Navigating Pre-ETS and Transition from High School and Beyond

Navigating Pre-ETS and Transition from High School and Beyond 

When the US Congress reauthorized IDEA in 2004, they identified the Purpose of the statute was to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living. In other words, IDEA's explicit purpose, according to Congress, is postsecondary education, postsecondary employment and independent living to the greatest extent possible. Using both transition assessments and strategies, this session informs parents, advocates and attorneys how they may use IDEA's requirements for, and the definition of, postsecondary transition planning for a coordinated set of activities within a results-oriented process that is focused on academic and functional achievement to obtain and ensure a FAPE for their students. A FAPE that aligns with the person-centered planning requirements of the 1999 Olmstead v L.C. SCOTUS decision.

About the Presenter:
Christopher Skerritt is a professional Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with more than 10 years of experience particularly in the areas of AAC and assistive technologies and postsecondary transition assessments. Chris is a Certified Vocational Evaluator and holds a bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders and a master's degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. He has worked with individuals with varying disabilities including: Autism, Down Syndrome, PDD, various speech and language disorders, individuals who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Blind. Chris takes a concerted effort to develop rapport and deliver the best possible services based on the needs and interests of the individual. Working in Department of Developmental Disability programs, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Mental Health settings, he utilizes empirical studies that are backed by data and research that supports the validity and reliability of the modalities used. When Chris is not working with individuals in a vocational setting, he works as a job coach/community support worker for his brother-in-law Jason, who has Down Syndrome. In Chris spare time he volunteers and participates in Spartan Races focusing on encouraging individuals of all abilities to participate in the races to the best of their ability and educating racers on adaptive exercises they can perform to deliver the same intensity as the other racers.