Tuesday Transition Tips
Transition Tip Content
Transition Tip #66: Welcome Back
Washtenaw ISD Sponsored Field Trips (Save the dates!)
Washtenaw Transition Services PDs/Trainings/Collaboration Opportunities
WISD Special Education Training/PDs Offerings
State and National Transition Conference(s) and Special Education Conference(s):
Division on Career Development and Transition, October 14-17,2026, New Orleans, LA
Michigan Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), March 3-5, 2027, Grand Rapids, MI
National Council for Exceptional Children (CEC); March 10-13, 2027 Columbus, OH
Michigan Transition Services Association(MTSA) March 17-19, 2027, Lansing, MI
Additional Transition Learning Opportunities for Educators
MITTIN & Michigan Virtual
Grand Valley State University START: The Secondary Transition Cop
Student Opportunities in Washtenaw County
Michigan Assistive Technology Program(MATP)
Disability Network Student and Family Opportunities
Washtenaw County Post Secondary Transition Manual
Transition Tip #66: Welcome Back!
Welcome to the 66th Transition Tip Newsletter and the first edition of the 2026–2027 school year!
I hope everyone had an enjoyable, restful, and rejuvenating summer! I hope you had an opportunity to recharge, reconnect, and refresh so that you are feeling ready and excited to begin another school year supporting students and families across Washtenaw County.
The 2026–2027 school year brings many new beginnings: new positions, new special education leaders, new staff members, and, most importantly, new opportunities to support our students and their families as they prepare for life beyond high school.
I know that for many of you, there is so much to do and so little time especially at the beginning of a new school year. With that in mind, I will use this edition of the Transition Tip Newsletter to help keep you informed about upcoming opportunities, resources, and events for students, families, and educators.
Please take a moment to review the information below so you have plenty of time to share these opportunities with your students and their families, as well as plan ahead for professional learning, conferences, workshops, and other events throughout the year.
Welcoming New Leaders and Colleagues
As we begin this new school year, we would like to extend a warm welcome to our incoming Washtenaw Special Education Executive Director, Stacey Theophelis, as well as to all of the new special education directors, teachers, teacher assistants/paraprofessionals, related service providers, and other staff joining our schools and programs within the county this year.
As we welcome new colleagues and leadership, we also want to take a moment to recognize two individuals who have made meaningful contributions to our special education community.
Congratulations and best wishes to Nancy Blair, our special education administrative office professional, who retired on August 31st. Nancy, thank you for your years of dedication, support, and service to our students, families, educators, and special education community. We wish you all the very best in this exciting new chapter!
We also want to extend our sincere appreciation and best wishes to our outgoing Special Education Executive Director, Deborah Hester Washington, who will be retiring at the end of September. We are grateful for Deborah’s leadership, dedication, and many contributions to special education and transition services across Washtenaw County. Please join us in celebrating Deborah and wishing her all the best as she prepares to begin this exciting new chapter.
Here’s to a Great New School Year!
Here’s to an amazing, successful, and meaningful 2026–2027 school year! I look forward to another year of collaboration, learning, sharing resources, and creating meaningful transition opportunities that help our students achieve their goals and envision successful futures.
The Transition Tip Newsletter will continue to be published on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, providing you with timely information, resources, professional learning opportunities, conferences, workshops, and events to support students and families throughout the school year.
On our next edition, we’ll return with our regular Transition Topics!
Wishing everyone a wonderful start to the school year. May it be filled with new opportunities, meaningful connections, and plenty of moments that remind us why the work we do matters.
Welcome back, everyone—and here’s to another great year of transition!
MITTIN and Michigan Virtual
MITTIN- a FREE, Online Transition Virtual Reality Resource for students now has a FREE Michigan Virtual Professional Development (SCECH's available) See below for details and sign-up link.
MITTIN (Michigan Transition To Independence) is an innovative initiative dedicated to preparing students for independent living and meaningful participation in their communities. It merges advanced technology with practical, real-world applications. MITTIN fosters autonomy, self-reliance, and confidence among learners of varying abilities. This course will guide you as you explore the MITTIN modules, which simulate real-world tasks in a safe, digital environment. You’ll also access lesson plans to help you use them with your students.
In this course, you will:
- Decide which MITTIN modules align with students’ real-life needs by exploring the MITTIN website.
- Decide which MITTIN modules align with your students’ IEP goals, how those modules can help reinforce and maintain the skills they learn, and how you can help students generalize those skills to real-life situations.
- Develop strategies for using MITTIN modules to support students in maintaining Home Safety and Community skills and integrating those skills into their real lives with collaboration from families and paraprofessionals.
- Use MITTIN modules to develop and strengthen data-informed PLAAFP (Present Level of Academic, Achievement, and Functional Performance) statements, draft IEP goals, and enhance SDI (Specially Designed Instruction).
