Annual conference returns to in-person format at Penn College
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After being canceled at the last minute due to the emerging COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and a virtual event during the 2021 school year, BLaST Intermediate Unit 17 and Pennsylvania College of Technology hosted their annual Transition Conference in-person on March 10 on-campus at the Klump Academic Center. Over 230 participants from 17 local school districts connected with educational institutions, industry professionals, and community agencies, helping to solidify individual plans for students as they transition from their school-age years into adulthood according to the press release.
Transition is a special education term used when students, parents/guardians, community agencies and school districts work together to set realistic goals for the future.
"This process ensures every student with special needs moves on to do amazing things after graduation," said Jeffrey Pelly, transition consultant for BLaST. "Whether it's further education at a college or trade school, going straight to the workforce, or participating in the community, we know everyone fits after high school. The key is finding out where, and our conference is designed to help answer this question. IU17 was honored to work with Penn College once again as we continue transform lives and communities through educational services."
The conference provided breakout sessions in the three key areas of transition: education and training, employment and independent living according to a press release. The students got to choose a pathway with sessions based on their own future aspirations. In addition, the conference provided a vendor space made up of 21 community agencies that specialize in supporting individuals with disabilities.
"The conference provided a centralized location for students, parents/guardians, and other interested professionals to attend and have access to agencies that offered a variety of services, resources and opportunities. Networking with various resources and support is essential for students who are developing and strengthening goals for life after high school. The conference would not have been possible without the collaboration of members of our community and our partnership with BLaST IU17," said Dawn Dickey, director of disability and access resources at Penn College.
Attendees also got to listen to Keynote Speaker Mike Wrench, an independent musician specializing in percussion who is also an educator through his company Upbeat Outreach LLC according to a press release. Influenced by his family’s musical background, his passion for drums started in childhood, banging on pots and pans in his parents’ kitchen.
Wrench explained he takes his instruction and mentoring efforts as a branch of his personal enthusiasm and dedication for percussion, as well as a means of harnessing and promoting the therapeutic qualities of music. Upbeat Outreach ensures the special needs population gets the same benefits and rewards of being a drummer as the rest of us.
Regarding transitioning students, Wrench indicated, "Having options is one of the biggest tools that we can possess in our pocket. That's what made me strive to be successful in my adult life as not just a drummer, but a mentor who supports all types of individuals. My message is to share your passion with others; it could turn into a career, and you'll love every day of your professional life!"
BLaST Intermediate Unit 17 is an educational service agency serving 19 public schools, two career centers and 12 non-public schools across Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan and Tioga counties. BLaST's everyday vision is to transform lives and communities through educational services. In order to achieve this vision, BLaST's everyday mission is to provide, create and facilitate high quality educational solutions. For more information on BLaST IU 17 and the many programs and services offered, visit www.IU17.org.