National Transition Coversation Agenda
October 5-6, 2021
You may attend as many or as few sessions as you would like!
2-Day Schedule
(Subject to updates, so please check back occasionally.)
Tuesday, October 5
| Time | Session | Panelists |
|---|
EDT 10:00-11:00 a.m.
PDT 7:00-8:00 a.m. | Welcome to the National Transition Conversation – Welcome | Olaya Landa-Vialard – Director of APH Connect Center
Richard Rueda – APH ConnectCenter Program Manager
Paul Schroeder – APH Vice President, Government and Community Affairs |
| | |
| 15 minutes | Break | — |
EDT 11:15-12:30 p.m.
PDT 8:15-9:30 a.m.
| Peer Mentoring: Policy, Technical Assistance and Program and Service Supports (WIOA, PreETS and Inclusive Peer Mentoring Supports)
Abstract: Peer Mentoring as a Pre-Employment Transition Service (PreETS) and the emergence of technical assistance supporting program practice and fidelity of service provision. Panelists will explore inclusive youth peer mentoring programs and the emerging practice of peer mentoring as a transition support in Vocational Rehabilitation (VR).
| Moderator: Derek Shields (NDMC)
Christine Johnson – NTACT-C PreETS
Steven Allen – PolicyWorks / Peer MentoringWorks Community of Practice (PMW CoP)
Kristin Humphrey – Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD) |
| 15 minutes | Break | — |
EDT 12:45-2:00 p.m
PDT 9:45-11:00 a.m. | VR Peer Mentoring: Program design and the benefits of peer mentoring to Rehab Service Providers, Mentors and Mentees (youth and students with disabilities).
Abstract: Peer Mentoring Programs serving youth and students with disabilities and the employment of youth and students with disabilities as peer mentors. Panelist will describe program designs, service objectives, and the challenges and opportunities in the field of peer mentor supported youth and student transition | Moderator: Kyann Flint
Steven Allen – Policyworks / Peer MentoringWorks
Horace Brown – FL DVR Youth Peer Mentoring
Dorothy Young – MDRS VRB and the NFB
Brianna Murray – VA DBVI and RISE (PreETS Peer Mentoring) |
Wednesday, October 6
| Time | Session | Panelists |
|---|
EDT 10:00-10:45 a.m.
PDT 7:00-7:45 a.m.
| APH CareerConnect Intro & Day 1 Recap.
A special message from Joe Strechay | Olaya Landa-Vialard – Director of APH Connect Center
Richard Rueda – APH ConnectCenter Program Manager
Joe Strechay – Co-Executive Producer and Consultant |
| | |
| 15 minutes | Break | — |
EDT 11:00-12:30 p.m.
PDT 8:00-9:30 a.m.
| How Does It Work: Agencies & Mentor/Mentee Panel
Abstract: Peer mentoring comes in many flavors. By sharing the experiences of agency leaders, mentors, and mentees we’ll explore how different blindness agencies have successfully implemented peer mentor programs in a variety of ways to meet the needs of their diverse clientele. |
Moderator: Ann Wei-Yee Kwong – Mentoring and Employment with Diversity and Equity
Melissa Lomax – NJ Commission
Daniel Martinez – METAS & NFB of Texas
Neva Fairchild – AFB Blind Leaders Dev. Program
Amy Jine – Vista Center Mentor/Mentee Program
Cynthia Fassler – Mentor and Business Owner
Kevin Andrews – Mentee
|
| | |
| | |
Save the Date: Late October 2021
Join us for part two of this important discussion at the: Inclusive Mentoring and Employment Policy Summit.
Building on the National Transition Conversation’s Mentoring Initiatives, Programs, and Policies meeting;
The Inclusive Mentoring and Employment Policy Summit will explore how the power of personal relationships changes the trajectory of employment.