Texas Transition Conference

Companies and organizations are jumping on the bandwagon to become more "diverse." However, these plans do not always include everyone, particularly individuals with disabilities. Michael Hingson, a blind 9/11 survivor and advocate for accessibility, will discuss why true inclusion is necessary. Through personal stories, humor, and real-world examples, he will illustrate how shifting our mindset and adopting accessible technologies can foster inclusion for all. Attendees will leave with insights on how to build more inclusive workplaces and communities.

Presented by: Michael Hingson, President, The Michael Hingson Group, Inc.

This session explores the importance of collaboration between special programs and Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers. Learn how Leander ISD has leveraged special programs staff to empower every student through guided communication, resources, and year-long initiatives. Discover how to implement these strategies in your own schools to enhance student success in lifelong learning courses.

Presented by: Denise Geiger, Senior Transition Coordinator, Leander ISD

This session explores strategies for developing IEP goals that focus on building sustainable adaptive skills before formal transition planning begins. Participants will learn how to create individualized, interest-driven transition plans through cross-curricular activities. Attendees will engage in practical exercises and leave with innovative strategies to enhance student outcomes and support a seamless transition to adulthood.

Presented by: Kayla Canis, Special Education Graduate Student, University of North Texas

Many students are not exposed to career exploration or work-based experiences until high school, yet transition planning is required in middle school. This session discusses how middle school Career and Technical Education (CTE) electives can improve student outcomes by providing hands-on, data-driven career exploration experiences early on.

Presented by: Leslie Polvado, PAES Author/Trainer

The Vocational Apprenticeship Program is a 12-month program. Each apprentice will complete up to two apprenticeships to learn transferable job skills needed to enter the competitive job market. For a person who wants to become employed in an integrated work environment, the program provides the opportunity to learn job skills that are transferable and marketable. Apprentices gain competitive skills in a real work environment, which facilitates teaching and learning through feedback. The Vocational Apprenticeship Program provides the apprentice an opportunity to earn while they learn essential job skills.

Apprentices also learn life skills in a classroom that increase their employability. Program staff, job coaches, supervisors, and coworkers provide individualized feedback to apprentices to enhance skill development, strengths, and interests. This support prepares apprentices for success and independence in the community workplace. By enhancing workplace skills, this program benefits the participant, workplace, and community.

Presented by: Glenn Heath, M.Ed, Consultant, Beyond Barriers

We'll explore how to bridge the gap between school and work for students with disabilities. Participants will discover the Job Accommodations Network's wealth of resources, and learn how to identify and suggest workplace accommodations. Through practical examples and case studies, we'll demonstrate how to translate IDEA accommodations into ADA-compliant workplace accommodations, ensuring a consistent support system for students. The session aims to empower professionals to guide students, collaborate with families, and engage employers in creating inclusive environments, all while utilizing the extensive resources provided by JAN.

Presented by: Marcy Hancock, MSE, Program Coordinator, Texas A&M Center on Disability & Development; Joette Hardin, MEd, Program Coordinator, Texas A&M Center on Disability & Development

Research has shown that the implementation of individual transition plans is inconsistent across secondary institutions (Austermann et al., 2023; Greene, 2018; Hughes et al., 2023; LaPoint et al., 2024). As such, many students with disabilities are unprepared for the changes in supports and services brought about by their transition to higher education. Presenters will share specific scenarios depicting the potential consequences of ineffective transition planning and discuss steps that secondary schools can take to effectively prepare students with disabilities for college.

Presented by: Angela Barbour, MEd, CAS, Director of SPARK 360; Peighton Pratt, MEd, CAS, Doctoral Scholar, Zarrow Institute on Transition & Self-Determination, University of Oklahoma

Why is it that people with disabilities are often treated and judged differently and with lower expectations than so-called "normal students"? Why do we regard difference often as less than equal? In this talk, Michael Hingson, who has been blind since birth, will discuss these issues and show your audience that in reality, disability does not mean a lack of ability. He will address the overarching fears surrounding disabilities and difference, demonstrating how these fears are unfounded and should be replaced by understanding and a more positive approach to teaching those who are different from us. Mr. Hingson will use examples from his own life and insights from others to illustrate that all people can and should be held to the same standards and expectations, offering a more substantive definition of the word "equality."

Presented by: Michael Hingson, President, The Michael Hingson Group, inc.

Studies indicate that high school employment experience and parental expectations are the strongest predictors of post-secondary employment for students with disabilities. This panel discussion will showcase various work-based learning projects, sharing insights on how these initiatives can enhance student employability and foster inclusive employment opportunities.

