Conference
In-Person
West Virginia Secondary Transition Conference - Day 1
Topic
Special Education
Series: 2025 West Virginia Secondary Transition Conference
June 17, 2025, 7:45 am - 3:30 pm EDT
Agenda
| Time | Event (Location) |
|---|---|
| 7:45 a.m. | Breakfast and Registration (Reception Hall) |
| 8:40 a.m. | Opening Tonya Rutkowski |
| 8:45 a.m. | Navigating Special Education Dispute Resolution - Plenary Session Angel Kennedy and Holly Sheldon WVDE Office of Special Education (Centennial Room) |
| 9:45 a.m. | Break |
| 10:00 a.m. | From Transition to Transformation: Systems that Empower, Not Limit - Keynote Dawn Rowe (Centennial Room) |
| 12:00 p.m. | Lunch and Vendor Walk |
| 1:30 p.m. | Breakout Sessions (Various Rooms) |
| 2:30 p.m. | Breakout Sessions (Various Rooms) |
| 3:30 p.m. | Parent Focus Group Educator Focus Group |
Sessions
Breakout Sessions are 50 minutes each to allow 10 minutes for transition time. All sessions are offered multiple times unless otherwise noted to allow attendees more opportunities to attend. Sessions are offered on a first-come first-serve basis. Please note the maximum room capacity listed for each location.
| Session Title | Description | Presenter | Location (Capacity) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creative ways to support transient and troubled students through unique times and settings | This session will explore the existing opportunities that support troubled youth in West Virginia school districts. Many of our students experience troubled circumstances that require schools to collaborate with one another to implement unique solutions for getting our students college and career ready. | Christopher Good, Jared Hughes, West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition | Centennial A (50) |
| Developing Results-Based Secondary Transition Plans | This session will focus on crafting student-centered, results-focused Secondary Transition Plans to prepare students with disabilities for success beyond high school. This presentation will delve into the essential components required in the Individualized Education Programs (IEP), including age-appropriate secondary transition assessments, post-secondary transition goals, courses of study, transition services, and annual transition goals. Attendees will gain insights into the crucial roles of the IEP team and the significance of fostering collaboration with parents, families, and adult service providers to ensure comprehensive support and successful student outcomes. | Katherine Bradley-Black, Special Education Policy & Practice, WestEd | Capital Room (40) |
| Exploring Alternatives to Guardianship | As students approach age 18, families and educators can explore ways to support their independence without defaulting to guardianship. This session introduces Supported Decision-Making and other practical alternatives that help young people build confidence and skills to make their own choices. Learn how to start these important conversations early and promote self-determination during the transition to adulthood. | Katie Arbaugh, Program Operations Coordinator, West Virginia Developmental Disabilities Council | Monroe Boardroom (24) |
| Guiding the Journey: A Transition Training Program for Parents | Guiding the Journey is more than just a workshop - it’s an empowering experience that walks families through the steps of preparing youth with disabilities for adult life. Whether you’re just beginning to think about transition planning or already exploring post- school options, this program meets you where you are. Each of the eight monthly sessions is carefully crafted to guide families in building a customized roadmap with their youth, incorporating LifeCourse Tools - a practical framework that supports planning across all aspects of life, from education and employment to health, relationships, and community involvement. Transitioning from school to adult life is one of the biggest milestones in a young person’s life, and for families of youth with disabilities, it can bring both hope and uncertainty. But you are not alone. With the right support, your youth can move forward with purpose, independence, and opportunity. Let Guiding the Journey be your partner in this next chapter. | Marlena Broschart, Dianne Aman, West Virginia Parent Training and Information, Inc. | Fairfield Inn |
| Invest in Success: Discover the Benefits and Implementation of Project SEARCH | Are you seeking innovative and impactful strategies to ensure successful post- secondary outcomes for your students with disabilities? Join us to explore how Project SEARCH can become a cornerstone of your secondary transition services. Discover the tangible benefits Project SEARCH offers schools, students, and families, including: enhanced post-graduation employment rates, increased student independence and self-advocacy skills, and positive impact on school district reputation and community partnerships. This session will also provide a clear and practical overview of the process for setting up a new Project SEARCH site for launching students with disabilities on limitless journeys toward fulfilling and successful futures. | Holly Opatick, Project SEARCH National Office | Montgomery Room (60) |
