Transition Tidbits

February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, a time to celebrate how CTE prepares students—including students with disabilities—for future-ready careers, postsecondary education, and competitive integrated employment. Across Pennsylvania, CTE programs play a critical role in helping students explore interests, build real-world skills, and make informed decisions about life after high school.

In a strategic effort to enhance the instructional core of Career and Technical Education across Pennsylvania, the Department of Education has launched a new initiative to embed specialized expertise directly into the state’s CTE support system. Three new consultant positions were created in response to the Perkins V federal grant’s strong emphasis on equity and improving outcomes for all students, including those from special populations. Working in a braided partnership with PaTTAN, the Bureau of Special Education (BSE), and the Bureau of Career and Technical Education (BCTE), our new team of specialists will focus on amplifying existing state and local efforts. Their mission is to provide targeted professional development, resources, and technical assistance in the high-need areas of applied mathematics, disciplinary literacy, and support for multilingual learners within CTE programs. By building capacity from within, we aim to ensure every learner has the foundational skills needed to thrive in their chosen technical pathway and beyond.

Let's meet the new CTE Consultants:

•Avni Dyer, CTE Mathematics Specialist: Avni is dedicated to strengthening the integration of rigorous and applied mathematics within all CTE pathways. With a background in math education and data analysis, she will collaborate with educators to demystify complex math concepts, develop high-impact instructional strategies, and use data from sources like NOCTI to target support and improve student outcomes. Her work will focus on helping instructors explicitly teach the math that is essential for technical skill mastery and career success.

•Dan Cullen , CTE Literacy Specialist: Dan’s work is focused on enhancing the critical disciplinary literacy skills—including technical reading, writing, and communication—that are vital for success in every CTE field. He will be coaching CTE teachers on incorporating evidence-based literacy practices into their daily instruction and developing resources that bridge the gap between academic literacy and the demands of technical workplaces. Dan is passionate about empowering students to become expert readers of complex technical texts and clear communicators in their future careers.

•Andrea Malone, CTE Multilingual Learners Specialist: Andrea is committed to ensuring equitable access and success for Pennsylvania’s growing population of multilingual learners in high-quality CTE programs. She will provide guidance and professional development on creating welcoming and effective learning environments, scaffolding language and content in technically demanding courses, and building culturally responsive instructional practices. Andrea will serve as a key liaison between the CTE and multilingual education communities to ensure all students can thrive.

CTE programs offer rich opportunities to align transition assessment, IEP goals, and services with students’ career interests and strengths.

Tips for Leveraging CTE in Transition Planning:

• Use transition assessment data (interests, preferences, strengths, and needs) to inform CTE program selection.

• Ensure postsecondary goals reflect skills and credentials available through CTE pathways.

• Embed CTE coursework, credentials, and work-based learning into transition services and activities.

• Collaborate with CTE instructors to support accommodations, skill generalization, and employability skills.

• Connect CTE experiences to competitive integrated employment, apprenticeships, and postsecondary training options.

Transition Question to Consider:
How is the student’s participation in CTE documented and intentionally connected to their postsecondary employment or education goals?

The Employability Skills Framework is a research-based set of general skills that are essential for students to be college- and career-ready beyond academics and technical knowledge. Developed by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) with partners across education, workforce, and business sectors, this framework identifies a broad range of abilities — from communication and teamwork to critical thinking and resource management — that employers consistently value across industries and job types.

At its core, the framework organizes employability skills into three major categories:

• Applied knowledge — such as applied academic and critical thinking skills

• Effective relationships — including interpersonal skills and personal qualities

• Workplace skills — such as communication, resource management, systems thinking, and technology use

These cross-cutting skills help students not just enter a job or CTE pathway, but thrive and adapt throughout their careers.

🏫 Using the Framework in the Classroom

Teachers can integrate the framework into instruction and transition planning in several practical ways:

• Align lesson objectives with specific employability skills (e.g., include collaboration criteria in a project rubric to highlight teamwork).

• Use explicit modeling and reflection: teach students what effective communication looks like, then debrief with them on how they used it in class activities.

• Embed skill practice into CTE and academic tasks — for example, have students manage time and resources during hands-on labs or group projects.

• Leverage tools tied to the framework — such as planning checklists and instructional reflection tools — to evaluate which skills are emphasized and where additional opportunities exist.

By naming and reinforcing these skills throughout varied class activities, educators help students recognize how everyday tasks connect to real-world workplace expectations.

