SALISBURY, MD – The Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset County Public School systems offered a Youth Transition and Self-Advocacy conference at Wor-Wic Community College. The event was sponsored by Wor-Wic and Bay Area Center for Independent Living, Inc.
Jeremy Wolfer, Transition Specialist from Wicomico County Public Schools commented, “The 2022 Transition and Advocacy Conference was a comprehensive event for students with disabilities from the three Lower Shore counties and their families. The goal of the conference was to connect them with the resources, supports and services that will help them plan a successful transition from school to a meaningful and fulfilling adult life.”
The keynote speaker, Dr. George Tilson from Tilson and Diaz Solutions, was introduced by Ms. Bonnie Walston, Director of Special Education from Wicomico County Public Schools. There were 9 workshops offered on varying topics such as parent support groups, alternatives to guardianship, social security benefits, pathways to employment and financial planning for the future. Two workshops were offered to the youth entitled, “Self-Advocacy Through Art.” Mrs. Bonnie Nay, from Bay Area CIL, used her experiences as an art therapist to boost her student’s self-confidence through art. The Developmental Disabilities Administration and the Division of Rehabilitation Services provided guidance on programs available to students with disabilities.
Dr. Katherine Jones, Executive Director of Bay Area CIL, commented, “What an amazing day for our disability community. We had speakers from all over the state offering their expertise to our families living on the Eastern Shore.”
To learn more about upcoming events, please visit Wicomico County Public Schools Special Education events calendar at https://www.wcboe.org/Page/4205#calendar6977/20220322/month
