CASE Sponsored Preconference-Legal Issues in Transition | Presenter: Julie Wetherly, Esq.

Join this Special pre-conference session focused on legal issues in special education and transition. Julie J. Weatherly, Esq. is the Founder of RISE, Inc. located in Mobile, Alabama and has been working with school agencies in the area of special education since 1986. RISE is a full-service legal and consulting business designed to assist educational agencies in the avoidance and resolution of special education legal disputes arising under the IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the ADA and other applicable laws. Julie is a graduate of Presbyterian College and the University of Georgia School of Law. She is a member of the State Bars of Alabama and Georgia and provides consultative and/or legal services to school agencies primarily in Alabama, Florida and Georgia, as well as on a national basis. In June of 1996, Julie appeared with Leslie Stahl on CBS news program “60 Minutes” to discuss the cost of meeting the legal requirements of the IDEA. She has been a member of the faculty for many national and state legal institutes and is a frequent speaker at special education law conferences. Julie has developed a number of videotape training series on special education law and has been published nationally as a part of her trainings, workshops and seminars. In 1998, Julie was honored by Georgia’s Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) as Georgia’s Individual who had Contributed Most to Students with Disabilities, and in April 2012, Julie received the National Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) Award for Outstanding Service. 9 am - 3 pm: 12-1 pm lunch is provided - Fee $230

Using virtual community resource maps to enhance the transition process and improve student outcomes | Presenters: Dr. Jennifer Bumble and Dr. Matthew Flanagan

Looking to take your transition programming to the next level? Virtual community resource mapping is an innovative approach to identifying and “mapping” potential collaborative partners from the school system, service system, and community who might facilitate postschool success for students with disabilities and their families. Using virtual community resource maps, practitioners can: Map their own “transition networks” and set goals to increase their interagency collaboration Develop individualized transition portfolios to enhance student-led IEPs and person-centered planning Build an online, interactive library of resources to share with colleagues, students, and families Develop virtual maps to help students navigate community locations using their phone or other personal technology. In this hands-on workshop, the creators of Mapping Assets for Postschool Success (MAPS) walk practitioners step-by-step through creating their own virtual community resource maps. Attendees leave with (a) free mapping tools, (b) sample maps, and (c) the expertise to immediately apply what they’ve learned in their own classrooms. Bring your laptop! We can't wait to see what you create! 8:00 am - 12 pm: Fee $130

Tips and Strategies for Incorporating Universal Design for Transition | Presenters: Dr. Colleen Thoma, Dr. LaRon Scott, Dr. Sarah K. Howorth, & Dr. Jarrod Hobson

This preconference session will provide guidance on using the Universal Design for Transition (UDT) framework to guide instructional planning, delivery, and assessment to help blend academic and transition learning for youth with disabilities, including the impact of intersectionality with disability. Examples from special educators will be shared, particularly from the updated edition of the UDT book (Scott et al., in press) as well as those who have participated in similar workshops as this preconference session. A discussion of the use of technology (including AI), culturally sustaining practices, and ways to link with others who are part of the transition planning process. Dr. Colleen Thoma and Dr. LaRon Scott 1 pm - 5 pm: Fee $30

Registration

DCDT International Conference

Chantilly, Virginia

October 16, 2024 - October 19, 2024

Date	Time	Location	Information	Reminder
October 16, 2024 - October 19, 2024		Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles 14750 Conference Center Dr, Chantilly, VA 20151	Details

Registration

Registration for DCDT2024 Is Now Open!

	Before August 30, 2024	After August 30, 2024
Conference Registration DCDT Member	$400	$455.00
Conference Registration Non-DCDT Member	$550.00	$580.00

Register Now

Please note that registration is non-refundable and the registration system does charge a 3.95% processing fee.

Pre-Conference Workshop

Join this Special pre-conference session focused on Special Education Leadership and Self-Determination issues in special education and transition.

7:30am - 8:30pm - continental breakfast
Special Education Leadership Join the Virginia Council of Administrators of Special Education for a special pre-conference as we delve into the critical importance of special education leaders in today's educational landscape. In an era where inclusivity and diversity are at the forefront of educational priorities, the role of special education leaders has never been more vital. These leaders serve as the driving force behind creating inclusive environments, implementing evidence-based practices, and advocating for the unique needs of students with disabilities. We will explore the multifaceted responsibilities of special education leaders. From exploring strategies that focus on the capacity of both special and general educators to examining high-leverage practices in our classrooms, participants will gain valuable insights into the transformative power of effective special education leadership. Whether you are a seasoned administrator or an emerging leader looking to make a difference, this conference offers a unique opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and drive positive change in your school community.
12:00 am - 1:pm - buffet lunch
Building a Culture of Self-Determination Self-determination has always been a big part of a student’s transitional years. Practicing the I’m Determined Elements, or skills, abilities, and beliefs associated with self-determined behavior all point to higher outcomes for students with disabilities. The problem is that not all students have the same opportunity to practice these elements. For that reason, embedding a culture of self-determination into the fabric of a school division is critical, as it allows for higher levels of competence, autonomy, and relatedness to be felt by youth and educators. We will showcase how to build a culture of self-determination into existing frameworks and will discuss the importance of this practice
8: 30 am - 4 pm: breakfast and lunch is provided - Fee $230

Division of Learning Disabilities Pre-Conference

Wednesday October 16

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Fee $230

Morning Presentation: Illuminating Pathways for Successful Transitions Wouldn’t it be nice if post-secondary transitions for students with learning disabilities (LD) was as easy as turning on a light switch? Preparing students for successful transitions is challenging and extremely important work that builds from strong specialized instruction with special education. The work you do is important, and we want to make it easier for you by helping to provide evidence-based instruction to build foundational academic skills. In this workshop members of CEC’s Division of Learning Disabilities will share information about academic (and other) interventions that support transition by teaching students with LD with evidence-based practices. We will answer all of your burning questions like: What makes LD special? What do academic interventions have to do with transition? What, really, is the science of reading? Math, yikes. Do these presenters really know what they are talking about?
LUNCH BUFFET 12 – 1:00 pm
Afternoon Presentation: To Infinity and Beyond: Transition Considerations for Neurodiverse Students The impact of a LD doesn’t stop once a student graduates high school. Well-developed transition plans not only fulfill legal obligations, but also set students up for a lifetime of success. In this session members of CEC’s Division for Learning Disabilities outline ways to create strong transition plans for students with LD with specific attention to how students’ intersectional identities (e.g., ADHD, anxiety, racial identity, primary language difference, giftedness, LGBTQ+) can impact transition planning and success. We address considerations for students transitioning to postsecondary education or workforce and discuss changing landscape of higher education disability documentation. In both the morning and afternoon session, we will share resources, ways to find out more about what interests you, and preview sessions where you can learn more. We promise to provide practical information that you can take back to your classroom or district. We appreciate what you do for students and are grateful that you are willing to spend your valuable time with us.