🛠️ Update: Framework Revision in Progress

It’s important to note that OCTAE is currently modernizing the Employability Skills Framework through an initiative called Employability Skills Framework 2.0 to ensure it reflects emerging workforce needs and current research. This revision is underway in 2025, with new tools and updated guidance expected as the work progresses. In the meantime, the original framework remains a valuable resource for instruction and transition planning.

All high school students can explore Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs through their school district. These programs teach hands-on skills for real jobs, and it’s best to start exploring as early as 8th grade because CTE programs require a set number of hours to complete. The great news? CTE programs are free while you’re in high school. Students who finish a CTE program—like cosmetology, welding, or auto body—can graduate ready to go straight to work.

If you have an IEP or 504 and want to take CTE, your supports continue just like in your other high school classes. Your CTE teachers join your IEP team and work together to discuss how your accommodations might be applied to a CTE setting. Some IEP supports might need to be adjusted or changed in order to meet credential requirements.

CTE programs include options like cosmetology, culinary arts, web design, agriculture, landscaping, heavy equipment operation, and more! To explore all the available certifications, click here. Pennsylvania has over 80 Career and Technical Centers (CTCs), and many high schools also offer CTE classes. To check out some of the programs that are offered around the state, click here. Some programs are only available in certain areas. You can see what CTCs are around you by clicking here. If a student didn’t do CTE in high school, that’s okay—community colleges offer CTE programs statewide. Keep in mind that after high school, tuition costs apply, and students must request accommodations through the college’s disability services office. CTE is a flexible path that helps students turn interests into careers.

Envision is excited to announce that registration for Camp 2026 is officially open! Below are the camp details and attached is our 2026 flyer.

• When: July 12th-18th, 2026
• Where: Penn State Behrend - Erie, PA
• Who: Athletes ages 7-18, who are blind or visually impaired
• Cost: $600 - financial assistance is available

Please use the registration link below to reserve your athlete(s) a spot!

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/sTJWQ2vm2K4WxRVE9

When filling out the registration form, there are two questions in the financial information section. Here is some clarification:

1. Do you require financial assistance to attend camp?

If you are receiving ANY type of funding, please make sure and check the YES box even if you are fundraising money yourself or getting a Lions Club to sponsor your child. This helps us accurately report who received funding to attend camp and aids us in future funding opportunities.

2. Can you pay a partial amount of the $600 registration fee? If yes, please type out the amount you can afford and how you will submit payment. *Payment plans are also available for any amount.

The camp registration fee is $600.00. However, in 2025 the total cost per athlete was actually $1535.16. That means that Envision covered the remaining $935.16 for every athlete who attended as well as offered full scholarships to any families who needed it.

If you can and are willing to contribute to the cost of your athlete(s), you can share it in the question above on the application. Any amount makes a difference as every year we reach record breaking athlete numbers. Last year we hosted 85 athletes and this year I expect 90 will be easy :)

Please do not hesitate to reach out to Jillian Stringfellow at jstringfellow@envisionblindsports.org or 251-610-3244 with any questions or concerns related to camp!

The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University is offering individualized healthy relationship and sexuality education for adults 18 and up with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Sessions are available in person or via Zoom. A trained sexuality educator will customize the lessons and learning experience to meet each client's needs. Topics covered may include online safety, healthy relationships, personal health, and more. All sessions are free of charge. Email iodhsp@temple.edu to learn more.

This study, funded by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training (ASERT) Collaborative and conducted by researchers at Penn State College of Medicine, aims to explore the benefits of a psychoeducational art therapy intervention for improving coping skills in individuals with Autism. This study is voluntary, and participants must meet certain eligibility criteria. Enrollment will only be guaranteed if the individual meets all the eligibility requirements.

ASERT is currently recruiting young adults ages 18-25 who have been diagnosed with Autism and are not enrolled in High School. To participate, individuals must be able to self-report. Participants will be placed into one of three randomized groups that includes an assessment only group, a psychoeducation only group, or a full art therapy intervention group. Participation in the study will last for about 18 weeks total.

Please feel free to share the QR code and survey link with anyone who may be interested in joining this study.

This map, organized by region, provides location information for Career and Technical Education Centers (CTCs) in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Association of Career and Technical Administrators strives to promote excellence in career and technical education through leadership, advocacy and service.

PACTA Supports the Following Beliefs:

• Career and technical education must serve the needs of business and industry by delivering programs which meet national skill standards and offer recognized credentials.
• All citizens have the right to quality, affordable and accessible career and technical education.