Presented by: Joette Hardin, Program Coordinator, Texas A&M Center on Disability & Development

Come join this presentation to explore programs and services related to students ages 18 and older who receive special education services. Attendees will learn how to design individualized, person-centered, 18+ services that meet legal requirements, align with evidence-based practices, and prepare students to meet their individual postsecondary goals. Examples will highlight the successful implementation of individualized services, demonstrating how tailored support can empower young adults to transition to their adult lives. Participants will leave with practical strategies to navigate compliance and create effective, individualized plans for 18+ programs and services across diverse settings.

Presented by: Christina Gushanas, PhD, Assistant Professor of Special Education & Executive Director of Garrett Center on Transition & Disability Studies, Sam Houston State University; Brynn Biggs, MEd, Consultant, Beyond Barriers

This session will spotlight the resources and strategies employed by the RAISE Center and the National Technical Assistance Network on Transition: the Collaborative (NTACT:C) through the Youth Engagement Transition Initiative (YETI) and the Youth Engagement Now (YEN) website. The focus will be on fostering open-minded listening, nurturing youth leadership, and promoting an understanding of disability as a shared human experience. Join this interactive and insightful session designed to empower both youth and adults in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities.

Presented by: Everett Deibler, Director of Strategy and Engagement, J. Badger Consulting Inc.

This session will share how practitioners can use the National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: the Collaborative (NTACT:C) resources to not only know what to do but how to do it. NTACT:C ensures practitioner-friendly and culturally responsive practices in transition by connecting with a wide array of team members—practitioners, family members, and youth—who are knowledgeable about equity, diversity, and inclusion during transition. As a collaborative center encompassing both education and rehabilitation services, NTACT:C will present the most current information on effective transition services, effective pre-employment transition services, career and technical education, dropout prevention, equity and cultural diversity, and unique groups of youth with disabilities.

Presented by: Stephanie Oyler, TA Provider, NTACT:C

Since 2017, Ty and Aimee Day have used person-centered planning and trauma-informed support to help him become a young adult who is not afraid to speak up for himself. Ty will share his story of feeling powerless and misunderstood—even by his own mother! His mother learned how to truly listen and discover what he was trying to communicate. Together, they demonstrated the importance of having the POWER to make informed choices and exercise positive control to achieve his goals.

Presented by: Aimee Day, BS, Director of PCP and Family Outreach, Texas A&M Center on Disability & Development; Ty Day, Self-Advocate

This session will explore the key factors of relationships and social connections for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The effects of loneliness and relationship development will be discussed.

Presented by: Karyn Harvey, Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology

In this presentation, "Your Guide to Job Development & Creating Successful Employment Partnerships for Students," we will examine how job development supports students in their transition to the workforce. The session will provide practical strategies for educators and transition coordinators to establish meaningful employment partnerships that benefit both students and employers. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to enhance job development efforts and build lasting partnerships that empower students for long-term success.

Presented by: Corey Fineran, Co-founder & CEO, NextUp Transition Curriculum; Lindsay Zerull, Co-founder & Content Director, NextUp Transition Curriculum

This session will consist of best practices related to job skills training. The training is geared toward providing educators and paraprofessionals with baseline information necessary to deliver effective job skills training to students with disabilities. It will cover how to conduct assessments and planning with students, as well as how to complete a job analysis. Additionally, specifics related to skills training, best practices for writing case notes, and managing a caseload will be discussed. This training is ideal for anyone working with students to help them gain competitive integrated employment.

Presented by: Sonia Martinez, Sr Program Project Coordinator, Texas Beacons of Excellence - UNT WISE; Risa Mack, Sr Program Project Coordinator, Texas Beacons of Excellence - UNT WISE

Is it necessary to write a separate IEP goal for Transition? This age-old question has often been asked. This presentation aims to assist special education case managers, teachers, and ARD facilitators in understanding how to link PLAAFP data to IEP goals that support postsecondary objectives. Learn how to utilize this data to ensure long-term success for students as they navigate the transition process.

Presented by: Sam Gonzalez, M. Ed, Education Consultant, Educational Service Center-Region 20

This presentation explores effective strategies for fostering and increasing family engagement in transition planning within a large urban school district. Participants will gain insights into empowering families by providing essential information about transition processes and facilitating connections to vital community resources. By strengthening partnerships between families, educators, and community agencies, a supportive environment is created that empowers families and students to take an active role in the transition planning process.