Grand Valley State University presents START(Statewide Autism Resources & Training): The Secondary Transiton CoP
2026-2027 Meeting Dates
- November 12, 2026; 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.; Virtual
- February 25, 2027; 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.; Virtual
- April 15, 2027; 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.; Virtual
To join the Secondary Transition CoP as a new member, please complete this form (submissions are subject to review).
2026 Michigan 4-H Adulting 101
You do not need to be a 4-H member to sign up and attend. They are all in the evening and are all virtual. All info and sign up link are below- sign up for 1 or all...Free! Please share freely with your students/families.
- Are You Ready? - Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 5 p.m. EST
- Mental Health Toolkit: Everyday Skills and Resources to Help Care for Your Mental Health - Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. EST
- Paws, Claws, and Commitment: The Realities of Animal Care - Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. EST
Each session is planned for approximately 1 hour.
More details on the sessions, as well as the registration link can be found at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/adulting-101-2026
You can choose to register for one or more of the topics at the time of registration and will then receive details, via e-mail, to register in Zoom to receive the webinar link. Please use the same name and e-mail you used for registration when signing into Zoom.
Michigan 4-H is helping youth be “beyond ready” for their future. We invite youth and adults to learn more and join additional programs (or become a volunteer) by checking out the Michigan 4-H website.
Stay informed of upcoming events, news, and more by signing up for a digest, following us on Facebook, Instagram, or checking out our website.
The Michigan Assistive Technology Program (MATP) The Michigan Assistive Technology Program is a statewide organization dedicated to providing free demonstrations and short-term loans of assistive technology (AT). Serving individuals of all ages, the program offers loan periods ranging from 14 to 45 days, ensuring users have ample time to trial a device before making a commitment.
Their inventory supports more than just educational needs; they offer solutions for employment, recreation, and daily living. For added convenience, MATP is mobile; if you cannot visit them, they will come to your home or workplace. Beyond device loans, they provide specialized training and workshops for businesses and organizations looking to improve accessibility and AT awareness.
Contact: Contact Us
Information & Referral Community Support Services
The Community Support Services team assist our community in getting access to the resources that their location offers. Whether it is receiving assistance applying for a door-to-door transportation service, accessing a walker from our loan closet, or finding out how to access emergency shelter, our team is ready with the resources you need or to use their partnerships in the community to get you connected to the tools necessary to reach your independent living goals. Fun fact: Our Community Supports team members are working on becoming Inform USA Certified Community Resource Specialists!
INFO Open walk-in hours Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 9:00am-3:00pm Washtenaw & Monroe offices Livingston by appointment CONTACT (734) 971-0277
Intro to Movement & Dance
In partnership with U of M’s Ballet Bridges, DNWML is proud to offer inclusive adaptive dance class that uses movement and dance to support balance, coordination, strength, and range of motion. No prior dance experience is required. Participants will explore movement at their own pace, in a welcoming and supportive environment.
No registration needed: drop-ins welcome!
INFO
Every other Thursday
9:00-10:00am
Starting September 24
Disability Network - Washtenaw Office
CONTACT
Stroll and Roll Nature Walk at Lillie Park South
Join us for a casual outing at one of our local parks and take a stroll or roll through nature. A paved asphalt path runs around the perimeter of the park's athletic fields and into the wooded area. Limestone gravel paths continue further into the woods.
Learn about plants and wildlife or just enjoy the outdoors with some new friends!
Participants should plan to bring their own snacks and refreshments. Sun and mosquito/tick protection is highly recommended. Event may be cancelled due to inclement weather and conditions.
INFO
Friday, September 18
5:00-6:30pm
Meet at Lillie Park South, Pavilion #2
4365 Platt Rd., Ann Arbor
Contact
The Breakthrough Blog #10
heck out the latest Breathrough Blog live now! This month we have our first ever guest author, Drew Bufalini. Be sure to checkout their piece titled, "You Don’t Need Luck to Survive on Social Security...But It Helps." Check it out here: https://tinyurl.com/DNWMLBlog This is a blog from a guest author to highlight community voices and lived experiences shaped by disability policy. The views and suggestions described in this blog do not necessarily represent those of Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston.
Join Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston for our fourth annual Holiday Art Market!
Join Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston for our fourth annual Holiday Art Market!
We're looking for incredible local artists to share and sell their artistic wares with the Washtenaw County community.
Open to ALL DISABLED ARTISTS. Juried market with NO table fee.
Acceptable submissions include, but aren't limited to:
- Pottery
- Cards
- Jewelry
- Original drawings
- Paintings
- Art prints
- Photo prints
- Printmaking
- Small sculptures
- More!
Market Details
Friday, December 4
1:00-4:00pm
Saturday, December 5
1:00-4:00pm
Disability Network WML
3941 Research Park Dr
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
(734)971-0277
APPLY NOW/MORE INFO:
Submission deadline: 10/11
CONTACT
Claire - claire@dnwml.org
National Disability Employment Awareness Month Event
National Disability Employment Awareness Month event
Step inside the Career Crypt, where experts from many organizations are waiting to help you resurrect your dead resumé. Navigate through our Interview Arena to face your fears of scary interview questions, or visit our Talisman Station for some haunting swag. We’ll help you banish those terrifying typos and ensure you aren’t just another phantom candidate. It’s time to stop ghosting your future and start getting hired!