Explore a collection of videos on hundreds of different careers.

Career videos are organized into 16 clusters, or related types of work. Select a category to view a list of videos related to that cluster. Videos include career details such as tasks, work settings, education needed, and more.

The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation's largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers.

Check out their amazing resources that include:

• High Quality CTE Tools
• Fact Sheets and Information
• Newsletters and Blogs
• Online Learning Tool

Pennsylvania's economic future depends on having a well-educated and skilled workforce that is prepared to meet the current and projected demands of a global, knowledge-based 21st century economy. Learners across the state will be prepared for meaningful engagement in postsecondary education, in workforce training, in career pathways, and as responsible, involved citizens.

Learn more about:

Pennsylvania's Career Education and Work Standards

Pennsylvania/s Career Ready Skills

Career Readiness Resources

Career Ready Coalition

Future Ready PA Index

NOCTI is the leading provider of industry credentials and resources for career and technical education (CTE) programs across the nation. With 60 years of experience, NOCTI is a pioneer in creating customized and standardized credentialing solutions and is a valuable partner in the CTE community’s efforts to improve America’s workforce. Our products and services have expanded beyond cutting-edge credentials to include classroom materials for credential preparation, tools for data usage, delivery of national certification exams, customized reporting, and professional development.

Visit the NOCTI website to learn about:

• Credential pathways
• Credential preparation
• Parent and student resources

Advance CTE is the longest-standing national non-profit that represents State CTE Directors and state leaders of Career Technical Education.

The mission of Advance CTE is to support state CTE leadership to advance high-quality CTE policies, programs, and pathways that ensure career and college success for each learner.

Learn more about The National Career Clusters Framework, which serves ad the foundation for high quality CTE and career pathway programs or visit their robust resource center to learn more!

Looking for a place where you can Connect, Collect, & Contribute

to all things secondary transition?

Connect with people from across our state to collect

resources, share events and contribute stories about positive post-school outcomes!

Click here to create an account and login to join our PA Secondary Transition- Public Square.

Career and technical education (CTE) in Pennsylvania offers students the opportunity to develop critical skills through a combination of classes and hands-on learning experiences, which allow them to apply academics to real-world problems.

There are more than 80 career and technical education centers (CTC) across Pennsylvania that offer PDE-approved programs to thousands of students. These programs are built on foundations of academic rigor and high expectations for student learning and success. Students self-select to enroll in a CTC, and many participate in Advanced Placement or Honors courses within their local school district.

Are you looking to learn more information about transition?

The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C) provides information, tools, and supports to assist multiple stakeholders to provide effective services and instruction for students and out-of-school youth with disabilities.

Check out their Training Resource Library.

If you're new to transition, be sure to check out Transition 101!

The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: the Collaborative (NTACT:C), in partnership with Penn State University’s Workforce Education program and the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), developed a five-part webinar series focused on Career and Technical Education (CTE) for students with disabilities. This professional learning series dives into programs, practices, and partnerships that support inclusive CTE pathways and better post-school outcomes for secondary students with disabilities.

Overview of the Series (available on demand):

1. CTE for Students with Disabilities: A Framework for Understanding — Explore legislation, Perkins V implications, and strategies for appropriate CTE placement.

2. Effective Partnerships: Communication, Collaboration, and Professional Practice — Focus on building meaningful collaboration between special education and CTE professionals.

3. Classroom Supports: Universal Design for Learning & Differentiated Instruction — Learn practical approaches to increase engagement and accessibility in CTE settings.

4. Classroom Management: Behavioral Supports, Motivation, and Reflective Teaching — Strategies for fostering positive classroom climates and supporting student behavior and motivation.

5. Toward Best Practices: Programs That Work & Models for Success — Highlights promising programs and systems-level partnerships, including insights from Pennsylvania and Ohio.

These recorded webinars are ideal for special educators, CTE instructors, transition coordinators, counselors, and partners seeking evidence-informed practices to strengthen inclusive CTE programming.

