transition times · “every child should have an opportunity to attend a summer camp.” some of...
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IN THIS ISSUE:
OTC Transition Webinars… p1
Tech-Now …………..……… p2
STEM Camp ……………….. p3
WOW! ………………………. p4
Summer Camps Listing
(Does not constitute an
endorsement) ….…….. pp4-7
Youth Leadership Forum …p7
Camp Tumbleweed ………p8
ABLE Tech …………………. p9
Sooner SUCCESS ………… p10
Why we do what we do…p11
2018 Legislative Summit…p12
Joining Forces ……….….. p13
Council Members ………. p14
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19 Oklahoma High school students spent 5 days on the USAO campus in
Chickasha at the Oklahoma Youth Leadership Forum.
Find out how your students can attend at no cost at http://okddc.ok.gov/youth-leadership-forum.
Save the Dates!
The Oklahoma Transition Council is excited to kick off their new webinar series. We will be offering 3 webinars for FREE this spring and summer! Learn in comfort of your own desk from statewide experts. All 3 webinars will be in the morning, 9:00-10:00am. Watch your emails for registration information.
3/29: Ed Plan & Transition: Lori Chesnut with SDE 5/8: Community Resources: Joni Bruce & Angela Donley with OFN 7/18: LifeCourse Tools: Wanda Felty & Heather Pike with CLL & OFN
WEBINAR
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Wow, what a year 2017 was!
For the first time in our eighteen-year history Tech-Now Inc., partnering schools, and even a church in Tulsa, worked together to
provide STEM Skills Training to nearly five hundred students with disabilities all over Oklahoma! Tech-Now has met with schools that are working to become members of our family for the 2018-2019 school year, and we were fortunate to have the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services’ Director, Noel Tyler on hand at one of our best attended state competitions to date. We even had an additional article accepted for publication on the OU Study done on Tech-Now. I can’t wait to learn what 2018 has instore for all of us!
As I write this we are just a few days into 2018; we are just finishing up the annual Button Contest where our students submit their button designs in the hope of winning $20.00, and a copy of their submissions. Everyone that enters a design receives their button and about a dozen students win the cash. It is just a little taste of what the students can earn during the annual competition. I have included a few of the entries from the button contest for you to enjoy.
The date for the State Competition has been set for May 2, 2018 in the Norman North High School Gymnasium. We have been working hard to secure awesome awards for our students! What kind of awesomeness you may ask? How about 7 laptops and software bundles, 12 Android tablets, and cash, cash, cash! It is going to be a great day for some hard-working students that enter quality products into the competition. I extend an invitation to you to experience this event for yourself!
STEM Camp – Last year, through a partnership with
the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), Tech-Now provided four STEM Camps. This year, we hope to provide additional camps in areas of the state that Tech-Now programs do not exist, as well as a few in areas that do have Tech-Now programs.
During the camp students will learn to use Windows ® based computers and related technologies to design, build, and race multiple HT Gravity Racers.
The students receive a USB Drive containing the design software used during the engineering camp, complete racers and extra materials to allow for the construction of additional racers, they design and create camp T-shirts, and lots of other stuff!
If you want a STEM Camp in your area, now is the time to get things in motion! Contact Renee Sansom, [email protected] from DRS to start the ball moving.
A huge thank you to our partners The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, our school sites, the public/ private financial supporters, and all our volunteers.
I hope to see you at the competition!
Rick DeRennaux
If you would like more information about Tech-Now please email us at:
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Contact Renee Samson, [email protected] at the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitiation Services for more information about the STEM Camp.
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DRS Offers Work Experience Opportunities for Transition Age Youth & Young Adults
Summer Work Experience with WOW!
Do you like to camp?
Do you need a summer job?
Do you have a disability?
Are you a DRS client?
Are you at least 16 and in high school next year?
Join WOW!
Camp outdoors and earn money while gaining work skills and experience
Apply to join us June 3-8 or 10-15, 2018 in the Wichita Mountains.
Contact Loni LeForce for more information ([email protected]).
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It’s almost SUMMER TIME! And with summer time, come summer camps!
“Every child should have an opportunity to attend a summer camp.” Some of the benefits summer camp has for children are:
1. The day is spent physically active! Children spend a lot of time these days SITTING down. Camp gives a great opportunity to move.
