Part of the disability policy and advocacy strand, this session will give attendees guidance about how to effectively engage in policy advocacy at the local, state, and federal level.
Location: Acacia C
Disability Policy Part 2
This 2-part presentation is focused on the fundamentals, and unique attributes, of public policy, legislative proceedings, and agency actions that affect the disability community. Sessions will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of challenges and opportunities within the current public policy environment.
Disability Policy Part 1
This 2-part presentation is focused on the fundamentals, and unique attributes, of public policy, legislative proceedings, and agency actions that affect the disability community. Sessions will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of challenges and opportunities within the current public policy environment.
Cultivating Leadership in Disability Advocacy: Moving from Awareness to Action
This session will empower emerging disability advocates with the tools, confidence, and strategies needed to lead in the disability rights movement. By examining the intersection of disability advocacy and social justice, we will emphasize the urgency of advancing equity, access, participation, and rights. Attendees will gain insight into amplifying their voices, mobilizing communities, and driving systemic change. Through practical, actionable strategies, participants will leave prepared to foster leadership in themselves and others, ensuring a lasting impact that moves beyond awareness to meaningful action.
Learning Outcomes
- Participants will discover how to step into leadership roles in disability advocacy, regardless of experience, by adopting social justice principles.
- Participants will gain a deep understanding of the four pillars of social justice (access, participation, and rights etc.) and how these principles shape disability advocacy efforts.
- Participants will learn actionable strategies to develop and foster leadership within themselves and others, enabling them to lead successful advocacy efforts in their communities.
Getting Ahead to Go Beyond: Empowering Students for a Successful Journey to Adulthood
Early transition planning is key to ensuring a smooth and successful journey for students as they move from school to adulthood. By starting earlier, IEP teams can identify and address potential challenges, include practical outside agency support, set clear goals, and provide the necessary opportunities for students to explore postsecondary options and thrive.
Join us for an insightful session packed with valuable resources to help you navigate Arizona’s requirements for Secondary Transition Planning. Discover effective practices that foster strong youth self-determination while empowering your team to create more impactful transition plans. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and make a difference for Arizona students!
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the Importance of Early Transition Planning: Learn why starting transition planning early is crucial for student success.
- Navigate Arizona’s Requirements: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the state’s requirements for Secondary Transition Planning.
- Identify and Address Potential Challenges: Explore strategies to identify and mitigate challenges that students may face during their transition.
- This session is designed to equip educators, administrators, and families with the knowledge and tools needed to create robust and effective transition plans. By attending, participants will enhance their skills, gain valuable insights, and be better prepared to support students in their journey from school to adulthood.
- Set Clear Goals: Learn how to set achievable and meaningful goals for students’ postsecondary success.
- Provide Necessary Support: Discover resources and practices that support students in exploring postsecondary options and thriving in their chosen paths.
Building Bridges: Strengthening School Partnerships for Effective Pre-ETS and Work-Based Learning
Join us for an engaging workshop dedicated to empowering providers as we explore best practices for connecting with schools to deliver Pre-Employment Transition Services (PreETS), with a special emphasis on work-based learning experiences (WBLE). Attendees will discover strategies for fostering lasting relationships between schools and employers—relationships that thrive well beyond the WBLE workshop. By leveraging insights from the school sustainability guide crafted by the Sonoran Center’s PreETS project, participants will gain valuable skills to effectively connect with schools, engage employers, and collaborate with the Sonoran Center to enhance their PreETS services.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify strategies for connecting with schools to deliver PreETS.
- Describe effective approaches with employers to develop WBLE experiences that go beyond the 2 hour workshop.
- Identify how the Sonoran Center’s PreETS project can collaborate with providers to connect with schools and develop WBLE.
Secondary Transition: From IEP to Opportunities of Adult Life
Research suggests that youth with disabilities are less likely to experience positive post-school outcomes compared to their peers without disabilities. To this end, secondary transition services are intended to help youth with disabilities make the transition from high school to the world of adulthood. Individualized Education Program (IEP) Teams are tasked with planning and implementing transition plans to help all youth with disabilities achieve successful post-school outcomes that include postsecondary education and training, employment, and community engagement. This session will equip educators and related professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to do so by providing them with strategies to assess individual needs, develop personalized transition plans, and connect students with appropriate supports and resources.
Learning Outcomes
- The transition planning process.
- Providing skill development and support.
- Strengthening the IEP through transition.
Preparing Students for Success: Unlocking Opportunities with Pre-Employment Transition Services
Are there students in your life who are unsure about their future career path or how to prepare for the workforce? Navigating these challenges can be tough, but support is available! Join us for an insightful and welcoming session to learn about Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and how it can empower students to explore career options, develop job readiness skills, and take steps toward achieving their goals. Together, we can support students in unlocking their potential and building a pathway to success!
Learning Outcomes
- Participants will have an understanding of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
- Participants will gain an understanding of the five core Pre-ETS activities mandated by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and their role in supporting students with disabilities.
- Participants will know how to request Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).