MITTIN Memo 7.19.24

'Strengthening a Learner's Transition to Independence'

Welcome to the MITTIN Memo

It may be July, yet MITTIN is busy this Summer. We launched our third in-person Professional Learning session guided by our Strategic Plan. We supported educators with MITTIN implementation at Allegan Area ESA. And, we are excited to share two newly released modules -- Sweeping and Recycling, which was developed by our amazing MITTIN Partner -- Great Lakes Reality Labs. Along with the guided and independent levels that you see in all modules, Recycling contains a new timed element. You can establish how quickly you can complete the task and challenge your own personal record.

It is has been a great summer of implementation and learning for MITTIN with dates for the Fall beginning to fill our calendar.

As we look to launching another great year, we will begin our next cohort of virtual PLCs in October. If you or if you know someone who might be interested in learning more about MITTIN, please reach out to our Project Manager at kristinegullen@maase.org

Best Regards,

Dr. Derek Cooley,

MITTIN Committee Chair

Allegan Area ESA

Jodie Kurtz, Transition Services Supervisor & Transition Center Principal from Allegan Area ESA, invited MITTIN to come and provide an afternoon workshop on July 11, 2024. Teachers and staff were able to interact with the MITTIN resources and online modules and plan for their implementation into their curriculum. Kristine was able to pilot our newest modules - Sweeping & Recycling. For the Recycling modules there is an exciting new feature - the Challenge Level which allows learners to see how many items they can correctly sort in 30 seconds.

MITTIN Professional Learning

"... it was wonderful - especially to see MITTIN's impact;

how far the project has come since those early days;

and the implications for the future.

There are endless possibilities!

THANK YOU for allowing me the opportunity to be part of something so phenomenal! - LaTisha Scott

On Friday, June 14th and Saturday, June 15th, MITTIN brought together 40 educators from around Michigan to participate in its third, in-person professional learning session. We review our year together, connecting our work to the MITTIN Strategic Plan and setting goals for the year to come. MITTIN Committee Members Pamela Cunningham and Suzy Ruskusky facilitated a Technology Play Date and introduced us to many assistive technology devices to support access and student learning. Dr Lois Vaughan-Hussain and Richard Gregory provided a session on facilitation and responding to questions when leading workshops.

One participate summed up our time together by sharing:

"I am normally bored out of my mind at PDs where often

the content is not related to me or something that will be continually changing.

At the MITTIN PD, I felt engaged, interested,

and got to listen to some amazing people, and I appreciate the opportunity."

We have such good work ahead.

Newest MITTIN Modules

Sweeping

Story

The sweeping module takes place in a kitchen. The player sweeps dust bunnies into a central area before disposing of them in a nearby trashcan. The report at the end of the module will let the player

know if any dust bunnies were missed or if they forgot to empty the dustpan.

Steps

1. Choose an area to sweep dust bunnies

2. Equip the broom

3. Sweep all the dust bunnies into a pile

4. Equip the dustpan

5. Sweep the dust bunnies into the pan

6. Dispose the dust bunnies in the trash

Sorting Recycling

Story

This module introduces the concepts of trash, recyclables, special plastics, and returnables. Its gameplay serves as practice for distinguishing between each category. Players are given a randomized assortment of items, and they assess which receptacle each item belongs.

Steps

1. Learn about trash

2. Learn about recyclables

3. Learn about special plastics

4. Learn about returnables

5. Sort items into bins

MITTIN Partner Spotlight

Stevie Mays

Stevie Mays (they/them) is the Executive Director for Michigan's Council for Exceptional Children. Stevie is a disability justice activist. Working at the intersection of the social model while understanding the support clinicians provide, Stevie aims to provide conversation to reach a common understanding across stakeholders. Stevie begins their career, focusing on floor play in social skills for autistic children. Understanding the need for support for disabled adults after their internship with the American Association for People with Disabilities, Stevie pivoted to work in disability employment initiatives publishing articles in 23 states regarding disability underemployment. Stevie then worked with International Disability Rights activist Judy Heumann Disability on representation in the media. Stevie wanting to work bettering educational outcomes for non-speaking Autistic folks worked at Reach Every Voice an organization focusing on augmentative alternative communication. Additionally, Stevie worked as a respite provider through EasterSeals, providing free-of-cost services to Navy families of children with Disabilities. Wanting to advocate on disabilities they experienced, began advocating for the Young Adult Leadership Council through the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD). With NCLD, Stevie found a platform to share their educational experiences to advocate for the next generation of learning-disabled students. They spoke with the Department of Education, co-launched NCLD's mental health campaign, and shared their experiences as an ADA generation students in seminars, podcasts, and conferences.

2024 MAASE Summer Institute

Click here for information on the MAASE Summer Institute Conference

MITTIN Implementation & Networking

Over the next few weeks you can find us connecting with parents, agencies and educators to strengthening a learner's transition to independence at:

MAASE Summer Institute

Grand Traverse Resort

August 11-14, 2024

Region 4+ AV Playdate

Macomb ISD

Sept 26 & 27, 2024

Macomb Special Education Expo

Macomb ISD

Sept 28, 2024

Berrien RESA

October 17, 2024

What is MITTIN?

MITTIN – MIchigan Transition To INdependence is a dynamic collection of modules and curricular resources which foster the development of independent living skills in the home and community. Designed to support special education transition-related instruction, these resources are free and available to all parents, schools, educators and learners in Michigan. MITTIN is a partnership of the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE), Michigan Council for Exceptional Children (MCEC), Great Lakes Reality Labs (GLRL) and Public Policy Associates (PPA). These resources can be found at: maase.org/mittin

Safety and Independence at Home

MITTIN currently has twelve topics which focus on strengthening skills which promote safety and independence at home.

Change a Light Bulb
Clean Flat Surfaces
Clean the Bedroom
Put Away Groceries
Use a Microwave
Use an Oven
Use a Stove
Sweeping
Mopping
Taking out the Trash Bins
Selecting Appropriate Clothing
Recycling

Safety and Independence in the Community

MITTIN currently has four topics which focus on strengthening skills which promote safety and independence in the community.

Cross the Street
Shop for Groceries
Walk Through a Parking Lot
Use Self-Checkout

For more information, visit our website: maase.org/mittin