Overview
Let’s talk about Transition.
Learn from Perkins and industry experts.
If you’re wondering what your student might do after graduating high school and what services are out there to support them, we’ve got you covered.
Transition Talks is a series of free, monthly workshops, designed for parents and professionals to learn the many aspects of transition planning for young adults with disabilities.
Our 2024 – 2025 workshops is underway! Sign up now to receive information on all of the important topics we’ll be covering.
Workshops series
All workshops are hosted virtually over Zoom and take place from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. ET (east coast time).
October 15, 2024
Sustainable Financial Planning for Young Adults with Disabilities
Dr. Lance Clawson, a psychiatrist specializing in Autism and behavioral health, will guide us in creating a support plan for young adults with disabilities that reduces ongoing parental involvement. He’ll cover essential topics like estate planning, managing trusts, securing benefits, and ensuring your young adult’s well-being for the long term.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Lance Clawson, MD
November 19, 2024
Social Lifespace: Building Critical Connections
We’ll discuss the importance of fostering inclusive social environments and opportunities to support the emotional growth and overall well-being of individuals with disabilities. Discover the Five Pillars of Best Buddies, explore what happens after school, and talk about how to build pathways to social experience based on young adults preferences and interests.
Guest Speaker: Molly Whalen, VA & DC State Director, Best Buddies
January 21, 2025
Parental Mindset: Stepping Back and Letting Go
Hear from two parents who’ve successfully shifted from being hands-on to stepping back, allowing their adult children to take the lead. This approach helped their children build confidence, improve decision-making skills, and access support systems outside the family. Learn how letting go can empower your child to grow and become more independent.
Panel Speakers: Amy Brenneman Actor, Director, Writer, Mother and Disability Advocate, Daniella Mini, “Public Ponder” Blogger, Mother and Disability Advocate.
February 25, 2025
Navigating the Healthcare Transition to Adulthood
As individuals with disabilities turn 22 and move from pediatric care to adult services, the process can involve insurance changes, making important healthcare decisions, and advocating for their unique needs. Finding primary care can be especially tricky for those with complex needs. Our expert speaker will review Six Core Elements of Health Care Transition™ and share valuable insights and strategies for making this transition as smooth as possible.
Guest Speaker: Peggy McManus, MHS, Co-Director, Got Transition®, and President, The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health
March 25, 2025
Empowered Employment: Skills and Strategies for Success
In this workshop we’ll discuss the unique employment challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and explore key skill areas including effective communication, time management, problem-solving and teamwork.
Our speakers will provide actionable strategies and tools families and educators can use to support students in building confidence and competencies needed to succeed in today’s workforce.
Guest Speakers: Sara Barron, Co-Founder, Ventures ATL, Marisol Carmona, MSW, Program Specialist, Perkins Transition Center
April 15, 2025
Using Technology and AI to Support Transition Outcomes
Technology is reshaping what’s possible for young adults with disabilities. In this Transition Talk, we’ll explore how assistive technology, AI, and executive functioning tools can make a real difference in the transition to adulthood. Discover practical tools and strategies to support education, work, and independent living, along with creative ideas to make accessibility easier and build key skills.
Join us to see how technology can create new opportunities for young adults to achieve independence and success.
Guest Speakers: Minh Ha, CPACC, ADS, Assistive Technology Manager, Perkins, Andrea Rutherford, Director, Perkins Compass Program.
May 27, 2025
The Role of Self-Advocacy in Successful Transitions
Self-advocacy isn’t just a skill — it’s a powerful tool that helps individuals with disabilities live life on their own terms, with dignity and the opportunity to reach their full potential. Learning to advocate for yourself from a young age — and continuing to build that skill into adulthood — is essential for empowerment, inclusion, and greater independence.
Meet Derek Heard, an advocate with a disability. He and his mother will share why raising self-advocates matters and offer strategies to help nurture this critical life skill.
Guest Speakers: Derek Heard, graphic artist, entrepreneur, public speaker, and disability justice advocate
Allison Hall, Senior Research Associate/Project Director, Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI)
Register for the series!
We’ll start sending you zoom information and reminders a few weeks before each workshop.
Explore our extensive Transition Resources
Preparing to leave high school and navigating all of your options to begin adulthood can be daunting. Our Transition Resources are here to guide you through the process, including our Transition Planning timeline.