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4:00 – 6:00 PM
Midway
Registration Open
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration Open
7:00 – 8:00 AM
7:30 – 10:45 AM
Lakeview
Facilitator Preparation
8:00 – 8:15 AM
Description: Welcome to the NTACT:C 2024 Capacity Building Institute (CBI)! Join us for an overview of the agenda and purpose of the CBI. Learn about the process for this morning’s “Speed Networking” sessions, what to expect for today’s later General Session, and the value of interagency state team strategic planning for improving outcomes for students and youth with disabilities in your state and across the nation.
Participants will gain information about the purpose and outcomes of the CBI and interagency state team strategic planning and learn about opportunities for state-to-state networking opportunities.
Presenter(s):
- NTACT:C staff
Break
8:30 – 10:30 AM
Round 1: 8:30 – 9:00 AM
Round 2: 9:15 – 9:45 AM
Round 3: 10:00 – 10:30 AM
Three (3) rounds. Each is 30 minutes with a 15 min. transition to your next networking topic.
- Round 1 - 8:30-9:00
- Round 2 - 9:15 - 9:45
- Round 3 - 10:00-10:30
Description: Speed Networking Sessions will provide opportunities for engagement and interaction with session hosts and national, state, and entity colleagues. Content will be repeated three times in half-hour increments. Conversations will continue throughout the CBI – in concurrent and general sessions, as well as other topically focused networking sessions – and beyond the Institute with the NTACT:C via Communities of Practice and Peer Networks and in your own networks.
Facilitated by NTACT:C staff, participants will engage in topically focused discussions about work that is currently underway in their/other states and entities and network with national and state colleagues.
Harris
Glenwaters
Lakeshore 1
Lakeshore 2
Walden
Lakeshore 3
Coordination of Services Across VR, Special Education, CTE, and Other Agencies
Lakeshore 4
Statewide Systems of Professional Development: State Efforts Addressing Statewide Systems of PD
University E
10:30 – 11:00 AM
Break
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Description: Samuel Habib, and his father Dan Habib, will screen their new film, THE RIDE AHEAD, and discuss how they worked together with family, friends, schools, and professionals to help support Samuel as he launched into adulthood. Film summary: As Samuel Habib leaves high school, he is itching to move out, start a career, and find love. But “no one tells you how to be an adult,” he says, “let alone an adult with a disability.” Can a community of disability activists help him follow his dreams?
Participants will have increased awareness of possibilities for future employment/careers, postsecondary education, relationships, and community-based lives; life planning strategies; and the critical role of mentorship.
Presentation Files:
Presenter(s):
- Samuel Habib, Filmmaker, Westchester Institute for Human Development, and College Student, New Hampshire Technical Institute
- Dan Habib, Filmmaker and Inclusive Communities Project Director, Westchester Institute for Human Development
- NTACT:C Youth Engagement Transition Initiative (YETI): Erin Black, Holden Boully, Ernesto Chacon, Everett Deibler, Will Johnson, Johan Mora-Valverde, Quinna Phillips, Michael Scanlon, Sean Spence, Hunter Steinitz, Elizabeth Stout, & Amanda Waldron
1:30 – 2:15 PM
Working Lunch
2:15 – 2:45 PM
Break
Lakeshore 4
Description: Join us to learn about the Transition Readiness Toolkit and how it is being used to help state interagency teams assess, monitor, and improve Pre-ETS. We will provide a demonstration of the Toolkit to show how it works and the insights it provides. We will share some of the challenges and benefits that came with implementation of the Toolkit followed by a group discussion on the potential applications for state interagency teams.
Participants will learn how students benefit from a data-driven approach to Pre-ETS. They will also gain insights for effectively implementing similar systems in their own agency or interagency teams.
Presentation Files:
Presenter(s):
- Aimee Langone, Transition Coordinator, Utah State Office of Rehabilitation
- Brian Phillips, Associate Professor, Utah State University
Glenwaters
Description: Two states will share how continued collaboration and coordination of interagency projects, products, and activities led to their DIF Pathways to Employment work. Attendees will learn about strategies for fostering collaboration across partners, breaking down silos, and cultivating a shared vision for statewide initiatives. Presenters will share practical approaches to enhance communication, coordination, and resource allocation, illuminating the key elements that foster community partnerships.
