The Tech Flash

Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending the northern Virginia college and career forum called Future Quest 2009.  As a first time attendee I was  VERY impressed.   This is an incredible free event for families and educators to gather information to help plan and prepare for post-secondary education and career training.   While I was only able to attend for part of the day, I was amazed by the amount of resource fair tables packed with literature and freebies as well as  instructional sessions and panel discussions.  There were over 15 unique sessions!  A small sampling of the session titles are listed below:

• School to Work Transition Services through VA – DRS & FCPS
• Preparing for College: From A to Z
• Resume Writing & Job Search Skills
• Accessing Assistive Technology in College and At Work
• Careers You Can Learn in Two Years or Less
• Virginia Career VIEW – VA Tech
• Range of Learning Support Services on College Campuses
• Where Will We Live?  Housing Option for the 21st Century
• NVCC and on to a Four-Year College

The resource fair offered a wide variety of helpful handouts.  Below are just a few literature items that I picked up:

• The Americans with Disabilities Act – Questions and Answers
• Social Security – Understanding the Benefits
• A Guide to Disability Rights Laws
• Disability Services Beacon -Leisure Services for Individuals with Disabilities
• VA Medicaid Waiver Programs
• Factors to Consider for Transitioning Secondary Students With Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• Turning 18 – Resources for Young Adults
• Adapted Sports, Recreation and Travel Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities As of 15 October 2009
• Diploma Options for Students with Disabilities in Virginia
• The Ten Commandments of Interacting with People with Mental Health Disabilities

Here are some websites  to check out:

• www.VacollegeQuest.org - VA College Quest website
• www.ttaconline.org - Training and Technical Assistance Center
• www.kihd.gmu.edu/gmulife - GMU Life Program
• www.peatc.org - Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center
• www.cipsummer.com - CIP High School Summer Program
• www.ecnv.org – ENDependance Center of Northern VA, Inc.
• www.dsanv.org – Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia
• www.cityyear.org – Serve as a full-time role model for children and youth (10 month commitment) and receive a monetary educational award, living stipend, cell phone and much more!

While roaming the resource fair, I had the pleasure of meeting Kendra D. Johnson Ed.D. who was giving out free copies of her book 100 Things Every College Student With a Disability Ought to Know.  This self-orientation guide provides valuable information and advice to assist students in adjusting to college life.  It’s a must read for any student with a disability heading to college!

For me, the highlight of the day was the keynote by Jennifer Kemp, Senior Youth Policy Advisor to the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S Department of Labor.   She provided a very powerful, comical and engaging message enriched by her personal experiences as a woman with a disability.  I recorded the keynote with my Flip video camera and with Jennifer’s permission have posted the keynote here for your viewing pleasure.  http://tinyurl.com/yz8coys .

So, if this sounds like an event of interest to you or someone you know, the next GMU Future Quest will be in 2011 (semi-annual event).  Please spread the word!   There is a long list of local schools and organizations that sponsor this event.  Thanks to everyone involved in providing this wonderful opportunity for our future leaders!

Filed under: Miscellaneous and tagged FutureQuest, IEP, keynote, medicaid, transition