#spedchat Archive
#spedchat is a Twitter hashtag used for (1) daily, continuous research and resource sharing on issues related to and effecting students with disabilities, & (2) a scheduled weekly Twitter chat on Tuesday nights from 9:00-10:00 EST.
Tuesday April 19, 2016
Welcome to - Introduce yourself, tell where you are from, & what you do. Don't forget to use the hashtag for each tweet.
Welcome to - Introduce yourself, tell where you are from, & what you do. Don't forget to use the hashtag for each tweet.
Britt from Massachusetts :) I teach middle school special education... but not this week because we are on vacation!!
Hey Britt! Happy Spring Break! :) Thanks for joining us for tonight.
Hi, ! Jodi from Indiana. SpEd teacher in alternative HS placement & private AT/AAC consultant.
Jill from NY :) I teach K/1 special education inclusion!
Popping into & real quick. Hey, all! Dani from NJ. Tech coach/SS Sp Ed T in NY :)
Hello! My name is Laura Cope and I work for Goodwill education in Indianapolis
Tonight's will discuss transition. Looking forward to great discussions.
Rachel from HS Sped Teacher from NE Indiana.
Thanks for joining tonight!
Hey . Tonya here from Indiana!
Rachel, HS Sped Teacher from NE Indiana.
I met your bosses a week or so ago. I loved them! And they LOVE you!
Hi Dani! Thanks for popping in for .
Hi ! I'm Danielle from Indianapolis. SPED Coordinator for
Angie Bone middle school sped from Cheney, KS
Corey Lay, Switzerland County Indiana, first year high school Intense Intervention/Work Transition teacher.
I've missed you!! Thanks for joining tonight!
Hey everyone! Marie, full time collaborative teacher in 3rd in San Antonio, TX. Popping in and out today!
We will post questions as Q1, Q2, etc.. Please tweet your response with A1, A2, etc. Don't forget to add to each tweet!
We will post questions as Q1, Q2, etc.. Please tweet your response with A1, A2, etc. Don't forget to add to each tweet!
Thanks for popping in to !
Good evening I'm Beth, a MS special Ed teacher from NYC, work w. Ss w. multiple disabilities
Hey Corey! Thanks for joining us for tonight.
I'm Jenah, a SpEd and early ed double major at Cedarville University in OH
Kelly sped teacher in upstate NY
Hi Angie! Thanks for joining us for
Awesome! I am lucky to be working with some really great people.
Angie Boone middle school sped from Cheney KS
I'm Jean a Birth-12th grade SLP in a small rural school in northwest MN.
Glad to see you again, even if your off-game. :)
Q1:When do you begin talking about transition services/needs with your Ss? What about their families?Where do you begin the convo?
Welcome! love having an SLP join the convo.
You got a new picture. And name! I didn't know who you were at first!
OH sheesh..me either! OOps..Hi Jean!! :)
Vevay representing tonight! Go pacers! https://t.co/yWg9Xicyov
Corey Lay, Switzerland County Indiana, first year high school Intense Intervention/Work Transition teacher.
A1: I start talking about transition from the very first conversation. End goal is always the big goal.
A1: I start talking about transition from the very first conversation. End goal is always the big goal.
A1: EARLY. The younger the better. I start as soon as I meet my Ss
A1: Transition discussions for some students and family can begin as early as kindergarten based on the child's needs
A1: I teach sixth grade Ss and it amazes me that most have no idea what their IEP is..I start the conversation there.
A1- I start as soon as they come to me, too many Ss don't come to their own meetings
I agree. I also used to teach MS and couldn't believe it! The earlier the better...knowledge is POWER!
My name is Jen Halucha,I am a Learning Support 8th grade Teacher, second time using Twitter,
A1: I'm already talking now in 3rd grade with Ss and Ps! We have to talk big picture, what's our goal?
I can never get over how many Ss (even adults) tell me their disability is "IEP." I kind of think they may be right.
A1: I always begin discussion at least 1 yr before required or middle school
Welcome to . Glad you are joining us.
Yes! Or even what their exceptionality is! https://t.co/GlU2O4rOid
A1: I teach sixth grade Ss and it amazes me that most have no idea what their IEP is..I start the conversation there.