DNWML staff will be on site along with community partners Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Michigan Works!, and SAGE Solutions Group.
INFO
Monday, October 5th, 2026 | 10am to 3pm
Michigan Works! | 1531 N Telegraph Rd Suite D in Monroe
Register at tinyurl.com/DNEmploy before Sept. 28, 2026
Contact
Peerly Social
Looking to be part of a fun and social group?
Want to explore our community but don’t want to venture out alone?
Join us for Peerly Social: a brand new seasonal event for disabled adults to connect, build friendships, and discover exciting places in our community together!
How it works
DNWML will organize each outing and provide the opportunity to connect with peers. Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to and from the event, as well as the cost of the activity. Come meet people, try something new, and make your next adventure a little more social!
First meet up
Tuesday, September 22 | 4:30pm
P.F. Chang's Briarwood Mall
720 Briarwood Circle
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Register: tinyurl.com/PeerlySocial
Contact
Law Dinner with Disability Network and WACA & Maple Law Group
Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston is partnering with WACA and Maple Law Group attorney Jessica Kelly for a special workshop presentation for our consumers and staff.
We’ll be discussing the topic of special needs trusts, what they are used for and how they can work alongside a MiABLE account. We’ll also cover the topics of financial planning and payee services.
INFO
Tuesday, October 6
5:30 - 7:30pm
Disability Network – Washtenaw
3941 Research Park Dr. Ann Arbor
Contact Anna: anna@dnwml.org
Interview Clothing Drive
This October, Disability Network will be holding an event for job seekers to brush up on their interview skills and allay their job search anxieties.
We are accepting donations of gently used dress clothes for all genders to provide interview-appropriate clothing for participants in need.
Donate Before Monday, September 28, 2026
at either of our locations during open hours:
Monroe | 1070 S. Telegraph, MONROE
Washtenaw | 3941 Research Park Dr., Ann Arbor
Questions? Contact Tennery:
734-889-9110 | tennery@dnwml.org
Trunk or Treat & Dance
Our annual Halloween Trunk or Treat and Dance is back for another frightful night! Stayed tuned for more info about this all ages event. For now, save the date.
INFO
October 23, 2026
5:30-8:00pm
DNWML Washtenaw office
3941 Research Park Dr | Ann Arbor
Be sure to check back for more details in our next edition!
Contact Krystina: krystina@dnwml.org
DNWML Fitness Center OPEN By Appointment
The Fitness Center at DNWML Washtenaw Office is now open by appointment only. Please note, Fitness Center appointments have a maximum of 2 hours AND for safety reasons, a minimum of two people MUST be scheduled for the same appointment.
Schedule your appointment today!
CONTACT
Dana - dana@dnwml.org
DNWML Loan Closet
DNWML is happy to provide individuals with disability-related equipment at no cost. Equipment availability, color, brand, or style may vary. Our loan closet’s inventory is dependent upon new or gently-used donations. Equipment includes (but might not be limited to:) Other items are considered on a case-by-case basis. INFO Washtenaw/Livingston counties Dana - dana@dnwml.org Monroe county Tara - tara@dnwml.org
ID: flyer featuring illustrations of a walker, white cane, shower chair, wheelchair, commode and forearm crutches with the DNWML logo center next to text that reads "loan closet" text below reads "Providing durable medical equipment for individuals in need, at no cost"
American Dream Employment Network
DNWML is a member of the American Dream Employment Network (ADEN). ADEN is a national administrative Employment Network providing services to individuals receiving Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits under the Ticket to Work program. For individuals receiving SSA disability benefits, the return to gainful employment can be complicated and challenging. As a new Member of ADEN, we want to invite all of our current customers/clients who are receiving Social Security disability benefits to explore assigning your Ticket to Work. To read and hear about success stories of ADEN Participants improving their financial situation, visit: https://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/aden/aden-success-stories/ INFO Tennery - tennery@dnwml.org OR (734) 889-9110
This Tuesday’s Transition Tip is a review to some and introduction to others. It is important as special education providers/case managers that we create structured and detailed postsecondary transition plans for our students. The Washtenaw County Post-Secondary Transition Manual is a guide to assist special education staff with creating complaint post-secondary transition plans. This guide contains a table of contents to help locate information quickly. The manual also gives insight on how not only to build a complaint transition plan but a quality transition plan. It includes links, videos, and an appendix to assist. Please take the time to read and review the Washtenaw County Post-Secondary Transition Manual.
Need resources
The WISD Transition Services website has an assessment library with FREE electronic forms/materials. Check it out!
Also the WISD has a lending library of assessment and curricula resources using the WISD Destiny Library.
Transition Triumphs
*When using student photos be sure to included photo release permissions.