The DC STCoP October meeting focused on DC Interagency State Plan Focus Area 1: Districtwide shift from siloed transition planning to equitable and inclusive Career & College Readiness (CCR) programming for all students, including Students with Disabilities. CoP members audited informational resources used throughout the district

to inform and connect Students with Disabilities to available CCR and transition services, and made recommendations about what materials were useful, not useful, and missing.  

View the slide deck here.

Resource Audit Activity Padlets:

• Education Staff
• Non-Education Staff

Do you want to share your expertise, highlight organizational successes or best practices in action, or just take on a more active role in the DC Secondary Transition Community of Practice? Sign up to host one of our monthly information sessions. Desired topics include:

• Career & technical education for students with disabilities
• Work-based learning opportunities
• Customized employment
• Virtual Secondary Transition Programming
• Data sharing & tracking

The District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education and SchoolTalk are pleased to offer Secondary Transition 101, a professional learning series with four sessions, each focused on a different aspect of the secondary transition process. Sessions are designed to build special educators’ capacity to develop and implement high-quality Individualized Transition Plans (ITPs) for transition-age youth. Participants will earn 1.5 PLUs for each module they complete. This online professional development series will be offered three times this fall. To learn more, visit: schooltalkdc.org/st101/

Join AJE on Monday, October 25th at noon for a conversation with Tzedek about debt and disability, covering Debt Collection, SSI/SSDI, Student Loan Relief, and more - including when to refer clients to Tzedek for additional support.  

To register, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83886288114.

Did you know that there are low-cost and free job training programs in DC for your students? Did you know that, by completing these programs, your students can earn a job certification to enter the workforce? The 6th annual DC3C Next Steps Career Exploration Conference (Next Steps) will be held virtually on Monday, November 15 through Friday, November 19. Next Steps is an annual DC Special Education Cooprative event geared towards DC high school students with disabilities who are ages 14-21. During the duration of the week, students will have the opportunity to explore career options through on-demand sessions from local educational and training vendors. On Thursday, November 18, there will be live presentations and opportunities for students to engage with panelists. We hope that all member schools serving students ages 14-21 are represented!

Students who participate have the opportunity to earn fantastic prizes (Xbox gaming systems, Apple AirPods, and Visa gift cards) throughout the week. An interactive leaderboard will track sessions attended, time engaged in sessions, and questions asked.

DC high school students with disabilities who have either an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan and their parents are welcome to attend this free, virtual conference to learn about future careers. Secure your spot today! Space is limited!

To register, please visit our DC3C SY21-21 Student Registration webpage.

For more information, contact Cotora Holland at cholland@specialedcoop.org.

DCPS Competitive Employment Opportunities is looking for mentors. If you are interested or know anyone who would like to mentor a DCPS High School Student with Disabilities for 1.5 hours a month, please have them complete the application form at: https://dcpsceo.com/get-involved/become-a-mentor/apply-online/

Best Buddies Living is looking for someone to join our community!

Join a vibrant community of people with and without disabilities.

Requirements:

• Male-Identifying
• Either Working or Going to School
• Interested in Living in a Diverse Community

The Perks:

• Diverse & Inclusive Community
• Classpass Membership
• Free Weekly Meals
• Free Monthly Events
• 24/7 Concierge
• 2-Minute Walk to Metro
• Trader Joe's Downstairs
• On-Site Gym
• Rooftop Infinity Pool
• In-Unit Laundry
• All-Inclusive Rent

We are currently offering a discounted rate!

Inquire more: living@bestbuddies.org

PASS is accepting referrals for youth (10-17) who may be experiencing truancy/chronic absenteeism, extreme disobedience, running away, etc. Referrals can be submitted at https://dcgov.seamlessdocs.com/f/PASSREFERRAL.

Twisted’s mission is to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving independence through both on the job training and by providing support to local organizations with similar goals.

The manager will oversee the operation of our small pretzel/sandwich shop under the supervision of the owners. Responsibilities will include a wide range of duties such as supervising and mentoring our team of employees and interns, tracking inventory, maintaining a safe and clean work environment and serving our customers through the preparation of all Twisted’s menu items including hot pretzels, sandwiches, hot dogs, half smokes and beverages.

Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is a plus but not required if candidate has food service experience and the desire to make a difference in this community. MUST be available to work weekends. 

Interested candidates should submit resumes to info@twistedpretzels.com.

Please contact Chelsea Kovacs, Secondary Transition Manager, at chelsea.kovacs@schooltalkdc.org.

The DC Secondary Transition Community of Practice supports DC youth with disabilities as they transition into a self-directed life. We are a city-wide, cross section of stakeholders who come together to strengthen our individual and collective ability for action.