2. Camp gives a chance for kids to experience success and become more confident. 3. Time away from technology. There’s always a lot to do at camp, whether it’s meeting a new friend or trying a new
activity. 4. Camp develops life-long skills, from problem-solving to making friends. 5. Camp gives kids a chance to be become who they are. Kids make decisions without their parents or teachers
guiding everything. 6. Camp gives kids a time to relax and have fun. 7. Camp gives kids a chance to connect with nature. 8. Camp gives kids a chance to make real friendships.
So…are you ready for summer? Be sure to check out the listing of summer camps in this guide (p5-7).
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Every child should have an opportunity to go to a summer camp.
Camp Benedictine’s Overnight Camp for persons with or without disabilities (Shawnee). Camps are held monthly, call for dates - Camp Benedictine: located in Shawnee, OK. Camps accept persons with or without disabilities, ages 8-80. Three-day camps held monthly provide an opportunity for individuals with developmental delays to engage in recreational, educational, and pre-vocational activities along with other community members. Offered are swimming, basketball, aerobics, volleyball, bingo, drama, arts and crafts, cultural activities, and concept building activities. Call for camp dates, fees, and application information. For information, call 405-878-5289 or email [email protected]. Camp Barnabas is for kids and teens, ages 7 to 17. It offers acceptance and love to more than 1,500 campers with special needs and chronic diseases. Through adaptive activities, people with physical, intellectual, and/or medical challenges become participants, not observers, in the world around them. They leave Camp Barnabas knowing they are uniquely created to live lives of ability. http://www.campbarnabas.org/
Barnabas Prep is designed to help young adults move closer to reaching their full potential and to guide each student toward a meaningful life of independence and spiritual growth. In the beautiful setting of our Branson, MO campus, students have the opportunity to learn and grow spiritually with Christ, individually through life and career skills, and relationally in a community living environment. Barnabas Fellows live and work alongside each student to assist them in their daily living and learning needs. http://barnabasprep.com
Camp Cavett invites any child between the ages of 10-18 that has been diagnosed with a life-threatening or chronic illness to enjoy the free camp each July at Lake Texoma. Though they may have many different illnesses-cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, GI disorders, sickle cell, and lung disease among the most common-together they learn coping skills due to the education process entwined in camp activities. Camp Cavett is a place where these children can come together and have fun while learning crucial life lessons from one another. www.CavettKidsFoundation.org
Heart Camp is held in June in the beautiful mountains of northern New Mexico. Each year, 15-20 campers who either have a congenital heart disease or are the recipient of a heart transplant travel to Angel Fire, New Mexico to stay in two gorgeous cabins. http://www.cavettkids.org/camp-heart/ or call 405.271.2271 x2
Kamp Courage is a camp for children who have spina bifida, PKU, and kidney disabilities. Kamp Courage takes place northeast of Tulsa and gives each child the opportunity to meet others who share the problems of diet and fluid restriction and other aspects of these disabilities. http://www.cavettkids.org/kampcourage/
Leadership Camp has a slightly different focus than the other camps. During Leadership Camp, campers learn how they can use their disease or illness as a positive tool in their lives. Communication and public speaking skills are emphasized because we feel that it is imperative that campers feel comfortable with sharing their amazing stories. http://www.cavettkids.org/camp-leadership/ or call 405.271.2271 x2
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Camp ClapHans is a residential summer camp for children with disabilities in Norman. Along with 2 cabins, it has an activity center and an 11-acre lake. There are weekly sessions throughout the summer for children ages 8-16 with a disability. Applications are due March 11. The cost for camp is $325. You can see their catalog of events online: http://jdmc.org/events.shtml or call Camp Director Paxton Stieber (405.307.2814 or email [email protected]). Camp DaKaNi is a life-changing experience for all children. Camp DaKaNi is open to boys and girls (K-6) and teen and adult volunteers regardless of race, gender, creed, religion, national origin, disabilities, or economic status. http://www.campfireusa-ok.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=95&Itemid=211 Loving Hands Ranch has camps for children and teens who have a hearing impairment. For more information, email [email protected] or visit our website www.lovinghandsranch.com. Camps Endres and Nohilo are summer camps for children and teens with diabetes. Both camps offer fun activities such as swimming, horseback riding, archery, boating, hiking, fishing, climbing The Wall, and Capture the Flag to name a few. www.dsok.net Make Promises Happen is a year-round camping program dedicated to providing recreational experiences for children ages 6 and older with disabilities and who are at risk. http://www.centralchristiancamp.org/promises.html The Oklahoma School for the Blind (OSB) has a summer camp for students who attend public schools during the regular school year. OSB is the resource center for students who are blind or visually impaired in Oklahoma. This camp is offered at no cost to the parent. Specific instruction and activities will be based on the ages and needs of the students who are enrolled. Students