Transition Tidbits & Sp Ed Updates
Winter 2025
OCALI Lending Library
The OCALI Lending Library is available to any person over the age of 18 residing or working in the state of Ohio. To create a Lending Library account, please submit your information using the registration form. Once your application has been processed and your account has been established, we will notify you via email.
Assistive Technology of Ohio
AT Ohio's mission is to help Ohioans with disabilities learn about or acquire assistive technology. Assistive Technology refers to devices, equipment or services that assist individuals with disabilities to function independently in the areas of work, home or school. We offer several programs and services to achieve that goal. We also keep up with current legislative activity that affects persons with disabilities, and educate legislators about the needs and concerns of citizens with disabilities.
WOUB Learning Lab Lending Library
Using the trusted and valued educational resources of WOUB Public Media and PBS, the WOUB Learning Lab wants to empower teachers to use 21st century learning tools and media in their classrooms that are proven to impact student success.
Teachers can check out educational technology resources from the Learning Lab and integrate them into their classrooms. Representatives from WOUB Learning Lab are also available to answer any questions teachers might have to make sure teachers and students have a positive experience with the technology.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month!
February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month! CTE programs help all students and young adults prepare for in-demand jobs through structured education and training. These programs, called career pathways, offer a step-by-step approach to gaining skills and advancing to higher levels of education and employment. They focus on local and regional job needs.
CTE is especially beneficial for students with disabilities. Research shows that these students have better outcomes when involved in CTE:
- Improved graduation rates: They are less likely to drop out and more likely to graduate.
- Increased employment: They have better chances of finding full-time jobs.
- Concentrated CTE leads to even better results: Students with disabilities who take several CTE courses in a specific pathway are more likely to graduate on time and find employment after graduation.
Connecting a student's transition plan with CTE programs is a great way to align their strengths and interests with career pathways to improve their future success.
Celebrate CTE Month!
Career and Technical Education Month® is a public awareness campaign, hosted by ACTE and sponsored by National Association of Home Builders, that takes place each February to celebrate CTE, the accomplishments of CTE programs and the importance of CTE for all students of all ages. We encourage you to use these resources below to help us generate positive awareness of CTE!
Pathways to Success: Advocating for Your Child's Education
February 25, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST!
This free Hands-On Webinar will equip educators and other family-facing professionals to facilitate the Pathways to Success workshop with families of students learning English. Pathways to Success is interactive and includes fun activities and discussions for families. In the Pathways to Success workshop, families explore the Ohio Roadmap for Families of English Learners and leave with resources they can use tomorrow. The workshop can be adapted for families of students Pre-K through Grade 12. Our facilitator Hands-On Webinar prepares you with everything you need to lead this family learning workshop in your setting!
Facilitator Role: Review and customize materials for your district and audience.
Select delivery format: in-person or virtual.
- Provide feedback on date, location, and attendance.
- Conduct a post-workshop participant survey.
Key Takeaways:
- Receive contact hours (2)
- Facilitator materials Information
- Session materials
2025 ECHO on Children with Complex Needs and Sensory Disabilities
Project ECHO is an inter-professional practice network where education and related services professionals learn together through short, informational presentations on meeting the needs of students with complex needs, including sensory disabilities, and case-specific presentations. Case presentations allow participants to support a colleague through real-time problem solving, and the identification of possible strategies and solutions to support the individuals they serve. Review the flyer to learn more and register.
There are still two sessions you can join:
March 10 - Team members serving students who are deafblind share how they collaborate with the classroom team Transition Planning:
April 14 - Transition planning for students with sensory disabilities and behavior concerns
Please share with district special education leaders!