Presented by: Courtney Gregori, M.Ed., Transition Specialist, AISD; Judith LeBlanc, M.Ed., Transition Specialist, AISD; Kimberly Pollard, PhD, Director of 504, Dyslexia, & Transition, AISD

This session reveals the power of early preparation for students with disabilities as they approach adulthood. Strategies will be explored to support these students through early intervention techniques that engage both students and their families, a wealth of TEA and TWC resources tailored for transition planning, and personalized approaches to ensure a smooth, supportive experience. By implementing these strategies, professionals can significantly impact students' long-term success.

Presented by: Marcy Hancock, MSE, Program Coordinator, Texas A&M Center on Disability & Development; Joette Hardin, MEd, Program Coordinator, Texas A&M Center on Disability & Development

Our students are with us for most of the day while they are awake, and families are responsible for raising them. This session discusses how the community can offer ways to integrate these two upbringings for success. It emphasizes the importance of a shared goal between school, family, and community, ensuring a seamless transition from school to the postsecondary world.

Presented by: Erin Jackson, Special Education Department Chair/Vocational Teacher, Duncanville ISD

This presentation provides an in-depth look at the transition services and programming available through Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) for students across the state. Focusing on the EXIT program, the Post-Secondary Program, and Outreach, it highlights how these initiatives equip students who are blind, have low vision, or are deafblind with the skills necessary to meet their personalized employment, education, and living goals. Ongoing communication, collaboration, and coordination are emphasized as key components in sustaining effective transition plans.

Presented by: Belinda Fayard, VI Transition Consultant, TSBVI; Maribeth Kobza Betton, MLIS, CTVI, Transition Coordinator, TSBVI

During this session you will learn how to harmonize your district's transition systems to create a robust continuum of services. By providing students across all developmental stages with opportunities for choicemaking, self-regulation, and problem-solving, the session aims to foster independence, self-awareness, and ownership of their IEP goals to prepare for a successful transition into adulthood.

Presented by: Ashley Anderson, Parent Liaison, Leander ISD; Justin Pine, MA, 18+ Transition Coordinator, Leander ISD; Monica Kaloustian, Child Find Coordinator, Leander ISD; Denise Geiger, MS, Senior Transition Coordinator and Coordinator of Deaf and HOH, Leander ISD

This training module focuses on using consistent roleplaying techniques to prepare students—with and without special needs—for transitioning from school to employment, volunteer work, and building natural networks. It integrates principles of self-determination to help students gain independence, confidence, and essential workplace skills. The session emphasizes hands-on learning through interactive role-playing scenarios that mimic real-world challenges, fostering both social and employment-related skills.

Presented by: Leah Wood, M.Ed., Project Manager Transition, Region 19 Education Service Center; Sheryl Wilcox, M.S. CCC-SLP, Project Manager ECSE and SLPs, Region 19 Education Service Center

Facing adversity as an at-risk youth, a veteran, and an epileptic, Jonathan Butler shares his personal journey of overcoming obstacles. This session introduces the three different phases of Career Guidance, equipping attendees with tools and resources to better assist students, parents, counselors, and educators in fostering purposeful career development.

Presented by: Jonathan Butler, Career Coach, Texas Workforce Commission

This presentation highlights a comprehensive postsecondary education (PSE) program at a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). The discussion covers program development, lessons learned, and research findings, focusing on individualized university experiences that develop employment skills and promote independent living for culturally diverse first-generation college students with intellectual disabilities.

Presented by: Eric Lopez, Professor, Texas A&M University-San Antonio

The PATHS program focuses on three key areas: employability, self-determination, and independent living. Students complete six semesters of training, including 480 hours of real-world experience, to earn professional certifications and gain competitive employment. This session explores how hands-on training and inclusion in daily life empower students with disabilities.

Presented by: Leticia LaSota, PATHS Director, Texas A&M

Transitioning to adult life takes time, collaboration, and trust. This session provides strategies to empower transition teams and ensure students are prepared for adulthood. Learn how to navigate unexpected challenges and build a strong support network for positive adult outcomes.

Presented by: Robin Fields, Principal, Northside ISD, Nellie Reddix

This session highlights a collaborative, grant-funded project that utilized a reverse job fair to promote competitive employment and independent living for students in transition. Attendees will learn how students developed online employment portfolios, engaged in interviews, and achieved successful job placements.

Presented by: Jade Gittens, Supported Employment Team Lead, LifePath Systems