will gain new experiences, learn and apply social skills, meet other students with visual impairments, and even practice their Braille and/or abacus skills. Phone the school at: 918-781-8200 or Toll Free1-877-229-7136 Oklahomans without Limitations has free camps for individuals ages 8-18 who have a visual impairment. Contact 405.232.4644 or visit our website for more information. www.newviewoklahoma.org Camp Perfect Wings is a camp for children and adults with disabilities. For more information, call 405.942.3800 ext. 463 or visit our website http://www.bgco.org/ministries/special-needs. Camp Tumbleweed is a top quality summer day camp for youth with disabilities, ages 14-21 years old, in the Oklahoma City area. The camp is located at the Dale Rogers Training Center, Inc.'s main campus in Oklahoma City and has an outside camp area nestled in the trees complete with teepee and a mock campfire! For an application or more information, contact Dale Rogers at 405-946-4489 and ask for the Transition Coordinator or email [email protected]
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Check out more summer camps and summer activities inside the Metro Family Guide: http://www.metrofamilymagazine.com/Directories/Summer-Camps-and-Activities-Directory
OR KidsCamps.org http://www.kidscamps.com/summer_camps/oklahoma-summer-camps.html * Don’t forget to check out the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Camp Fire, YWCA, YMCA, colleges, libraries, Boys &
Girls Clubs, etc. for summer opportunities!
Become A Leader This Summer At YLF!
The Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) wants to help our young adults prepare for life after high school. At the YLF, students will spend five days on a college campus making friends, exploring career options, improving advocacy and leadership skills, meeting with State Legislators, creating a plan to reach their good life, and so much more! This year’s YLF will be June 12-16, 2018. Applications are due March 1. Check out our webpage http://okddc.ok.gov/youth-leadership-forum for more information as well as our video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2um_cX04EKE. Call or email Jen for more information or for an application, 405.521.4964 or [email protected].
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Assistive Technology (AT) and Transition Transition plans for students who use assistive technology address the ways the student’s use of assistive technology devices and services are transferred from one setting to another. Assistive technology transition involves people from different classrooms, programs, buildings, or agencies working together to ensure continuity. Self-advocacy, advocacy and implementation are critical issues for transition planning. Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Transition, http://qiat.org/docs/Indicators2012Rev.pdf).
For the individual moving into adult life, assistive technology can facilitate greater independence. As some individuals with disabilities will need AT to stay competitive with their non-disabled peers, others will require technology to independently access their environment. Regardless of the specific need, students benefit most throughout the transition process by already having the AT that is needed prior to the transition. Planning for AT needs for transition should begin at the same time other transition needs are addressed, no later than the first IEP to be in effect at the beginning of the ninth grade year or by age sixteen, whichever comes first, as mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Additional entities and agencies should be invited to participate in this planning process. IDEA divides transition planning activities into five areas:
1. Instruction 2. Related Services 3. Community Experiences 4. The development of Employment and other post-school adult living objectives 5. If appropriate, acquisition of Daily Living Skills and provision of a Functional Vocational Evaluation.
Assistive technology can apply to any or all of the above areas when determining the transition needs of graduating students. If it is determined that the AT used in high school should transition with the youth, the school district can agree to sell the AT to the entity receiving the student. In this case, it is best practice for both entities to sign an Agreement for the Purchase/Sale or Statement Declining the Sale of AT Devices. A sample form for this purpose can be found in the Technical Assistance Document: Assistive Technology for Children and Youth with Disabilities, IDEA Part B on pages 91-93. On pages 94-95 of this same document are Sample Device Depreciation Spreadsheets to aid in determining the current value of the device. If it is determined that the AT will not be sold, this should also be indicated in writing and can be done on the sample form mentioned above.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech is Oklahoma’s Assistive Technology Act Program and is a federally funded service program
that provides assistance for educators, students, service providers, and families to learn more about the possibilities with assistive technology. ABLE Tech is available for consultation regarding the AT needs and AT transition needs of students. If needed AT is yet to be determined, ABLE Tech’s device loan program can assist the student and professionals in determining an appropriate device(s). To learn more about Oklahoma ABLE Tech, visit www.okabletech.okstate.edu. To request a consultation email [email protected] or call 800-257-1705. To learn more about Assistive Technology categories, you can visit ABLE Tech’s AT Discovery page at www.okabletech-atdiscovery.org. More information regarding best practice for AT transition can be found at www.qiat.org and in Education Tech Points: A Framework for Assistive Technology by Gayl Bowser and Penny Reed.
