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, 2024
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, 2024
Navigating Healthcare and the Transition from Pediatric Services
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. Join us for a session with Perkins healthcare experts who will share valuable insights and strategies for making this transition as smooth as possible.
March 18, 2024
Empowered Employment: Skills and Strategies for Success
This session 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. We’ll discuss the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and explore key skill areas including effective communication, time management, problem-solving and teamwork.
Guest Speakers: Sara Barron, Co-Founder, Ventures ATL, Marisol Carmona, MSW, Program Specialist, Perkins Transition Center
April 15, 2024
Using Technology and AI to Support Transition Outcomes
Exploring how cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize the transition process for young adults with disabilities. We’ll explore the practical applications of technology and AI tools that support educational, vocational, and independent living goals and learn innovative strategies for skill development and enhanced accessibility.
May 20, 2024
Health and Wellness for Young Adults with Disabilities
Wellness is a vital part of life for people with disabilities, impacting their overall quality of life, independence, and ability to form community connections. In this workshop, we’ll look at several models that support wellness and also discover easy ways to build critical connections within your young adult’s life and community.
June 17, 2024
Raising Confident Self-Advocates
Self-advocacy isn’t just a skill—it’s a crucial tool that allows individuals with disabilities to live life on their own terms- with dignity and the chance to reach their full potential. Learning self-advocacy from a young age and continuing to develop it into adulthood is essential for empowerment, social inclusion, and greater independence. We’ll discuss why raising self-advocates is so important and explore strategies to nurture this critical life skill at every stage of development.
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.