TecAccess Founder and President, Debra Ruh and Daughter, Sara, to Deliver Keynote Address
For immediate release
(804) 749-8646
info@tecaccess.net
Rockville, VA - April 4, 2007--
Founder and President of TecAccess, Ms. Debra Ruh and her daughter, Sara Ruh, will deliver the keynote address along with Dr. Paul Wehman, Virginia Commonwealth
University, at the 1st Annual Secondary Transition State Planning Institute in Charlotte, NC, May 2 - 4, 2007. This exciting event is being hosted by the National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center (NSTTAC).
The goal of this 1st Annual Institute is to improve States´ implementation of research-based transition practices. NSTTAC will use the Taxonomy for Transition Programming as a framework for effective practices. The forum will include content presentations regarding effective practices and provide state teams with facilitated planning times to examine aspects of their capacity building, including data-based decision making, professional development, technical assistance, and policy analysis in connection with improved performance on secondary transition-related indicators for their Part B Annual Performance Reports.
NSTTAC´s Secondary Transition State Planning Institute will also provide a context for similar state teams to learn about activities in other states, share ideas with others, and develop plans based on specific state needs.
Debra and Sara will share the story of their own inspiring journey through the transitional process, during the keynote address. Sara, who was born with Down syndrome, looks forward to attending community college and having a long and successful career upon graduating high school.
"This transitional process," says Debra, "is a multi-faceted, complex process that involves the efforts of everyone within the social and academic circle of the disabled student, such as family, friends, guidance and vocational counselors, teachers, community college personnel, and many others. It can be an overwhelming time for both the disabled student and the student´s family. An actively involved support system is a must during this crucial transitional process."
"Through their business and advocacy activities, Debra Ruh and her colleagues at TecAccess strive to stimulate creativity and encourage others to expand opportunities for individuality, freedom, and autonomy," concludes VBPD.
NSTTAC states that the secondary transition of students with disabilities is a complex process for youth, their families, and school personnel. IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) requires transition planning for students at age 16, including a description of their postsecondary goals and needed transition services in their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Adding to the complexity, transition planning and services require a multi-agency approach to address the multiple needs of youth with disabilities as they move from high school to further education, employment, and where appropriate, independent living and adult services. Evidence suggests that more extensive efforts are needed to help States build capacity to support and improve transition planning, services, and outcomes for youth with disabilities.
Others within the educational field who will be presenting during the 1st annual Institute are: Jim Martin, Professor & Director, Zarrow Center at the University of Oklahoma; Allen Phelps, Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Deb Leuchovius, Director, PACER Center; Jay Engellan, Resident Practitioner for School/Business Partnerships, National Association of Secondary School Principals; Mike Bullis & Jane Falls, Project Director & Project Coordinator, National Post-School Outcomes Center; Mary Morningstar, Professor, University of Kansas; John Hager, Assistant Secretary of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; Kathy Eversole, Kentucky Department of Education & Beth Harrison, Professor, University of Louisville; Susan Lancaster, Director of Special Education; Ginger Blalock, Professor, University of New Mexico; and Jim Alarid, Professor, New Mexico Highlands University.
About TecAccess
Winner of numerous awards, including the 2005 Secretary of Labor´s New Freedom Initiative Award, TecAccess is an industry-leading IT firm providing Section 508 compliance and electronic and information technology (E&IT) accessibility solutions for clients in government, private industry, and higher education throughout the world. TecAccess is a certified Woman-Owned and SBA certified 8(a) and Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) committed to hiring people with disabilities.
For further information about TecAccess, please call: (804) 749-8646 , e-mail info@tecaccess.net, or visit our website at www.TecAccess.net.
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