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Sooner Success Marks 15 Years By Valerie S Pautsch OU Physicians Marketing Manager
As part of a celebration held last month, a gubernatorial proclamation was read, designating November 30 as Sooner Success Day across the state. Marking 15 years of service to families, the celebration included an overview of the program, its history from inception to the present, the impact it has had and the great potential to do more in the future. A video presentation highlighted the wide range of help and resources and how they are making a difference in the lives of many children and families. Mark Wolraich, M.D., chief of the Section of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics and director of the Child Study Center, provided the background and overview of the program’s history.
Wolraich, who also founded Sooner Success, spoke of the program’s origins. “We had great evaluation clinics at the Child Study Center. But often our recommendations weren’t carried out once patients returned home. I wanted to set up a program that connected what we do with what they can receive at home.”
Sooner Success works to bring different agencies together in a way that more fully integrates services, and helps families navigate those services across the range of agencies. “Coordination of services helps children with special needs become more integrated into their communities,” Wolraich said. “In addition to helping families directly, the program helps communities to identify where gaps exist in services within the community.”
Special guest Carolyn Gleason, M.S., senior public health analyst, Region 10, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, talked about her experience and involvement in creating policy and practice at the federal level. Her words underscored the urgency of the work of Sooner Success and the future benefits that may be realized. Aietah Stephens, Sooner Success director, said, “Our approach is comprehensive, in that we help not only support the child with special needs, we help their caregivers, siblings as well as extended families. It is important for our program to look at opportunities to assist the family as a whole, in their communities. Fortunately, our program has no eligibility requirements, income guidelines or lengthy application process.”
Sooner Success is a statewide program that began with six counties participating. Today, county coordinators are actively at work in 17 counties strategically selected to offer maximum coverage of the state’s child population. At this time, coverage is at more than 50 percent. Stephens said, “There’s no way we could do what we do without our partners. It is our hope to cover 100 percent of this population, to expand the abilities of counties to become more inclusive for families raising children with special needs.”
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Sooner Success works closely with public and private sectors to support families with children, from birth to age 21, who have special health care needs. The mission of Sooner Success is to advance a comprehensive and unified system of health, social and educational services for children and youth with special needs within their communities. We serve those who face:
Intellectual disabilities
Physical disabilities
Emotional/behavioral challenges
Developmental delays/disabilities
Learning disabilities soonersuccess.ouhsc.edu
1-877-441-0434
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Zane started his career for the City of Watonga doing School
Work Study in the Watonga High School his senior year under the transition program. Zane had 2 counselors during his time at DRS, but the end counselor was Amy Martin in the Weatherford office. The family was impressed with how wonderful the coordination with the schools, the community and DRS were. Kathy Allen with Watonga High School found Zane the job to work with in School Work Study and he really enjoyed it. He transitioned into the job from the
experience and guidance he received from both the school and DRS. His boss, Donnie, liked how he worked and hired him after graduation in May 2016. He has been working seasonally up until now. He has been hired on full time with the City of Watonga as the Park Maintenance. Some barriers that Zane overcame were that he now has his driver’s license and he is able to drive to and from work, he has gained a lot of confidence and he works hard and keeps going and keeps trying. Zane will be receiving a raise soon from the City of Watonga for proving himself and doing such great work. The community has embraced Zane and he is well liked all over town.
Zane states “I can buy my own food. I can buy my mom flowers. I bought my own truck. I can go to the store for my family. I am showing my own independence.” “DRS has helped me a lot.” According to
his mom and dad, “Zane has gained so much self-confidence and social skills. We don’t have to give him spending money anymore; he probably has more than I do in his wallet now.”
