Unit I: Overview

•This training was designed to be viewed in its entirety, however each unit can be viewed separately.

•You may down load any information from the training.

•Each unit will have activities that will be marked Activity .

•The last unit lists common terms and resources. In addition, an e-mail address is provided so that you can send us your comments.

•If you have any questions, please e-mail Renee Dawson .

Your Instructors

Renee A. Dawson, Cathy Thoni, and Priscilla Harvell work for the California State Department of Education, Diagnostic Center North (DCN). Under the supervision of Mary Anne Nielsen, Director of the Diagnostic Center North, this project was developed as a means of preparing youth with disabilities for post-secondary life. Renee Dawson, Cathy Thoni and Priscilla Harvell have collectively over 50 years of public school experience. They have worked with both general and special education student populations, from preschool through the college level.

Renee A. Dawson, M.S.W. is a psychologist who has taught at both elementary and secondary levels. Ms. Dawson directs the secondary/transition assessment and training service components at DCN. She participated for several years on the California Department of Education's Advisory Board for WorkAbility I (a youth employment and education program). Ms. Dawson is currently completing her doctorate degree and has written various articles and recently co-authored a chapter in Transition to Adulthood: A Resource for Assisting Young People with Emotional or Behavioral Difficulties, published by Brookes.

Cathy Thoni, B.A. has been a secondary teacher in both general and vocational education. She has focused her career on working with special education students at the Regional Occupational Programs. While at the Regional Occupational Programs, Ms. Thoni's students used portfolios as a means of demonstrating their work skills. She is recognized statewide as a leader in Transition education.

Priscilla Harvell, M.A., SLP/CCC is a speech and language specialist who has been a special education teacher at both the elementary and middle school levels. She is a recognized leader in Transition education and has served on various statewide task forces. Ms. Harvell has written articles and authored a chapter in a book related to transition of youth with disabilities and the role of the speech and language specialist. Her most recent publication can be found in; Transition and School-Based Services from Pro-Ed.