Rockland BOCES, in collaboration with the Rockland Transition Consortium, is excited to announce the upcoming Free Resource and Transition Fair. This event is dedicated to supporting students of all ages who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan, their families, and professionals working with such students. Groups are welcome to join this enlightening and supportive event.
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2024
- Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Attendees can drop in at any time)
- Location: Palisades Center Community Rooms, 4th floor near the ice rink, 1000 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY 10994
- Contact: For more information, contact Mary Ellen Urinyi at murinyi@rboces.org or call 845-627-4749
- Registration: No need to register, just come and join us!
What to Expect at the Fair:
The fair will feature a wide range of agencies and educational institutions, including colleges, which will offer valuable information and answer questions regarding various resources. Attendees can explore options related to recreation, advocacy, education, employment training including job coaching, and much more.
Presentation Schedule:
Each session at the fair is designed to educate and assist in the transition from school to various future opportunities:
- 3:15 PM:
- Self-Direction for Individuals Eligible with OPWDD – Learn about self-direction, including the process and budget considerations. This session will be presented by a broker who is also a parent.
- Overcoming Barriers: Build Your Pathway to Employment – Discover community resources that help overcome barriers to employment and achieve personal goals.
- 4:15 PM:
- Social Security – Understand the differences between Social Security Disability programs, application processes, and how employment affects benefits.
- ACCES-VR – Learn about services offered by ACCES-VR, focusing on Pre-Employment Transition Services for students aged 14-21.
- 5:15 PM:
- Special Needs Trusts and the ABLE Act – Get informed about the purposes of Special Needs Trusts and the options to fund them, along with the benefits of an ABLE account.
- Transition to Credit-Bearing College Courses for Students with an IEP or 504 Plan – High school students and parents can learn about accessing support services in college.
- 6:15 PM:
- OPWDD Services and Eligibility – Receive an overview of the services offered by the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.
- What Does Transition Look Like? – Explore strategies to prepare students for life after high school through successful collaboration.
Special Incentives:
Attendees have a chance to win a gift certificate from one of the Mall restaurants. It’s an excellent opportunity for families to gain insights while enjoying a day out.
This fair is an essential resource for families navigating the transition for children with special needs. By linking families with various resources, Rockland BOCES and the Rockland Transition Consortium are paving the way for successful futures. Join us to learn, connect, and take a significant step towards empowering your loved ones for the challenges and opportunities ahead.