Participants will learn effective strategies to foster interagency collaboration with practical approaches to enhance communication, coordination, and resource allocation in statewide initiatives.
Presentation Files:
Presenter(s):
- Evan Dean, Associate Director, KU Center on Developmental Disabilities, University of Kansas
- Tracie Flowers, Program Administrator, Pre-ETS, Kansas Rehabilitation Services
- Hillary Mangis, Educational Consultant, Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN)
- Stacie Martin, Coordinator of Special Education & Title Services, Kansas State Department of Education
- Mara Wolfe, Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist, Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Harris
Description: Filling and maintaining staff positions at all levels challenges capacity building. Join this session to learn from other state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies’ efforts to recruit, care for, and retain personnel AND maintain focus on sustaining a culture of improved employment outcomes for students and youth.
Participants will increase knowledge of creative staffing solutions in VR and understand organizational and cultural impact on staff recruitment and retention (VR, education, or other).
Presentation Files:
Presenter(s):
- Alyssa Klein, Youth Services Coordinator, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
- Joanne Kautzmann-Murillo, VR Associate Director of Youth Services, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
- Matt Luther, Transition and Education Services Manager, Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitation Services
- Kathie Smith, Director, Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities, NC Department of Health and Human Services
- Libby Stone-Sterling, Director, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Maine Department of Labor
Description: Nevada is utilizing paraprofessionals to connect and support students in special populations with CTE programs that integrate core academic, technical, and occupational knowledge with workplace readiness skills, resulting in pathways to successful postsecondary outcomes in education and careers. Presenters will share the history, expansion, and sustainability of the project, focusing on the importance of data-based decision making, cross-team/agency collaboration, and professional learning.
Participants will learn the keys to creating equitable access to and successful outcomes from CTE for students in special populations through lessons learned in Nevada’s CTE Paraprofessional Project.
Presentation Files:
Presenter(s):
- Jennifer Kane, Education Programs Professional, Nevada Department of Education, Office of Inclusive Education
- George P. Tilson, Ed.D., Founder and Principal Consultant, Tilson & Diaz Solutions, Inc.
Lakeshore 3
Description: Career and Technical Education (CTE) offers students meaningful credentials that lead to competitive integrated employment in a variety of high skill, high wage, in-demand jobs. Through Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) Programs, students with intellectual disabilities are given access to programs that align with their strengths, interests, and postsecondary education goals. The state of Florida currently has over 20 CTPs awarding CTE credentials to students.
Participants will learn about credentials offered by postsecondary CTE programs for students with intellectual disability and discuss how secondary CTE preparation links to postsecondary CTE success.
Presentation Files:
Presenter(s):
- Drew Andrews, Assistant Director, Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities at the University of Central Florida
Lakeview
Description: TA Specialists from the IDEA Data Center (IDC), Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality Management (VRTAC-QM), and the National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C) will briefly demonstrate tools or resources that support states’ data collection, analysis, and use processes.
Participants will learn about tools or resources that support states’ data collection, analysis, and use processes.
Presentation Files:
Presenter(s):
- Charlotte Alverson, Technical Assistance Specialist, NTACT:C
- Rachel Anderson, Technical Assistance Specialist, VRTAC-QM
- Kailey Bunch-Woodson, Technical Assistance Specialist, IDC
- Melissa Diehl, Technical Assistance Specialist NTACT:C / VRTAC-QM
- Brittny MacIver, Technical Assistance Specialist, VRTAC-QM
- Greta Stanfield, Technical Assistance Specialist, IDC
Lakeshore 1
Description: Join us for an engaging session on the Collaborative Assessment Guide for Transition Planning Services (CAG). This new resource, replacing the Transition TA Toolkit, offers a comprehensive approach for students, families, educators, VR counselors, and agency staff. Learn about the CAG's updated content, including sample assessment tools and alignment with federal laws, to enhance your transition planning and service delivery efforts.
