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Hosts Megan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) have re-cut their 2022 parent interview with Nick and Remy Nirschl, whose son Rich was preparing to transition out of the school system. The Nirschls share their journey, including Rich's early signs of autism, the challenges of getting a diagnosis, and their experiences with various educational and therapeutic programs. They emphasize the importance of early intervention, the benefits of SSI (Supplemental Security Income), and the decision to pursue self-direction for Rich's post-school life. The conversation highlights the need for parents to start planning early, connect with resources, and seek support from transitional coordinators and other families. Join the conversation!

Episode Keywords:
transition planning, autism diagnosis, special education, vocational skills, ABA therapy, self-direction, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), guardianship, early intervention, community resources, volunteer, educational services, family support, transition meetings

Maryland specific Links:
MD Autism Society (site)
SSI (page)
SSI (site)
DD (page)
Maryland DDA (site)
Nourishing Journey, Columbia MD (Facebook)

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

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For this week, hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) focus more at a local level to discuss resources around Assistive Technology (AT). They emphasize the importance of understanding AT needs which can range from low-tech to high-tech. They highlight local resources and some of the benefits they can provide. They also parallel their conversation with some potential supports for home modifications for families in need. Join the conversation!

Episode Keywords:
assistive technology, transition process, special education, IEP team, low tech, mid tech, high tech, funding sources, DDA, Medicaid, SSI, equipment connections

Links:
Transition Tools (page)

Maryland (specific) Links/Supports:
Loan Closet of Howard County (site)
Equipment Connections for Children (site)
Howard County Transition Commission (site)
Maryland Assistive Technology Reuse Center (site)
Rebuilding Together Howard County (site)
Maryland Access Point (site)

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Send us a text

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan), take a few minutes this week to highlight a resource to locate Rehabilitative Agencies. They emphasize the need for families to research specific states as each has its own eligibility criteria and service offerings; VR agencies typically provide job training, assistive technology, and career counseling. Join the conversation!

Episode Keywords:
vocational rehabilitation, developmental disabilities, job placement, assistive technology, career assessments, counseling services, eligibility criteria, state-specific agencies, resource website, waiting lists, transition process

Links:
Vocational Rehabilitative Agency (page)
State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (site)

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.