Manhattan Transition Committee Minutes
December 7, 2010
Announcements – Program Vacancies
See the attached Adult Vocational/Day Service and Medicaid Service Coordination Vacancy Announcement Lists for current program and MSC openings.
Other Announcements
We want to thank Satera Febus-Viera, Senior Employment Training Specialist for the YAI Manhattan Employment Services, and her crew for their expert food service assistance at the Manhattan DD Council’s Family and Professional Resource Fair on December 2. We also thank AHRC for providing the hot drinks. Over 550 people were served that day and both groups provided professional and courteous service to all.
Helene Craner, Resources for Children, said her agency is available to conduct trainings for both parents and professionals on a variety of topics including behavior management and travel training. Resources’ staff can come to schools or programs. All of the agency’s trainings are listed on their website, www.resourcesnyc.org, or call 212-677-4650. All trainings are free of charge.
Resources for Children will hold its annual Camp Fair on January 29, 2011, from 11 to 3 at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle. A complimentary copy of the Camp Directory will be given to all attendees; there is normally a charge for the Directory. The Camp Fair is also an opportunity for young people who are looking for summer employment to make contact with programs looking for workers.
YAI Family Support Series for Caregivers of People with Autism Spectrum Disorders has sessions scheduled throughout December. For more information on the planned sessions, refer to the attached flyer or contact YAI LINK at 212-273-6182. Pre-registration is required.
Esperanza Center has moved back to Washington Heights. The new address is 516 West 181st St., New York, NY 10033.
The 2011 Manhattan Directory of Day Programs is available online on the Manhattan DD Council Website, www.manhattanddcouncil.org.
Student Information Exchange
The Manhattan Transition Committee’s annual Student Information Exchange will be held on Wednesday, January 19, 2011, at OPWDD, 75 Morton St., from 9:30 to 12:30. Invitations will be sent to all Manhattan agencies providing services to adults with developmental disabilities and to Transition Coordinators from Department of Education Manhattan schools, 853 schools, and private schools with graduating students. Program representatives will have the opportunity to speak about the uniqueness of their individual programs. Parents are encouraged to attend, especially those who have children graduating in 2011 or 2012. Representatives from the adult agencies are asked to stay until the end to ensure Transition Coordinators from the Department of Education and parents have the opportunity to speak to all programs.
A few pointers to keep in mind in preparation for the exchange:
• The Information Exchange is just part of the transition process, however, it is an important piece as it is the only opportunity we have to get all providers together on the same day.
• TCs continue to encourage parents to attend agency tours before the exchange.
• If student assessments have been completed but you have not yet received the hard copy, indicate this on the student’s package, but include whatever evals you have in the packet. Please refer to the attached list for a complete referral packet checklist.
• One of the most important pieces of the packet is a narrative about the student. It should include the student’s expectations and what they want to do upon graduation. Also clearly indicate if the student travels independently.
• On the front of the packet write the name of the program the student is interested in within each agency, i.e., day hab, supported employment, or the name of a specific program, etc.
• Prepare packets only for those programs the student has expressed an interest in attending, however, we do encourage submitting packets to more than one agency.
• If you have any questions concerning the Exchange, contact Kathy Kelly, 212-780-2724, or Kathy Beiser, 212-928-5810, ext. 103.
Supported Employment – A short discussion was held concerning obtaining Supported Employment. Most students will need VESID as well as OPWDD eligibility. VESID provides the short-term intense support while OPWDD is needed for extended support. Some agencies can provide assistance with the VESID application, ask the agency of choice if they have this service.
Committee Co-Chairs: Kathy Kelly – AHRC – 212 780-2724
Kathy Beiser – Esperanza – 212 928-5810, ext. 103
Minutes Submitted by: Kathy Beiser
NEXT MEETING:
Wednesday, January 19, 2011 – 9:30am – 12:30pm
Student Information Exchange
OPWDD, 75 Morton St.