Participants will identify key features of the Collaborative Assessment Guide for Transition Planning Services (CAG) and learn practical strategies for utilizing the CAG to develop coordinated transition planning approaches.
Presentation Files:
Presenter(s):
- Everett Deibler, Director of Strategy and Engagement, J. Badger Consulting
- Dawn Rowe, Professor, Department of Educational Foundations and Special Education, NTACT:C & East Tennessee State University
- Brenda Simmons, Senior Technical Assistant and Research Analyst, NTACT:C & The George Washington University, Center for Rehabilitation Counseling Research and Education (CRCRE)
- Michael Stoehr, Knowledge Development and Technical Assistance Specialist, NTACT:C & University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Cato College of Education
3:45 – 4:00 PM
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Interagency State Team Strategic Planning Session 1:
Find your Team Planning location
5:15 – 5:45 PM
Lakeview
Facilitator Debrief
5:15 – 5:45 PM
Glenwaters
YETI Debrief
Description: Join Youth Engagement Transition Initiative (YETI) members in this interactive General Q & A Session on empowering youth by showing how challenges are often about understanding, not intent. This discussion will focus on relationship-building, dispelling misconceptions, encouraging open-minded listening, youth leadership, and learning how to embrace disability as a human experience that everyone encounters.
Participants will develop an understanding of how to foster youth empowerment by navigating challenges with understanding, building relationships, dispelling misconceptions, and embracing disability.
Presenter(s):
- NTACT:C Youth Engagement Transition Initiative (YETI): Erin Black, Holden Boully, Ernesto Chacon, Everett Deibler, Will Johnson, Johan Mora-Valverde, Quinna Phillips, Michael Scanlon, Sean Spence, Hunter Steinitz, Elizabeth Stout, & Amanda Waldron
Lakeview
Description: Join us for an insightful presentation that delves into the transformative landscape of RSA Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) grants. We will cover the purpose, scope, and impact of DIF grants in advancing opportunities and improving post-school outcomes for students experiencing disability. From innovative employment programs to collaborative partnerships, attendees will discover the diverse array of initiatives driving positive change across the country through discussions and examples.
Participants will explore DIF trends including promoting transition systems that support positive post-school outcomes and learn about experiences, challenges, and strategies for maximizing impact.
Presentation Files:
Presenter(s):
- Ruth Allison, Senior Faculty Specialist, NTACT:C & University of Maryland
- Kelli Crane, Co-Director, NTACT:C & University of Maryland
- Ellie Hartman, Chief Evaluation Officer, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
- Mary Jackson, Transition Service Program Manager, Vocational Rehabilitation Services
- Allison Johnson, Assistant Program Administrator, Kentucky Office of Special Education and Early Learning
Glenwaters
Description: This presentation will introduce the concept of implementation science. We will discuss the critical features to consider when implementing a new practice, innovation, or intervention in schools. This working session will provide time for attendees to evaluate and reflect on their current practice and gather feedback from peers. The presentation will end with an example of lessons learned from the implementation of a comprehensive multi-tiered mental health program in high schools.
Attendees will participate in self-evaluation to reflect on current practices of implementation and evaluate the readiness of program implementation at the state or school level.
Presentation Files:
- The Science of Implementation (presentation) (PDF)
- The Science of Implementation: The Hexagon (handout) (PDF)
Presenter(s):
- James Sinclair, Research Associate, University of Oregon
Lakeshore 1
Description: This session will provide an overview of health care transition (HCT) and describe its importance as it relates to students with disabilities who are planning for postsecondary transitions. We will highlight efforts in Wisconsin to elevate HCT planning in schools, review resources created by Got Transition® including a Health Care Transition Readiness Assessment for Students with an IEP, and discuss strategies to incorporate health care into transition planning.
Participants will learn about national special education HCT resources, best practices, and state strategies for including HCT in IEP transition planning.
