Transition Readiness Begins Early! Pretty much in the beginning of life…

Let’s Start with the congenitally visually impaired adults I meet at the university and work backwards from there.

You think typical 18 year olds are entitled? Ha! 

Student’s I have met: Very smart Social skills are often not appropriate O&M skills are often low, good cane technique, terrible “common sense” problem solving skills. They know it too, and are embarrassed when I walk with them since I’m an O&M instructor.

I’ve found students that are trapped in their dorms after dark I’ve found students that are trapped in their dorms after dark. Students that can’t prepare a simple meal for themselves. Students that don’t have appropriate self advocacy skills, or know what their “rights” are as a person with a disability in the university.

I find students that are working on their second or third degree because the others they earned were unable to gain them employment. Hint: We talked about what might really be going on here in the last powerpoint

As much as possible we need to take a whole life approach to our education design process

College is just the first step of adulthood, we’re really talking about full adults here. Family people; workers; citizens. We must maintain this perspective from the infancy of our students.

The system design from IDEA down pretends that college/grown up prep starts in adolescence. By then, it’s already too late.

Dr. Karen Wolffe on Career Prep It begins by learning about the world of work. Learning what family does for money, the need for money, etc. Then branching out into the community. Taking odd jobs, chores, etc.

Based on research for college success and my personal experience, we need more “Social Emotional Learning”(SEL)

What is SEL? Self-awareness Self-management Social awareness Relationship skills Responsible decision-making http://www.casel.org/core-competencies/

Social emotional learning theory Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

Self-Awareness The ability to accurately recognize one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior. The ability to accurately assess one’s strengths and limitations, with a well-grounded sense of confidence, optimism, and a “growth mindset.” Identifying emotions Accurate self-perception Recognizing strengths Self-confidence Self-efficacy

Self-Management The ability to successfully regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations — effectively managing stress, controlling impulses, and motivating oneself. The ability to set and work toward personal and academic goals. Impulse control Stress management Self-discipline Self-motivation Goal-setting Organizational skills

Social Awareness The ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The ability to understand social and ethical norms for behavior and to recognize family, school, and community resources and supports. Perspective-taking Empathy Appreciating diversity Respect for others

Relationship Skills The ability to establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships with diverse individuals and groups. The ability to communicate clearly, listen well, cooperate with others, resist inappropriate social pressure, negotiate conflict constructively, and seek and offer help when needed. Communication Social engagement Relationship-building Teamwork

Responsible Decision Making The ability to make constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions based on ethical standards, safety concerns, and social norms. The realistic evaluation of consequences of various actions, and a consideration of the well-being of oneself and others. Identifying problems Analyzing situations Solving problems Evaluating Reflecting Ethical responsibility

Alright, how does the O&M fit into all this? Is it even my job at all?