WHAT
The UW LEND Adolescent Transition Series is a series of 8 seminars offered monthly throughout the LEND year. The seminars cover a range of topics related to lifespan development and adolescent transition for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD). The seminars are an adaptation of the Seattle Children’s Hospital Next Steps curriculum for families and designed to meet the learning interests of UW LEND trainees. Trainees will learn from experts in the field of adolescent transition including individuals with lived experience.
WHY IT MATTERS
Transitioning from pediatric-focused health and education services to services and resources for young adults and beyond with I/DD can be daunting. Families often feel overwhelmed during this transition, just as they did upon diagnosis. Clinical providers need to be familiar with transition-related issues, available resources, and opportunities to ensure they can offer the best possible support and effective partnerships with I/DD individuals and their families.
UW LEND TRAINING REQUIREMENT
UW LEND trainees are required to participate synchronously in at least FOUR Adolescent Transition Series seminars in total during the course of the LEND year. We encourage participating in as many of the seminars as possible. The seminars are conducted virtually by Zoom and scheduled once a month on a Tuesday, October 2023 – May 2024, 12:00-1:30pm. Below is the UW LEND Adolescent Transition Seminar Series schedule which outlines topics to be discussed each month so trainees may plan ahead.
UW LEND Adolescent Series Schedule:
| Date | Seminars |
|---|---|
| October 17, 2023 | Intro & Transition Timelines |
| November 21, 2023 | State and Federal Benefits |
| December 12, 2023 | Financial Planning |
| January 16, 2024 | Education |
| February 20, 2024 | Employment |
| March 12, 2024 | Housing & Community Engagement |
| April 16, 2024 | Health & Guardianship – Autonomy |
| May 21, 2024 | Film Viewing: Intelligent Lives |
Please use this link to view previous seminar resources, handouts and recordings. The page is password protected; please contact Sue Wendel or Nan Ringera if you need assistance or have any questions.
About the Facilitators
Alicia Nathan (she/her) MSW, LICSW
Lead Facilitator. Alicia is the Founding Executive Director of Summit Community Center, and previous director of Counseling and Transition and Head of. Upper School at the Academy of Precision Learning. She is a licensed Clinical Social Worker who has spent her career working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Sue Adelman, OTR
Co-Facilitator. Sue is UW LEND Family Discipline Faculty with an Occupational Therapy background and co-parent to 3 young adults; one of which carries a developmental disability diagnosis. The experience of navigating healthcare, education, employment and state/governmental systems on their behalf has been a constant learning experience. Sharing knowledge so individuals, families, providers and systems can improve is a constant goal.
Tara Pettersson
Co-Facilitator: Tara is a former biotech executive and business consultant, and also a mother to two neurodiverse young adults. Currently, she spearheads various Seattle-based initiatives that cater to special needs families, including the ‘Roots2Wings Family Group.’ This group serves as a hub for information, resources, and a supportive community for families with neurodiverse members.
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