion of what transition can look like during junior year. They talk about considerations around applying for medical assistance and Social Security, healthcare transitions, the importance of financial planning, career exploration and never forgetting the importance of those basic independent living skills (for all levels). Join the conversation.

Episode Keywords:
students, families, transition, junior year, resources, college, discussion, update, IEP

Links:
Certificate Track (page)
Diploma Track (page)
Medical Assistance
Guardianship (page)
Guardianship Alternatives (page)
YouTube channel
ThinkCollege.net (site)
Disability support offices- college (more info)
Jobshadow (site)

Again, a special shout out to fellow podcasters Ashley Barlow and Mary Cardle for allowing us to share some of their content on our feed while we prepped for this upcoming school year. Make sure to click on the following links and hit the subscribe button:
- Special Education Advocacy with Ashley Barlow
- T21Mom Podcast.

(Coming Soon) Help Support the show; Buy us a cup of ☕️

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.