News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2008
Contact: Aileen Colorado, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: 804-662-7532
Email: Aileen.Colorado@drs.virginia.gov
Web: http://www.vadrs.org
- Annual Forum Gives Platform for Youth to Share Experiences and Insights -
Richmond, Va. – Ben Linkous, 19, of Radford, Virginia, hopes to one day be able to drive his own car, attend college, and go to work. These goals seem reasonable for any teen fresh out of high school, yet they are goals that will likely be met with more challenges for a person with a disability. Diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (a genetic disease that causes muscles to weaken), Ben became eligible for transition services during high school. Every year, transition services provide more than 50,000 students with disabilities such as Ben, with guidance and resources to help them prepare for a successful move from high school to the world of work, higher education, and adult life.
From March 17-19, Ben, along with other youth and their families, will attend The Virginia Transition Forum 2008, held this year at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center in Roanoke, Virginia. The forum, which draws over 1,000 attendees annually, brings together students, families, advocates, as well as professionals from education, vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, and business to address the multiple issues facing youth with disabilities as they prepare for life after high school.
Sponsored by the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS), the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and other transition service partners, the forum is the single largest source of training and technical assistance for rehabilitation and education personnel serving youth with disabilities. This year’s theme, Youth Driven Transition: A Roadmap to Success, underscores the importance of the youths’ role in the decision-making process.
“This is the second year I will be attending the forum,” said Ben. “It’s a good place for kids like me to meet and connect with people who can help.”
On March 18, Ben will serve as a member of a youth panel where he and other select youth with disabilities will share their experiences, challenges, and insights regarding the transition process. For the first time, employers will be joining the panel to answer questions and offer advice to the rising future workforce.
Of particular note, about 40 youth with disabilities from across the Commonwealth and neighboring states will participate in the first Self-Determination Youth Summit (SDYS), a two-day workshop designed to teach and empower youth to become better self-advocates and lead more self-determined lives. With support from other youth leaders with disabilities, SDYS delegates will work in teams to identify disability issue areas where they can become involved and make a difference at the local and state level.
“The forum is an excellent opportunity for youth with disabilities to demonstrate leadership, set goals, network with peers, and develop the confidence and skills they need for success,” said Doug Cox, assistant superintendent for special education and student services, Virginia Department of Education.
DRS Commissioner Jim Rothrock adds, “As an agency responsible for helping people with disabilities become employed, our partnership with the school system is critical to providing effective transition services for students and young adults with disabilities. This annual forum gives teachers and rehabilitation counselors a unique opportunity to share valuable resources, ideas, and strategies that will enhance these services.”
For more information about The Virginia Transition Forum 2008, please contact Erica Lovelace, education manager, DRS, at (804) 662-7081 or visit www.virginiatransitionforum.org
Background:In partnership with people with disabilities and their families, the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) collaborates with the public and private sectors to provide and advocate for the highest quality services that empower individuals with disabilities to maximize their employment, independence and full inclusion into society. For more information about DRS, call 1-800-552-5019 (v), 1-800-464-9950 (TTY) or visit www.vadrs.org.
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is responsible for educating students, grades pre-kindergarten through 12, in the fundamental knowledge and academic subjects that they need to become capable, responsible, and self-reliant citizens. VDOE's Division of Special Education and Student Services, in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations, works with local school divisions to provide education and related services for children with disabilities. For further information on special education and student services, call toll-free (800) 422-1098 or visit www.doe.virginia.gov.