A1: I have a convo with my 4th graders to get their input and an idea of what IEP is
Welcome to ! So far, you're doing a great job! :)
Q2: What resources do you provide to Ss/families or where do you refer them for help with transition resources?
A1) In my world it depends on the severity of the disability. Usually some place around mix elem.
A1-I tell Ss we as adults can make decisions, but Ss are the ones hat have to follow through
A2. Shameless plug for our transition fair at the Indy Metropolitan high school Thursday from 2 to 5
A2 we have a team approach Ts and SW talk with parents freq and get in touch with services when they need it
A2: As my Ss are mild/moderate, the discussion is usually geared toward what they want to do for work and/or college..
Wish I could be there!! I know it's one of the very best transition fairs in the state!
Many high school students do not know their exceptionalities or goals as well. Why? How do we transform? https://t.co/eRgPsJf3eL
Yes! Or even what their exceptionality is! https://t.co/GlU2O4rOid
A1: I teach sixth grade Ss and it amazes me that most have no idea what their IEP is..I start the conversation there.
A2: we are blessed to have a transition coordinator that compiles info on resources in our area and supports transition.
I keep offering to let my students type their own IEP paperwork, too. Nobody has taken me up on the offer. ;)
A2: cont. I used to work in a program that promoted self determined learning and I would have Ss make slide shows & present goals
Q3: Do you/how do you assist students w/applying to Voc Rehab? What info do you provide to Ss & families about VR?
A2 is wonderful resource here, first start hammering in that they need a Medicaid Service Coordinator (MSC) asap
They need to be told. Help make their goals. Learn about their disability & what it means. It's not taboo to tell them.
A1: all different and depends on student, every year is a transition and we will know when to discuss.
A2: we have a transition coach! It's great to have her as a resource!
Jill from NY stopping by Q2 we work with a transition agency that connect Ss to appropriate resources that fit their needs.
What a huge benefit! I just love this.
A2: Our district holds transition fairs that I send info out to. Most of my students are mild/mod so not everything is applicable
Q2: Depending on disability area I discuss Medicaid waiver/BDDS and always VR
A3. Calling with the student while on speakerphone can help give the student courage to get the conversation started
A3: In sixth grade, we are just starting the conversation but by 8th, my coworkers (guidance and sped) are a well-oiled machine
A3: We stay with students from referral to point of service.
Challenge is transition process is so state and locally different
A3: If Ss and families are interested in voc rehab, we invite voc rehab and ss case manager to a case conference.
Same here, new person took over and is doing a great job building relationships, a strength of our school
Q4: What are the greatest challenges you experience in preparing students with disabilities for college?
Great resources ! Thank you!
A3 we have a designated transition coordinator that works with all families to determine what service they are eligible for.
A3: we give the VR handbook and contact info
Team approach with transition resources
A3- in KS our Ss cannot be referred to Voc-Rehab until 16
A4:Knowing how to best navigate the system and make it accessible for Ss and their families.
A4: making sure the Ss are ready to TRULY self-advocate
A4: Self advocacy skills, matching them w the right resources/people
Do you do this by building or at the district level?
I have taught high school Ss for some time- new this year to intensive and MD. Look forward to your informative tweets
A4 helping them understand it's their responsibility to seek out services at college level.
A4: I think with all Ss, preparing them for a great deal of independence. to advocate when they need help
A4 solution: directors of disabled student development at universities are usually awesome at answering questions! just ask them!
A4: Agreed, a big challenge is to prepare for the Ss to navigate the system because we can't go with them.
A4: One challenge is getting students to believe they can be successful in college. It takes years of promoting self-advocacy.
That's my favorite age & area of SpEd!! :)
A4: I think right now my biggest challenge is getting them to self-advocate for their needs in the classroom!
Q5: What are favorite resources/materials you use to assess students’ college readiness skills?
Even if you can't refer yet (Indiana can't refer until ready to exit school), they can learn all about it.
A5: Great organization to tap for resources for post-secondary options for Ss
A4. Helping first generation college students understand how to complete all the paperwork/forms!
It's so much easier when they know why struggle & don't just feel stupid. Makes cooperative w/accoms, too.
you beat me to it, I couldn't find the link. I love this resource!!!
A4: prep student nd family to learn skills to navigate in setting
Q6: What do you wish colleges would do to better support students transitioning to their campus?
This is basically one of the best things EVER!!
A6: I wish colleges made it more clear from application stage what Ss will need to do/have for disability services/accommodations.
Loving all these resources tonight, I need to tweet, never knew all this info I can gain
A6: I have to say as I took my own daughter around, I was pleasantly surprised by the attention to disability assistance
A6 this is hard for me bc we have several colleges that hold transition days for students entering college w disabilities.
Its the best way to build your . People are always available to offer resources and help! Glad you are here.
A6-info how the college system differs
That sounds amazing! How do students feel about it?
Another addict is born! https://t.co/hQtx6WslzA
Loving all these resources tonight, I need to tweet, never knew all this info I can gain
Wow, you are so lucky to have that!!
Q7: What is your biggest challenge or barrier in helping Ss with disabilities transition to employment?
A7: The age of my students (haha)…At our HS we have a transition coordinator that helps arrange work and internships
A7: Teaching soft skills consistently and working with employers to obtain supports
A7: Biggest indicator of success is an ability to create relationships with employers before seeking employment.
A7-need to spend as much time on soft skills as academics for some Ss
they are becoming common in the region. It's a great opportunity for Ps and Ss to hear from prof and a panel of Ss
A6: my district takes Ss on tours to get a feel of college. There's a college fair night in Oct. for students on IEPs in Ohio!
A7: Need to know the skills required to complete the job, employer needs to feel confident in your ability to teach those skills.
Super late but here! Rachel sped T from Wyoming
A8: soft skills as well as getting Ss to believe that they CAN work and they ARE capable. Lots have low self-esteem
A7: teaching social skills, how to interact with adults, customers
A7: parents not believing their kids can do it!
Hey Rachel! Glad you can pop in for a bit.
Oops. A7. I do that every week... https://t.co/jyeVh77tC9
A8: soft skills as well as getting Ss to believe that they CAN work and they ARE capable. Lots have low self-esteem
A7: Biggest barriers to employment are struggles students face in obtaining diploma, which is required for so many jobs.
A7 convincing Ps to give Ss an opportunity to work before grad, transportation, the right job for their strengths/weaknesses.
Agreed…Standardized testing…grrrrr
Q8: What assessments/websites/tools do you use to help students explore careers?
A8: Many states have career exploration websites as part of their state employment system. IN & OH are REALLY good for all Ss!
A8: We use https://t.co/GydNx6en07 to find personal interests and explore careers. It's like a game, but gives data for Ts.
A8-we use Ks Career Pipeline, give a real picture of what it takes for specific careers
I love this one! We even used it with MS students and they loved it.
A8: I used to use College in Colorado it was an awesome tool foe Ss
Sounds interesting. Can anyone use it?
A8: We are fortunate to offer a Career Exploration class for all freshman. Naturally occurring transition activities are the best.
Ohio means Jobs is a good go to!
A8-all of our Ss gen Ed and sped prepare career fair for the 2nd graders in our district
Agreed! It's why I love what are doing for Ss.
Awesome idea! I love this.
I love what does! I would love to see you all move farther North.
Q9: What is most important take-away learned tonight or you want others to learn/remember regarding transition services for SpEd?
ME, TOO!!!! Like, say, Fort Wayne! Any day would be the perfect time!
A9: Start discussing transition early, teach Ss about their disability & the purpose of their IEP, apply it toward future life.
A9: That the conversation has to be had and that it doesn’t mean that doors will close but instead that the right doors may open
A9-it is never too early to start!
A9 make Ss as independent as possible before graduation and introduce/show them how access to adult services. We can't go w/ them!
A9: Transition should be person centered, focus on self-advocacy and instruction that promotes meaningful post HS experiances.
Time to wrap up tonight! Thanks for the great dialogue & collaboration. Continue to use the hashtag as you finish your chats.
Q9: . Transition services is a great resource--remember the team approach!
have a great rest of the week spedchat friends.
thanks for the great discussion, see you next week.
We will storify this chat and post later tonight so you can catch any missed tweets & check out all the posted links & resources.
See you Tuesday, 4/26, at 9:00 pm EST for the next chat.
I am keeping my fingers crossed.