Presentation Files:
Presenter(s):
- Pam Jenson, Transition Improvement Grant (TIG) Technical Assistance Coordinator
- Tim Markle, Project Manager, Wisconsin Youth Health Transition, Waisman Center
- Peggy McManus, President, The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health, Got Transition® / The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health
- Alicia Reinhard, Education Consultant on Transition and Graduation, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Description: How can you make data informed decisions across diversely populated regions of your state? Explore the impact of applying heat maps to student and VR service delivery related data. Learn how Georgia VR is informing stakeholders, deploying technical assistance, and influencing agency planning with these visual tools.
Attendees will discover ways to present and view Pre-Employment Transition Services and student data, like heat maps, to target needs, communicate growth, and inform future planning.
Presentation Files:
Presenter(s):
- Chris Wells, Executive Director, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency
- Rebecca Williamson, Initiatives Manager, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency
- Melissa Diehl, Technical Assistance Specialist, NTACT:C / VRTAC-QM
- Charlotte Alverson, Technical Assistance Specialist, NTACT:C
Lakeshore 3
Description: How do we change the narrative to improve our relationships to ultimately improve the culture across agencies for the individuals we serve? This session will present the research and outcomes of the Collaborate for Change (C2) model and the operation, collaboration, and evolution of Pennsylvania’s Community of Practice on Secondary Transition and their state's interagency agreement. The presenters will discuss how to move from problems to solutions through intentional communication.
Participants will explore C2 model and PA's CoP focusing on operations, collaboration, and outcomes and shift from problem-identification to solution-implementation through intentional communication.
Presentation Files:
Presenter(s):
- Kathleen (Kat) Marie Oertle, Associate Professor, Utah State University
- Hillary Mangis, Educational Consultant, Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN)
Lakeshore 4
Description: Learn about a new NTACT:C self-assessment focused on supporting statewide cross-agency systems of professional development (PD) and how the NTACT:C workgroup identified five elements needed for statewide PD. Participate in testing the self-assessment to understand how your state can support high quality, ongoing PD for diverse stakeholders including educators, vocational rehabilitation, pre-employment transition services providers, families, and community organizations.
Participants will learn about a statewide 5-element PD framework, cross-agency implementation and sustainability, and participate in testing a quality indicator self-assessment.
Presentation Files:
- State Support for Developing Transition Professional Development (presentation) (PDF)
- NTACTC StateSystemsPD QI Tool Word version (docx)
- NTACTC Statewide Systems PD Tool Qualtrics version
Presenter(s):
- Dana Lattin, Co-Director, NTACT:C
- Mary Morningstar, Co-Director, NTACT:C
Harris
Description: This session will provide participants with an overview of the past and current connections made in Arkansas through collaborative practices and strategies implemented by Special Education (Arkansas Transition Services), Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, and the Division of Career and Technical Education. Presenters will highlight current programs and initiatives that will strengthen our collaboration and help improve students’ post-school outcomes.
Participants will gain knowledge of how agency collaboration leads to more opportunities for students and learn strategies to build a collaborative foundation that supports all students.
Presentation Files:
Presenter(s):
- Bonnie Boaz, Coordinator, Arkansas Transition Services
- Maryanne Caldwell, Transition Manager, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
- Sonja Wright-McMurray, Assistant Director of Operations, Arkansas Division of Career and Technical Education
Interagency State Team Strategic Planning 2
Lunch on your own
1:45 – 2:00 PM
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Description: Join us for a topically focused, interactive networking session with facilitated peer-to-peer learning. This session may extend content shared during a previous concurrent session or other networking opportunity or extend learning on an important topic which is not specifically addressed in the agenda elsewhere. Learn about new or existing resources from state and national colleagues and consider how a resource, process, or effort may be applicable to your entity’s strategic planning process.
Participants will engage in facilitated discussions and networking regarding data use and analyses, lessons learned, and successes achieved on statewide initiatives or state-to-local efforts.
University A
University B
Walden
Presentation Files:
Lakeshore 1
Lakeshore 2
Lakeshore 3
Lakeshore 4
Glenwaters
Presentation Files:
- Coming Soon
University D
Topic TBD
3:15 – 5:00 PM
Lakeview
Facilitator Debrief
Glenwaters
YETI Debrief
Gallery and Midway / University Hallways
- The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE)
- Center for Advancing Policy on Employment for Youth (CAPE-Youth)
- Center on Youth Voice Youth Choice (CYVYC)
- Collaborate for Change (C2)
- Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT)
- Got Transition®
- National Center on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB)
- National Center for College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD)
- National Coalition of State Rehabilitation Councils, Inc. (NCSRC)
- National Center on Inclusion Toward Rightful Presence - SWIFT
- National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C)
- Rhonda Weiss Center for Accessible IDEA Data
- Parent Training and Information Centers and Regional Parent Technical Assistance Centers
- Think College
- TransCen
- Transition Coalition
- Transition Discoveries
- Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality Employment (VRTAC-QE)
- NTACT:C Youth Engagement Transition InitiativeYETI) & Youth Engagement NOW (YEN)
9:00 – 10:00 AM
Description: Join us for this interactive General Session with OSERS and Youth Engagement Transition Initiative (YETI) members, focusing on state and local collaborations to enhance services and outcomes for transitioning students and youth. Engage in discussion to bolster collaboration and strategic planning, supporting continuous improvement efforts throughout the year.
Participants will engage in discussion to enhance youth engagement, and foster collaboration and strategic planning for transitioning students to support year-round continuous improvement efforts.
Presenter(s):
- Danté Q. Allen, Commissioner, Rehabilitation Services Administration
- Valerie C. Williams, Director, Office of Special Education Programs
- NTACT:C Youth Engagement Transition Initiative (YETI): Erin Black, Holden Boully, Ernesto Chacon, Everett Deibler, Will Johnson, Johan Mora-Valverde, Quinna Phillips, Michael Scanlon, Sean Spence, Hunter Steinitz, Elizabeth Stout, & Amanda Waldron
Lakeshore 1
Description: This presentation focuses on the recent update to the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) Code of Professional Ethics, specifically Section D on Multicultural Considerations. Additionally, various career counseling theories are presented to provide tools and resources to professionals who support students and youth in receiving pre-employment transition services and career exploration.
Participants will be able to conceptualize and discuss topics as they pertain to multicultural concerns and ethics, Pre-Employment Transition Services, and career counseling theories.
Presentation Files:
Presenter(s):
- Dr. Rob Froehlich, Associate Professor, The George Washington University
- Dr. Nichole Tichy, Senior Technical Assistance and Research Analyst, The George Washington University
Lakeshore 2
Description: Explore how Kentucky's Department of Education uses the Predictor Implementation Self-Assessment (PISA) with districts to boost transition programs for students experiencing disability. Learn how this framework aids in improving post-school outcomes by providing insights, successes, and strategies for impactful education, with examples of KY’s use of the PISA to collaborate with local districts and support transition education.
This session will include an overview of the PISA, an understanding of how the tool is used to enhance programming for students with disabilities, and strategies for sustainability and progress.
Presentation Files:
Presenter(s):
- Dr. Jason Wheatley, Unit Administrator (Director), Kentucky Department of Education
- Dr. Allison Johnson, Unit Assistant Administrator (Assistant Director), Kentucky Department of Education
Glenwaters
Description: Discover the role of Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) in empowering families as partners in the transition planning process. Learn how PTIs provide training, information, and resources for informed decision-making; support in self-advocacy and goal attainment; and prepare students for postsecondary success, meaningful employment, and successful transitions to adulthood.
Participants will learn how PTIs support families in decision-making, youth self-advocacy, and postsecondary planning along with strategies to enhance family involvement through PTI support.