Erica is very excited to be a success story for Department of
Rehabilitation Services (DRS). Brenda Gossett at DRS assisted Erica with being successful. Brenda went above and beyond to ensure that Erica’s OJT went smooth and that everyone was involved in the process. Brenda was also available for input for implementation solutions once OJT began. Erica graduated from Meeker High School and soon began working
as a para professional for the 5 Star Inter-local Coop and her worksite is Meeker Public Schools. Her Special Education teacher, Troylene Kinnamon asked if she was interested in the position, she interviewed and then was asked to fill the opening as an on-the-job training. Erica exceeded all expectations and has been hired as a full time employee. Erica was terrified of losing benefits, but with the help of counseling from the Social Security Benefits Counselor and Brenda Gossett at DRS, she maintains her ability to be successfully employed and loves her job. During her time at DRS, she received community resource referrals for DHS, Counseling Services, school-work-study services (at Anthony’s, the school cafeteria and library), OJT (at the High School) and Occupational Services through the Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center while at Meeker High School through the special education program.
Erica states “my life is better, I feel better about myself in general.” “I have given up my Social Security Disability and I am doing great.” Erica states “I enjoy my job. It’s been pretty good.” “I like working with the kids and I enjoy being a para.” It makes me happy and I get to still see my friends working and gaining knowledge.”
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In 2017, over 2,500 bills were initially proposed. Few of those bills directly affected people with disabilities, but, those that did could have substantial effects on those we serve. Right now, decisions are made that affect students and adults with disabilities, with or without the input of parents, advocates, and teachers. Last year, special education and other professionals, parents, and advocates came together for the first ever Special Education Legislative Summit in Oklahoma. The first day of this two-day event participants spent learning from leading advocates and professionals about those bills introduced that could directly affect people with disabilities and their families. Participants were also given guidance and training on effectively speaking with Legislators. The second day was spent at the OK Capitol, sharing stories and discussing issues with legislators. If you are interested in getting to know your legislators, gaining face time with your legislators, learning about
educational issues, and joining us in 2018 to help effect change for people with disabilities in Oklahoma, mark your
calendars for March 27-28, 2018 at Metro Technology Centers, Springlake Campus. For information, contact OKDCDT at [email protected] or check out our website at https://dcdtok.wixsite.com/okdcdt To read a basic overview of proposed laws from the last legislative session that could affect students with disabilities in Oklahoma, click HERE.
Register for the summit today: https://ousurvey.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9t4J0a36H88ileZ
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Pop Quiz (Answers on bottom, no cheating!)
1. In Oklahoma, how many bills were proposed in 2017?
2. What year was the first Oklahoma Special Education Legislative Summit held?
3. How can you get involved?
2018 Special Education Legislative Summit
Answers 1. Over 2,500 2. 2017 3. Join us for the 2018 Special Education Legislative Summit
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Transition Council Affiliations
The mission of the Oklahoma Transition Council is to improve transition education, planning, and services that lead to successful
post-school outcomes for students with disabilities.
Oklahoma Transition Council Members
Claudia Beckner Joni Bruce Regina Chace Lori Chesnut Megan Curry Rene’ Daman Rick DeRennaux Theresa Flannery
Tony Gibson
Theresa Hamrick Larry Hartzell Linda Jaco Dr. James Martin Dr. Amber McConnell Janice Morris Kim Osmani
Claudia Otto
Judy Pluess Jenifer Randle Renee Sansom Eva Smith Julie Smith Julia Sterr Marcie Stickney Kathleen Wehmyer Dr. Kendra Williams-Diehm
Chickasaw Nation VR
Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation Cornell University, PDSC Dale Rogers Training Center
Division of Career Development & Transition
Lawton Public Schools
Norman Public Schools
OK ABLE Tech, Seretean Wellness Ctr, OSU
Oklahoma Autism Network
Oklahoma Child Study Center, Sooner Success
Oklahoma Family Network
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Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Developmental Disabilities Services Division
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services
Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council
Oklahoma Disability Law Center
Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council
Oklahoma State Department of Education, Special Education Services Oklahoma State University - Tulsa
Owasso Public Schools
OU Zarrow Center for Learning Enrichment
Tech-Now Inc.
University of Oklahoma, College of Education
VR-YTAC