Learn about PA ABLE and Social Security Disability Programs

Experts will discuss how PA ABLE Savings Program and Social Security Disability Programs work together. You’ll hear from Diana Fishlock, outreach specialist for the PA ABLE Savings Program, and Frank Magni, Social Security Administration public affairs specialist.​

​PA ABLE gives individuals with qualified disabilities a way to save for disability-related expenses while maintaining important benefits and supporting health, independence, and quality of life. ​

​The Social Security Administration’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to adults and children who meet requirements for a qualifying disability and have limited income and resources. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays benefits to individuals and certain family members if the individual is “insured.” While these two programs are different, the medical requirements are the same. Traditionally people receiving such benefits could only save a small amount, but ABLE accounts change the landscape, allowing people receiving these benefits to save for a house, a car, and other everyday expenses.

Thu, Mar 5, 2026
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Register

Learn How PA ABLE Can Help Create Financial Opportunity for Veterans with Disabilities
The PA ABLE Savings Program provides an additional financial option for Veterans who have qualifying disabilities. PA ABLE can power your life experiences, giving you and your family opportunities to do more with increased financial security, all while maintaining important service-related benefits you may already be receiving from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), or Social Security Administration (SSA).

We will discuss eligibility requirements for opening a PA ABLE account, the federal and state tax benefits, how PA ABLE interacts with important benefits and more. This live webinar will also have time for questions.

Tue, Mar 17

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Register

Learn About PA ABLE and Expand Your Opportunities

The PA ABLE Savings Program provides individuals with qualifying disabilities opportunities to Achieve a Better Life Experience. PA ABLE is a tax-free way to save for a wide range of disability-related expenses – from clothing to rent to transportation to education, assistive technology and more. PA ABLE powers your life experiences, giving you opportunities for more fun, more financial security or more of what you want to be all while maintaining important benefits.
We will discuss eligibility requirements for opening a PA ABLE account, the federal and state tax benefits, how PA ABLE interacts with important benefits and more. This live webinar will also have time for questions.

Thu, April 9
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Register

Learn How PA ABLE Can Help Create Financial Opportunity for Veterans with Disabilities
The PA ABLE Savings Program provides an additional financial option for Veterans who have qualifying disabilities. PA ABLE can power your life experiences, giving you and your family opportunities to do more with increased financial security, all while maintaining important service-related benefits you may already be receiving from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), or Social Security Administration (SSA).

We will discuss eligibility requirements for opening a PA ABLE account, the federal and state tax benefits, how PA ABLE interacts with important benefits and more. This live webinar will also have time for questions.

Wed., May 20
7:00 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Register

Indiana Institute on Disability and Community will be hosting a free virtual training:

Let's Talk Benefits

Thursday, March 5, 2026
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET

During this free two-hour virtual training, parents, caregivers, and supporters will learn how state and federal benefits support employees with disabilities. If you’re concerned about your loved one losing benefits when they begin working, this training is for you!

• Learn how to reject common myths about benefits and going to work.
• Understand the difference between SSI & SSDI.
• Understand which health care benefit (Medicaid and Medicare) goes with which SSA benefit.
• Learn asset-building options to assist with benefits.

Note this session will focus on accessing benefits in Indiana.

This session is free! Save your spot today.

Are you passionate about person- and family-centered practices? Join individuals, family members, professionals, advocates, and community partners from across Pennsylvania for the first PA Partners for a Good Life Network Meeting.

This virtual networking session is an opportunity to come together as equal partners to:

• Discuss issues that matter most to individuals and families across PA

• Share ideas, information, and experiences across systems

• Learn together, problem-solve, and build trust

📅 March 6, 2026
🕤 9:30–11:00 a.m. ET
💻 Virtual

Anyone interested in strengthening person- and family-centered practices is welcome!
👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/45x8fLL

Are you looking for transition events across PA?

Don't forget to check the events calendar to stay up to date on all of the great events happening in PA and nationally related to secondary transition!

The Pennsylvania Community on Transition is a group of various stakeholders from across Pennsylvania who work collaboratively to ensure appropriate transition outcomes for Pennsylvania youth and young adults.

The Pennsylvania Community on Transition is a state leadership team consisting of representative from: the State Departments of Education, Health, Labor and Industry, and Human Services; Various Serving Agencies, Young Adults, Parent Organizations, Advocates, Higher Education, and Employers.

The shared vision and common goals of the Pennsylvania Community on Transition is achieved when all PA youth and young adults with disabilities:

• Successfully transition to the role of productive and participating adult citizens
• Are empowered to recognize their talents, strengths, and voice
• Have equal access to resources that will promote their full participation in the communities of their choice.

Email: pasecondarytransition@gmail.com
Website: https://www.pasecondarytransition.com/
Phone: 4128266878
Twitter: @hmangiskuntz