March 17, 2022

8:45 AM - 2:30PM EST

NO TRAVEL NEEDED

Participate online from anywhere

Learn and Network

Connect to resources

Welcome to the 2022 West Virginia Transition Fair!

Join us on Thursday, March 17th for a statewide virtual transition fair! This event is an opportunity for middle school and high school students with disabilities and their families to learn about the transition from high school to adulthood and resources available. Sessions will cover education and training options, employment opportunities, independent living, and how to access services.

Who should attend?

Students with disabilities (age 14+), parents/caregivers, families, teachers, counselors, agencies and other service providers.

Registration is FREE!

On the day of the event, login using the email address that you provided during registration. Login any time after 8:15 am and visit the exhibit booths. The Welcome and Opening Session will begin at 8:45 am.

If you cannot attend on March 17th, you can access the videos and materials through June 30, 2022

Questions or accommodation requests?
Contact Jenny Lancaster, jenny@terzettocreative.com
Your success is more than luck!

Agenda

time iconMarch 17, 2022 08:30 am

Login and Visit Exhibit Booths

Login and take some time to explore the virtual platform. Check out the exhibit booths and the game room!

time iconMarch 17, 2022 08:45 am

West Virginia Transition Fair Welcome (All Audiences)

speaker headshot Tracy Carr, Senior Manager
West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services

Join us for the welcome and opening remarks from the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services.

time iconMarch 17, 2022 09:00 am

SESSION 1 - DRS Client Experiences (All Audiences)

speaker headshot Chris Napier, Education Associate
South Carolina Department of Education
speaker headshot Morgan Wagner, Program Assistant
West Virginia University

Former DRS clients, Morgan Wagner and Chris Napier, will share their personal stories and how DRS played a part in shaping their lives and careers.

time iconMarch 17, 2022 09:30 am

SESSION 2 - DRS Transition Services (All Audiences)

speaker headshot Veronica Bunch, Rehabilitation Counselor
West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services
speaker headshot Donna Cain, MA, CRC, Senior Rehabilitation Counselor
West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services
speaker headshot Saundra “Sandy” Griffith, MSW, Senior Rehabilitation Counselor
West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services
speaker headshot Rayna Guy, MA, Senior Counselor
West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services
speaker headshot Jason Napier, M.Ed, BVI/Transition Counselor
West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services
speaker headshot Monty Hogbin, CRC, Transition Counselor
West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services

Join DRS counselors for a discussion on agency transition services available to high school students with disabilities.

time iconMarch 17, 2022 10:00 am

Break and Visit Exhibit Booths

Take a short break, visit exhibit booths, and check out the games! Or view our on-demand videos in the auditorium!

time iconMarch 17, 2022 10:15 am

SESSION 3 A - Get a Job and Keep a Job 101: The Importance of Soft Skills (Students)

speaker headshot Alyce Almond, MSW, LSW, Employment Services Manager
West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services

This session covers work readiness topics that will help you prepare for employment and provides information about skills needed to keep your job after you begin your employment journey! The top 8 soft skills that will help you be successful in any job setting will also be reviewed.

time iconMarch 17, 2022 10:15 am

SESSION 3 B - WIPA Work Incentives, Planning and Assistance (WIPA) -- Why It's Important (Teachers and Caregivers)

speaker headshot Jennifer Tenney, MA, CWIC, Primary Investigator/Program Manager, WIPA Project
West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities

An introduction to the WIPA program including the purpose of the project and the reasons the project benefits students and beneficiaries on Social Security benefits. Session will include a brief introduction to work incentives.

time iconMarch 17, 2022 10:15 am

SESSION 3 C - Employment Services (All Audiences)

speaker headshot Rocky McCoy, Field Supervisor
WorkForce West Virginia

Registration process, referral process, working with America's Job Center partners, Federal Bonding Program, Jobs Jumpstart Program, America's Job Center locations throughout the state.

