The Art of Letting Go of our Transition-age Sons and Daughters
Summary
As our transition-age sons and daughters look ahead to greater independence in creating their unique paths to employment and satisfying adult lives, we parents are simultaneously learning how to let go.
This presentation features stories of young adults with different types of disabilities who have made successful transitions from school to work and other aspects of adult life.
Printed articles and information about key resources are provided.
Length of presentation: One hour
Technology requirements: Equipment to display/project PowerPoint presentation
Target audience: Parents of transition-age youth and young adults, and professionals who work with youth in transition to adulthood.
Handouts:
- Two essays by Tina Calabro about raising a son with disability.
- List of parent-recommended resources for successful transition to post-secondary education, adult healthcare, employment, social opportunities and residential options.
- “Visioning” worksheet.
Fee: $250 (plus travel costs if outside Allegheny County)
Past presentations given at:
- The Children’s Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Lifesteps Transition Program, Butler, Pennsylvania
- Southern Allegheny County Transition Fair, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- United Way 21 and Able “Survival Guide” Series, various sites in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
- Westmoreland County Transition and Employment Fair, Greensburg, Pennsylvania
- Working Order, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Office of Vocational Rehabilitation STEM Career Expo
- Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Advisory Network for Guidance and Empowerment (CHANGE)
- Montgomery County (Pennsylvania) Office of Developmental Disabilities
Summary
Professionals in healthcare who work with youth and young adults with disabilities need to be knowledgeable about the concept of “Transition to Adulthood” as defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, as well as other “transitions” for these individuals and families, such as transition from pediatric to adult healthcare.
This presentation uses a personal narrative to show the multiple aspects of transition from school-age to young adult services. The talk outlines the unique features of “transition-to-adulthood,” while demonstrating that this transition is one of several important ones for the individual with disabilities and his/her family.
Length of presentation: One hour, plus Q and A
Technology requirements: Equipment to display/project PowerPoint presentation
Target audience: Healthcare professionals and professional-in-training, parents of transition-age youth and young adults, and professionals in other fields who work with youth in transition to adulthood.
Handouts:
- Two essays by Tina Calabro about raising a son with disability.
- List of parent-recommended resources for successful transition to post-secondary education, adult healthcare, employment, social opportunities and residential options.
Fee: $250 (plus travel costs if outside Allegheny County)
Past presentations given at:
- Gateway Health Plan
- University of Pittsburgh Leadership Education in Developmental Disabilities and Related Disorders (LEND) Program
- University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Tina Calabro 