Connectivity in Practice Mattered: Young Adult Stories Adult Ally: Bill East, NASDSE

Today’s Presentation  Share NASDSE’s evolving picture of transition  Bring transition research to life through three unique student stories  Challenge NASDSE members to lead on transition and on youth role

Promoting a Vision of Meaningful Youth Involvement  The National Association of State Directors of Special Education’s work supports state education agencies as change agents to promote the involvement of youth/young adults in the decisions that affect their educational services, experiences and outcomes.

IDEA on transition  “to prepare them (children and families) for future education, employment and independent living “  20 U.S.C.1400(d)(1)(A) (IDEA)

NASDSE Promoting a Vision of Meaningful Youth Involvement  NASDSE’s 68 th Annual Conference (2005) in Minneapolis, MN opened with panel of young adults, “Commanding the Future: Young Adults Speak on Education, Engagement and Empowerment.”  NASDSE’s 70 th Annual Conference (2007) in Scottsdale, AZ featured a plenary session, “Transition Works,” highlighting successful relationships between students and their adult allies in support of transition in three different environments.  NASDSE’s Professional Development Series featured a two hour conference “Partners in Progress: Youth/Young Adult Leaders for Systems Change.”

NASDSE Promoting a Vision of Meaningful Youth Involvement  IDEA Partnership  Dedicated youth practice groups in both the Communities of Practice (CoP) on Transition and School Behavioral Health  Supported young adult panels at the National CEC Expo in 2006 to the present  Working with the Project Unify ( Kennedy Foundation) on inclusive leadership programs for youth  Work in States  Supported state work on youth role in AL, AZ, CA, DE, DC, NH, NV, ND, OK, PA, VA and WI

Spectrum of Attitudes Three approaches adults can take toward working with young people: 1. Youth as Objects Attitude – young people have little to contribute 2. Youth as Recipients Attitude – young people need to be guided through their participation in adult society 3. Youth as Partners Attitude – the contributions of young people are critical, welcomed and valued. Lofquist, W.L. (Fall, 1989). “The Spectrum of Attitudes: Building a Theory of Youth Development.” New Designs for Youth Development. Tucson, AZ: Associates for Youth Development, Inc.

The Adult Ally  Supports the efforts of youth/young adults with disabilities by acting as advisors while promoting meaningful, active participation and leadership  Prepares youth to be involved  Youth-friendly language (key terms ahead of time, avoid acronyms)  Youth-friendly scheduling  Age-appropriate involvement

NASDSE Annual Conference 2011: Connectivity Mattered: Student Stories Messages from youth to leaders….  Empower youth with the meaningful opportunities to effect change within their community and within any institutions or systems that concern them.  Support skill development in the form of communication, advocacy and awareness.  Institutions must make a sustained commitment to creating meaningful leadership opportunities for youth. Youth Leadership and Development Mooney, J and Horne, L. (2008). “Youth Leadership and Development Guide.” Wisconsin.

Panelists  Chaz Kellem  Manager of Diversity Initiatives, Pittsburgh Pirates  West Director, Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network  Angie Bellamy  Student, Casper (WY) Community College  Carlos Orellana  Young Adult Advocate, Las Vegas, NV

A Variety of Youth Roles  Self Leaders – directing their own lives  Advocates – supporting others in leading their own lives  Planners - plan and implement projects  Trainers - young people who are properly trained and supported can train both youth and adults  Evaluators - assess program effectiveness by being involved in the evaluation processes  Leaders in Youth Summits - provide young people an opportunity to voice concerns and develop possible solutions  Advisors - advance policies that affect their own lives, govern an organization or community Youth Leadership and Development Adapted from Mooney, J and Horne, L. (2008). “Youth Leadership and Development Guide.” Wisconsin.

Vulnerability and Disability  For many of today’s youth, disability is compounded by social, emotional, cultural and economic issues.  Increasingly, effective transition requires sensitivity to the wide array of situations that challenges families and youth.  Systems designed to serve families, including health, housing, mental health, transportation and others are important partners.  Transition planning under IDEA can have an important role in coordinating needed services and establishing connections to adult providers in post-secondary and in the community.

No ‘One Size Fits All ’ Transition  “The most important markers of adulthood are now considered to be:  completing school  establishing an independent household  being employed full time Only half as many young adults achieved these markers in 2005 than in 1960.”  “Having resources is no guarantee of success just as lack of resources is no guarantee of failure”.  “There is a mismatch between young adults making their way to adulthood and the existing institutional supports.” The Bookings Institution and Princeton University, 2010, The Long and Twisted Path to Adulthood

Leading on Transition and Youth Role  NASDSE’s commitment has not changed…but deepened!  What we know now…  Self determination must begin early…at preschool.  Every transition is important…grade to grade, change of levels, transition required under IDEA at 16…and the transitions that we will not be involved in after school.  We must take the deep look at transition…not just the mandates and indicators that define ‘our transition’…but what has come before…what will come after.  Families and young adults are the service coordinators across the age span. Can we design a system to support them in assuming that role? Connectivity matters.  NASDSE is committed…join us !