time iconMarch 17, 2022 10:45 am

SESSION 4 A - Student Employment Opportunities, Labor Market Information (Students)

speaker headshot Michael Lamb, Employment Specialist
West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services

This session will focus on showing students how to find out about the outlook for careers in WV and how to use this important information.

time iconMarch 17, 2022 10:45 am

SESSION 4 B - IDD Waiver Program Information (Teachers and Caregivers)

speaker headshot Stacy Broce, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Program Manager
WVDHHR Bureau for Medical Services

This session is to provide a description of what the IDD Waiver program has to offer and how to apply.

time iconMarch 17, 2022 10:45 am

SESSION 4 C - WVU Country Roads (All Audiences)

speaker headshot Mandy Filippelli, BS, Grants and Partnership Development Officer
West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities

WVU Country Roads is a new program, housed at West Virginia University, and coordinated by the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities. The goal of the program is to prepare students with disabilities for independence by providing academic courses, social engagement and real-world work experiences. Students live in a shared residential housing arrangement, participate in social activities across campus and receive career education and training.

time iconMarch 17, 2022 11:15 am

Lunch Break and Visit Exhibit Booths

Take a short break for lunch and check out the exhibit booths and games.

time iconMarch 17, 2022 11:45 am

SESSION 5 A - Employment 101 - Paper/Online Applications and Job Interview Preparation (Students)

speaker headshot David Valentine, Employment Specialist
West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services
speaker headshot Jeffrey Kester, Employment Specialist
West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services

This session will discuss how to prepare for job interviews and techniques to use while the job interview is in progress. Information will also be provided about how to properly complete paper and online applications.

time iconMarch 17, 2022 11:45 am

SESSION 5 B - Supported Decision Making (Teachers and Caregivers)

speaker headshot Christina E. Smith, Training and Advocacy Consultant
ASTRIVE Advocacy
time iconMarch 17, 2022 11:45 am

SESSION 5 C - ADA Basics (General Audience)

speaker headshot Kim Nuckles, EEO/ADA Director
West Virginia State Americans with Disabilities Act Office

This session will include information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the West Virginia State Americans with Disabilities Act Office and services.

 

time iconMarch 17, 2022 12:15 pm

Break and Visit Exhibit Booths

Take a short break, visit exhibit booths, and check out the games! Or view our on-demand videos in the auditorium!

time iconMarch 17, 2022 12:30 pm

SESSION 6 A - Money Smart for Young People: Finance 101 and Budgeting (Students)

speaker headshot Diana Whitlock, Vice President and Community Manager
JPMorgan Chase Bank

This financial health education session will leave you with a basic understanding of financial goal-setting, budgeting, how financial institutions (banks and credit unions) work and their products/services, what credit is, the different loan types, and an introduction to credit reports.

time iconMarch 17, 2022 12:30 pm

SESSION 6 B - WVABLE - Empowering individuals with a disability to live more independently today, while planning for tomorrow (Teachers and Caregivers)

speaker headshot Roxanne Clay, MA, WVABLE Program Director
West Virginia State Treasurer's Office - WVABLE

The rules have changed…the WVABLE program allows many qualifying individuals with a disability the ability to save and invest more than $2,000 without losing eligibility for certain government benefits that are critical to their health and well-being, such as SSI and Medicaid. Up to $16,000 per calendar year may be contributed into a WVABLE account, and an additional $12,880 of income may be contributed by employed beneficiaries - increasing the total annual contribution limit to $28,880. Earnings grow tax free and can be spent at any time for qualified disability expenses.

time iconMarch 17, 2022 12:30 pm

SESSION 6 C - WV Invest, CFWV, Financial Aid (All Audiences)

speaker headshot Brian Weingart, Senior Director of Financial Aid
West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

Overview of federal and state financial aid programs including WV Invests and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

time iconMarch 17, 2022 01:00 pm

SESSION 7 A - How to Get a Driver's License (Students)

speaker headshot Tim Jordan, Rehab Tech Unit
West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services
time iconMarch 17, 2022 01:00 pm

SESSION 7 B - Independent Living Skills and Self-Advocacy Strategies (Students)

speaker headshot Meredith Pride, BS, Executive Director
Appalachian Center for Independent Living

This session will cover independent living skills, self-advocacy strategies, and services provided by Centers for Independent Living.

