Autism and Positive Behavior Supports

Join this session to learn about transition supports and resources through the Wyoming Independent Living (WIL) and Wyoming Services for Independent Living (WSIL). WIL and WSIL will highlight programs such as Friendships and Dating, Living Well in the Community, and Community Living skills workshops and will share how to support peer support and advocacy.

Presenter: JJ Sanchez, Independent Living Program Manager, Wyoming Independent Living (WIL) & Rebekka Brunko, Independent Living Specialist, Wyoming Services for Independent Living (WSIL)

Join this session to learn about the best practices related to assistive technology (AT) and student transition plans. The session will include who is involved, what should be included in the AT transition plan, and the importance of developing AT self-advocacy skills.

Presenters: Terri Wofford, MS, CCC-SLP, Speech Language Pathologist and Manager of Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources (WATR)
Krista Zwieg, BSW, Project Coordinator, Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources (WATR)

Join this session to learn more about WYABLE, Wyoming's ABLE plan administered by the Wyoming Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities. These accounts can be created for an individual with a disability that occurred before the age of 26. WYABLE is a way for Wyomingites to save for qualified expenses, invest for future needs, and keep benefits they rely on every day.

Presenter: Penny Davis, Administrative Specialist, Wyoming Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities

This session will explore Vocational Rehabilitation and how Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) services can support students as they march towards more independence and life after high school.
Participants will learn about career exploration opportunities and the importance of work-based learning experiences and how transition services are built on a strong foundation of self-advocacy and work readiness skills.

Presenter: Jennifer Wilson, Transition Consultant, Wyoming Department of Vocational Rehabilitation

Study after study shows that when students are more self-determined - when they make more decisions and take more control over their lives and education - they do better in school and have better life outcomes. This presentation will discuss the importance of self-advocacy and self determination for students and provide practical ways students, parents, and teachers can enhance student self advocacy and self-determination.

Presenter: Melissa Theriault, Attorney and Wyoming Developmental Disability Waiver Case Manager, Wyoming Resource Center for Self-Determination

This presentation will explore how key legislation, including Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), impacts transition programming by guiding individualized planning and pre-employment services to prepare students for adulthood. We’ll also discuss evidence-based strategies for fostering independence and successful transitions to the workforce.

Presenters: Laura Piccioli, MSW, Licensed School Social Worker and Transition Specialist
Eliza Roth, Special Education Teacher; Project Transition, Albany County School District #1
Megan Friderich, Special Education Teacher, Albany County School District #1

This presentation will discuss the development of a tiered transition program, highlighting the framework for instruction and the key components that support its success, including funding strategies, community partnerships, and assessment tools. We will explore how data is utilized to inform decisions and ensure that each student receives the appropriate level of support for their transition to adulthood. Through this approach, we aim to provide a comprehensive, individualized transition experience for all students.

Presenters: Laura Piccioli, MSW, Licensed School Social Worker and Transition Specialist
Eliza Roth, Special Education Teacher; Project Transition, Albany County School District #1
Megan Friderich, Special Education Teacher, Albany County School District #1

This session will give an overview of inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) as well as an update on the status of IPSE in Wyoming and the new Connecting Pokes @ 7220 program.

Presenter: Stephanie Wodahl, Education and Family Support Program Manager, Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND)