Pathways: Self-Advocacy, Employment, Life Skills and Education

Pathways Volume 5 | December 2021

New Website Provides Transition Resources

Independent Futures that Work (IFTW) is a project of the Alabama Parent Education Center in partnership with Parent Training and Information Centers from five other states. MSPTI is part of this project.

IFTW is designed to help in the successful transition of youth and young adults from high school into the next stage of adult life. “Transition” is used to describe the period when youth with disabilities (ages 14-26) begin to focus on their future adult life.

They learn about supports and services needed to meet their learning, living, and working goals. It is important for youth to be actively involved in planning for their own future. They need to know what supports will help them. They also need to know how to get those services. IFTW will provide resources and training for youth with disabilities, their families, and professionals. Useful resources on our website will help youth with disabilities learn, live, and work independently.

Visit Independent Futures that Work online: https://www.independentfuturesthatwork.com/

Visit IFTW website

PRINTABLE TIP SHEETS

Tips for youth using cell phone for communication

This tip sheet covers topics such as when it is appropriate to use a cell phone, how to use cell phones in a respectful manner, and using voicemail.

Download Tip Sheet

Tips for youth communicating on social media

This tip sheet covers topics such as private vs. public posts, using public computers, bullying, oversharing information, and appropriate posting.

Download Tip Sheet

Tips for youth using text to communicate with others

This tip sheet covers topics such as when is texting not appropriate, replying to text messages, sending text messages, and texting with professionals.

Download Tip Sheet

Tips for youth using email to effectively communicate

This tip sheet covers topics such as when to send an email; subject lines; email length; the body of the email; acknowledging, forwarding, and replying to emails; and reply vs. reply all use.

Download Tip Sheet

Planning for Transition

While all transitions can be challenging, the transition from high school to life after high school can be particularly overwhelming, especially for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). To ensure that students with IEPs are prepared for life after high school, high-quality transition planning is critical.

Transition planning is the process used to make sure that students with IEPs are prepared for life after high school. Its purpose is to give a basic structure for preparing your child to live, work and play in the community, as fully and independently as possible. During this process, you, your child, school staff, family members, and/or community organizations share information, agree on goals, and create a plan for your child’s life after high school.

Download Guide

Download Tip Sheet

MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS JOURNAL NAMES MSCCD NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR FOR 2021

This year, Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities (Coalition) received three coveted honors from the Mississippi Business Journal (MBJ).

Most recently, the Coalition was named one of Mississippi's Top Nonprofits. This award is on the heels of the Coalition's executive director, Pam Dollar's, receiving two MBJ recognitions: one of Mississippi's Top CEOs and one of Mississippi's Top 50 Business Women.

The Coalition is the state's oldest cross-disability advocacy organization working on behalf of Mississippi's 600,000 citizens with disabilities and serving as their collective voice. The Coalition's mantra is "Opening Doors Together" and comprises more than 45 disability advocacy organizations and community and corporate sponsors. It is also home to the state's only Parent Training and Information Center, funded by a US Department of Education grant.

Founded in 1989, the Coalition was born out of the nationwide fight to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act and has since led or influenced positive outcomes involving: public education; accessibility in public accommodations; community-based services; school-to-work, and school-to-independent-living transitions; and it has worked to bridge the gaps that may exist between people with disabilities and the community at large.

Pam Dollar is the Coalition's executive director and is the mother of a 30-year-old son with autism. Dollar's affiliation with the Coalition began over 25 years ago, moving from volunteer advocate to board member to the program director and then to executive director. In addition to her work with the Coalition, Dollar started a side business three years ago as a sales consultant for Rodan & Fields, a multi-billion-dollar skincare company. Her son Watson is her inspiration in her work with the Coalition and Rodan & Fields.

MBJ hosted a breakfast at Old Capitol Inn on December 16, 2021, to recognize the Coalition and other awardees.