The theme for this year's annual meeting was "A Real Difference for a Real Life - Transition Programs That Work."
For teens with autism or other learning or social challenges, finding the right school makes all the difference.
Joannie Y. Jaxtimer, Co-Head of Global Philanthropy, BNY Mellon, lead an informational, educated, and spirited conversation focused on transition programs. Our panelists discussed whether teachers and clinicians really understand their unique needs. Is the program creative, flexible, and grounded in research? Is the student going to be able to make a successful transition to adult life, with goals for the future and the skills to take the next steps? Too often, these students enter the real world with limited social opportunities, no vocational prospects, and minimal community independence.
A big thank you to our panelists:
- Brooke Howard, MS, OTR/L, Transition Director, Ivy Street School
- Joan Kester, Ed.D. Assistant Professor Special Education and Disability Studies, Graduate School of Education and Human Development, the George Washington University
- Michelle Garcia Winner, M.A., CCC-SLP, Founder and CEO, Social Thinking
Following the panel discussion,
MAB Community Services presented the Community Partner Awards. These organizations and individuals support MAB Community Services and the important work of our divisions; The Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Adult Disability Services, and the Ivy Street School.
Awards were presented to:
- The Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging in recognition of your commitment to expanding access to life-changing technology for older adults who are blind or visually impaired.
- Talya Nevo-Hacohen for her work with Adult Disability Services to achieve the highest level of person-centered planning. Your generosity and philanthropic interest is making such a difference in the lives of the individuals MAB Community Services serves.
- Michelle Garcia Winner for her contributions to the field of special education. Her thoughtful work on Social Thinking has changed the lives and futures of countless children and families.
MAB Community Services
has been creating opportunities for people with disabilities since 1903. Our highest priority (and our greatest success) is to make it possible for an individual with a disability to live a full and active life in the community. More than 1,400 lives are affected by our programs each year.
We pause a moment to say congratulations to CEO Barbara Salisbury on her 10- year anniversary with MAB Community Services.
We appreciate your support as we move forward. For a look at our photo album of the evening please
visit our Facebook page.
