1. The Missing Elements of Transition

2. Who we are People First of Louisiana Statewide self-advocacy organization Made up and led by individuals with disabilities 18 chapters located throughout the state We represent about 400 people

3. Purpose of People First Empower people to become better decision makers Increase independence Extend disability rights movement

4. Purpose of Transition To help prepare for employment or post- secondary education, as well as inclusion in community life.

5. How does the purpose of People First and the purpose of Transition fit together? Both need to involve younger individuals Younger individuals need to be equipped with skills of self-advocacy and self- determination.

6. So this is what we did……

7. Key people involved in transition SchoolStudentsParents

8. Who was needed People First of Louisiana Parents and Families Family Facilitator Transition Specialist ESS High School students Middle School staff and faculty High School staff and faculty ESS Middle School Students

9. Process Collaborated with Transition Specialist for EBR Schools Met and discussed project with principal – Secured agreement and cooperation Letters Phone calls Parents meeting Teachers meeting

10. Process Recruited ESS (Exceptional Student Services) High School Students – Feeder school – Prepared for presentation – Parental permission slips High School Students presented material developed by People First with input from high school students

11. Process 6 th, 7 th and 8 th grade ESS (Exceptional Student Services) students Three sessions – 1 st day: Self-Advocacy – 2 nd day: Self-Determination – 3 rd day: Interactive game as review Composed and distributed booklet including curriculum and students’ input

12. Lessons Learned “Buy-in” from school, teachers and parents/family Use high school students to present Use high school ESS staff to select students/presenters

13. Lessons Learned Prepare high school students to present Need to use family facilitators to increase parental involvement

14. Lessons Learned Small groups work better Use People First staff, transition coordinator or teacher to be “host” in review game

15. Next Steps Establish a People First Chapter at High School – Provide additional training – Potential mentoring component Develop evaluation – Measure effectiveness of approach – Longitudinal ??

16. Questions??

17. Sharon Hennessey, Executive Director shennessey@peoplefirstla.org Ashley Serrett, Training Director aserrett@peoplefirstla.org (225)-383-1033 606 Colonial Drive, Suite I Baton Rouge, LA 70806