Presentation Files:
Presenter(s):
- Leia Holley, Program Director, Families Together Incorporated, KS
- Zach McCall, Program Director, Missouri Parents Act (MPACT)
- Dawn Monaco, Youth Engagement Program Director, SPAN Parent Advocacy Network
- Jodi Webb, Executive Director, Pathfinder Services of ND
- Josie Badger, National Youth Engagement and Transition Director, SPAN Parent Advocacy Network
Description: In this engaging session, discover how to utilize the NTACT:C Resource Mapping and Flow of Services Guide to strengthen partnerships and leverage resources to improve post-school outcomes for students experiencing disability. This interactive session will provide participants an opportunity to learn how to use the tools and strategies within the Guide and understand the benefits of resource mapping to create a seamless transition system.
Participants will receive an overview of the NTACT:C Resource Mapping and Flow of Services Guide and learn practical mapping strategies to create a seamless flow of transition services.
Presentation Files:
Presenter(s):
- Ruth Allison, Senior Faculty Specialist, NTACT:C and Center for Transition Innovation, College of Education, University of Maryland, College Park
- Kelli Crane, Assistant Research Professor, NTACT:C and Center for Transition Innovation, College of Education, University of Maryland, College Park
- Jacque Hyatt, Technical Assistance Specialist, NTACT:C & UNC Charlotte, Cato College of Education
- Jennifer Stewart, Project Manager, Colorado Sequencing of Services, Breaking Expectations, LLC
Lakeshore 4
Description: Join us to learn about Utah’s Interagency Collaborative on Postsecondary Transition (STC) for students experiencing disability and its Portrait of Postsecondary Transition aligned with Utah’s competencies. To best prepare students for success in postsecondary education we needed to collaborate with institutes of higher education, resulting in the development of a Pre-K-12 Transition Skills Mapping Tool. We will also share the Transition Elevated website developed in partnership with the STC.
Participants will learn how to collaborate with state organizations to develop a portrait of postsecondary transition and will receive resources to prepare students for postsecondary success.
Presentation Files:
- Slides: Aligning Effective Practices for Postsecondary Education & Training
- Aligning Effective Practices: Preparing for Continuing Education and Employment (resource) (PDF)
Presenter(s):
- Deanna Taylor, Postsecondary Transition Specialist, Utah State Board of Education
- Crystal Emery, SSIP and Postsecondary Transition Specialist, Utah State Board of Education
- Lavinia Gripentrog, Postsecondary Transition Specialist, Utah State Board of Education
- Aimee Langone, Transition and Supported Employment Coordinator, Department of Workforce Services
Lakeshore 3
Description: Each year, more than 37,000 young adults are housed in a Juvenile Rehabilitation facility, and most are working towards a seamless reentry and successful transition to adulthood. Despite best efforts, nearly half will find themselves back in an incarcerated setting. This session will introduce key components of successful reentry, informed by existing research and a recent evaluation. Join us to learn about what you can do to support young adults involved in Juvenile Rehabilitation.
Participants will learn how to support young adults involved in Juvenile Rehabilitation plan for reentry and transition to adulthood.
Presentation Files:
Presenter(s):
- Marcus Poppen, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Special Education, Center for Research and Innovation in Special Education, College of Education, Washington State University
- Anya Sheftel, Ph.D., Research Assistant Professor, Special Education, Center for Research and Innovation in Special Education, College of Education, Washington State University
11:15 – 11:30 AM
Interagency State Team Strategic Planning 4
Boxed lunch
1:15 – 1:30 PM
1:30 – 2:30 PM
Description: Join us for a topically focused, interactive networking session with facilitated peer-to-peer learning. This session may extend content shared during a previous concurrent session or other networking opportunity or extend learning on an important topic which is not specifically addressed in the agenda elsewhere. Learn about new or existing resources from state and national colleagues and consider how a resource, process, or effort may be applicable to your entity’s strategic planning process.
Participants will engage in facilitated discussions and networking regarding data use and analyses, lessons learned, and successes achieved on statewide initiatives or state-to-local efforts.
Lakeshore 1
Lakeshore 2
Lakeshore 3
Glenwaters
Presentation Files:
Lakeview
Walden
Harris
Topic TBD
Optional Interagency State Team Strategic Planning 5
On your own