A program overview will provide participants information about independent living skills, strategies to becoming a better self-advocate, what services are provided by Centers for Independent Living (CIL) and how to access a CIL near you.

As a result of this session, participants will:

1. Understand what independent living skills are, and how independent living skills will help you to be successful as you transition to post-secondary school, a job of your choice, and into adulthood.
2. Understand what advocacy is, how to be a self-advocate, and strategies to becoming a better self-advocate.
3. Understand what services are provided by a Center for Independent Living (CIL) and how to access a CIL.

time iconMarch 17, 2022 01:00 pm

SESSION 7 C - CFWV Web Portal (All Audiences)

speaker headshot Brandon Hughes, Coordinator of Technology and Digital Outreach
West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

College for West Virginia (CFWV) provides free resources to help students and families plan, apply, and pay for education and training beyond high school. A central component of the CFWV initiative is WV’s one stop college access web portal, CFWV.com.

time iconMarch 17, 2022 01:30 pm

SESSION 8 A - Accommodations in Higher Education (Students)

speaker headshot Spencer Poling, Director of Accessibility and Support Services
BridgeValley Community and Technical College

Attendees will learn the accommodations available to them in Higher Education. What steps to take to receive accommodations in your classroom, and advocacy skills that are beneficial to students.

time iconMarch 17, 2022 01:30 pm

SESSION 8 B - WV Career Technical Education (CTE) Simulated Workplace (SWP) (All Audiences)

speaker headshot Timothy Elliott, Coordinator
West Virginia Department of Education

The West Virginia Department of Education has worked with committee experts from numerous businesses and industries throughout West Virginia to design Simulated Workplace. This new educational initiative has been created to assist schools in implementing workplace environmental protocols that align with West Virginia workforce requirements, including random drug testing, professionalism, attendance and safety. Simulated Workplace has not only enhanced instructional delivery of career education but has created a more engaged career and technical student. The simulated workplace environment permits students the opportunity to take ownership of their individual performance as it impacts the overall success of their education, while thriving in an authentic workplace culture. Simulated Workplace also encourages local business and industry experts to join onsite review teams to assist schools in meeting their workforce needs and expectations.

time iconMarch 17, 2022 02:00 pm

Wrap Up and Next Steps

speaker headshot Chris Napier, Education Associate
South Carolina Department of Education
speaker headshot Morgan Wagner, Program Assistant
West Virginia University

Join Morgan Wagner and Chris Napier for the WV Transition Fair wrap up and next steps.

time iconMarch 17, 2022 02:15 pm

Networking and Visit Exhibit Booths

Be sure to visit any exhibitors you may have missed!

Frequently Asked Questions
The 2022 West Virginia Transition Fair is an online interactive event where participants can visit exhibitors, download resources, view presentations in the auditorium, and ask questions.
THIS EVENT IS FREE. There is no charge to attend.
This is an online event. You do not have to travel to any specific location. You can participate anywhere that you have internet access. The event is accessible from desktop, mobile and tablet devices.
YES. Prior to the event, you will need to register and provide an email address in order to login and attend the event.
NO. You do not need to download or install any software to participate in the summit. You do not need a webcam. You only need to have internet access. Chrome and Firefox are recommended browsers.
Your login information is the email address you provide during registration. You will be able to join early to test the system and get familiar with the interface.
YES. Like any physical event, we will have a swag bag for you! You can add documents provided by each exhibitor to your online swag bag and email them to yourself or share items with friends and family by simply entering their email.
Absolutely. We are counting on you to invite others! Help us spread the word. You can simply share the link to this page and they can register at their convenience.
This platform will be available on-demand until June 30, 2022.