| N-ABLE | N-ABLE (Navigating and Building Life Experiences) is a collaborative teaching strategy that includes the IEP team and community partners to place students in a setting where they can learn and work. This Pleasants County work-based learning program supports students exiting high school and prepares them for postsecondary opportunities as productive successful members of society. | Jodi Mote, Jaden Jones (student) | Centennial B (50) |
| Navigating Futures: The Country Roads IPSE Program at WVU | This session is designed to describe and empower students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing them with the tools and support needed for a successful transition to adulthood. Attendees will learn about our comprehensive curriculum, collaborative partnerships, and inclusive community engagement strategies, all aimed at fostering independence and enhancing quality of life for participants. Discover how the Country Roads IPSE Program is transforming the landscape of higher education and inclusive practices and connect with experts and advocates dedicated to creating a more equitable future for all students. | Kayla Richard, Country Roads Program Manager, WVU CED (Center for Excellence in Disabilities) | Preston Board Room (24) |
| Navigating Special Education Dispute Resolution | The West Virginia Department of Education provides a structured process for resolving disputes related to special education. This process ensures that parents and guardians have avenues to address concerns regarding the identification, evaluation, placement, and provision of free appropriate public education (FAPE) for students with disabilities. During this session, we will explore each avenue and its possible outcomes. | Angel Kennedy, Holly Sheldon | Centennial ABCD (250) |
| Social Security Benefits and Work Incentives | Many students and families believe that once you get a job, your benefits (such as Social Security and Medicaid) will be cut. In many cases, students can work and continue to collect some type of benefit. It is important to learn about your options. There are many resources available to help you understand how a job affects your benefits. A benefits planner can help you understand how your specific circumstances can be affected by getting a job. | Audra Spenia, Vocational Benefits Counselor | Morgan Boardroom (12) |
| Summers County - Work Experience to Possible Employment in West Virginia State Parks | Collaboration between school and work programs with West Virginia State Parks can lead to part-time and/or full-time employment opportunities for high school students after graduation. This collaboration provides students with necessary skills to become independent and employed. It provides the parks with future employees with experience. | Marty Mann, Special Education Dr. Linda Knott, Interim Superintendent Summers County Board of Education | Centennial C (50) |
| Transition with Assistive Technology in West Virginia | This presentation will go over the need for assistive technology when making life transitions. Assistive technology can help people overcome barriers that would be otherwise impossible. Learn about the resources in West Virginia that can help you get assistive technology. Also get some hands-on experience with assistive technology during this presentation. | Doug Cumpston, West Virginia ATS Program Manager, WVU CED | Tyler Boardroom (32) |
| Vocational Rehabilitation Services: High School and Beyond | The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is here to support youth and adults with disabilities (ages 14 and up) on their path to work and live independently. Learn how DRS can assist eligible students transition between high school and adult life. Transition services help students with disabilities move from high school to employment, postsecondary education or specialized training. DRS can help you make informed choices during your transition and assist you with future career plans. | Marsha Spiker and Cindy Beneke, West Virginia Division of Rehabilitative Services | Kanawha Boardroom (32) |
| WEIR Home Grown | Weir High School students engage in the cultivation and sales of microgreens, gaining knowledge about hydroponic farming, sustainable food production, and business operations. They are responsible for monitoring plant growth, managing nutrient levels, and harvesting crops, providing them with a foundational understanding of agricultural science and entrepreneurship. | Erica Sauer, Director of Elementary Education and Special Programs, Hancock County Schools | Centennial D (50) |
| WVABLE Savings – A Financial Planning Tool for Students with Disabilities and their Families | WVABLE program allows qualifyingindividuals with a disability, and their families, the opportunity to save and invest more than up to $19,000 per year, and up to $34,060 if employed, without losing eligibility for certain public benefits that are critical to their health and well-being, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. Earnings grow tax-free and can be used at any time to pay for qualified disability expenses. Attendees of this session will learn about the benefits and advantages of this important financial planning tool for families who have children with a disability. Additionally, the session will include discussion of enrollment, how the accounts work, as well as updates and program enhancements for 2025. | Roxanne Clay, Program Director WVABLE | Brooke Boardroom (24) |
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