Bridging the Gap Transition Workshop in OKC

This workshop will be held on  Wednesday March 27th .  This is a FREE program with multiple different sessions. These sessions are not the same, so please make plans to attend all sessions for a full experience.

The sessions are designed to help spark conversations and guide discussions about transition opportunities for teens and young adults on the spectrum and their families.

Location:  Auditorium at IBMC on the INTEGRIS main campus

1:15pm to 3pm – Experienced Transition! – Panel

Transition is a misunderstood word.  It’s so much more than a set of activities as you transition from school into adulthood.  Hear from people on the spectrum who have positive transition outcomes and experiences to share.  Panel members on the spectrum and service providers will give advice to others about the importance of choice, interest, support and creativity in planning great transitional outcomes.

Panelists Include:

  • Local college graduate and medical school student, Sean Spellman
  • Business owner and mobile app developer of Seed to Spoon, Dale Spoonemore
  • Julie Lackey, Lead Learn Live, a program for college for students with developmental disabilities

3:00pm to 3:15pm and 4:30 – 6 PM  – Visit resource tables

Table presentations will consist of local providers who can offer materials and information about specialized transitional services in our area.

3:15pm to 4:30pm – Bridging the Gap: Post-Secondary Employment & Education Strategies for Students with Disabilities – Dr. James Williams

Dr. James Williams will discuss post-secondary employment and education strategies for students with disabilities. Dr. Williams is a transition consultant from Texas who is on the autism spectrum and has an amazing story and background in helping youth and young adults on the spectrum transition into post high school activities, including additional schooling and employment. This presentation will include information about current successful program models, the importance of vocational evaluation, and the findings of his dissertation which focused on understanding the relationship between successful employment outcomes and parent demographics, behaviors, and expectations.

Break for dinner –  Feel free to eat in the INTEGRIS Cafeteria or leave campus, there are many close eating establishments

6:00pm to 7:30pm – The Top 10 Mistakes To Avoid During Post-Secondary Transition – Dr. James Williams

Introduction by AO Board Member, Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, System Managing Director and Chief Medical Officer at INTEGRIS

Dr. James Williams will focus on identifying, understanding, and avoiding the top ten mistakes made during post-secondary transition planning and evaluation based upon research and practitioner experience. An emphasis will be placed on using vocational evaluation and student involvement to foster self-determined choices and empower families, schools, and students to make the best possible decisions regarding post-secondary employment, education, and independent living.

FREE parking is available on site.

Register below: