Transition AHEAD Roundtable

What is Transition AHEAD Roundtable?

The Transition AHEAD Roundtable is a virtual, activity-filled day that is focused on exploring a young person’s strengths, interests, and dreams for their own future – as well as learning about opportunities, resources, and ideas for “next steps” to make that future happen. Individual contact with important agencies and organizations that can support that future will also be made.
It is designed to purposefully engage both the young adult and their family in collaborative activities with Sonoran UCEDD staff and staff from outside agencies and organizations that address five key areas: Employment, Healthcare, Education & Training, Relationships and Community, and Independent Living.

Why participate in Transition AHEAD Roundtable?

Most parents of youth with disabilities would agree that it is essential that youth have the opportunity to learn and practice advocacy and independent living skills in preparation for adulthood. The Transition AHEAD Roundtable [TAR] is a project aimed at addressing the key transition needs and future action planning for youth (ages 14-22) and their families. The overall goal of the project is to provide a comfortable and secure space for youth and their families to explore and discuss their interests, goals, and barriers to a successful adult transition with knowledgeable staff and providers. The overall process is intended to help each emerging adult begin to achieve outcomes that connect to their own lifelong aspirations. It also helps the adults in their lives identify opportunities and actions they, too, can take to support those aspirations.

What to expect:

  • The Transition AHEAD Roundtable begins at 9:00 am and finishes at 3:45 pm [with short breaks and a longer break for lunch]. 
  • Parent/guardian and young adult with EACH need a device with a strong Internet connection.
  • The young adult and family member[s] will participate – sometimes together and sometimes separately – in individual discussions and activities that deal with things like employment, healthcare, self-advocacy & leadership, education & training, friendships & community, and independent living! 
  • The support team will include…
  • The day will culminate with a “goal setting and action steps” activity with the young adult acting as the “leader” of this team activity.

Who is involved in Transition AHEAD Roundtable?

Our Transition AHEAD Roundtable support team includes peer mentors, transition specialists, state disability agencies, family support specialists, and Sonoran UCEDD staff…all here to help families prepare for transition!

For more information or to participate in the Transition AHEAD Roundtable, please fill out the form below. A member of our staff will connect with you via phone or email.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

For Parents/Guardians:

Q: Do I need to be present (in-person) for the Transition AHEAD Roundtable?

A: No, the Transition AHEAD Roundtable is a fully online/virtual event held on Zoom. We do ask that parents/guardians plan to be fully available throughout their scheduled appointment, which means you may need to schedule a day off from work. Depending on your technology needs, you can participate from your home or at a designated location.        

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Q: What kind of technology is needed to participate?

A: 1. A computer or mobile device with a strong Internet connection for both parent and youth (2 devices needed)

    2. Capability to use Zoom

    3. An audio source such as speakers, headphones, a webcam and/or microphone (participants will need to see the screen, turn on a camera, listen/speak during sessions)

Q: How long does the Transition AHEAD Roundtable take?

A: The Transition AHEAD Roundtable begins at 9:00am and ends at approximately 3:45pm. Short breaks and lunch are scheduled.

Q: How much does the Transition AHEAD Roundtable cost?

A: It’s free! The Transition AHEAD Roundtable is funded by the Arizona Developmental Disability Planning Council (ADDPC) and is offered to families in Arizona at no cost.

Q: How can I sign up my family to participate?

A: You can express your interest to participate in the contact form on this page. Someone from our staff will contact you with details.

Q: My son/daughter is shy or has difficulty communicating, will they still be able to participate?

A: Of course! Our staff is trained to work with persons with disabilities and have years of experience helping them feel heard and seen.

Q: Is there anything else I should know?

A: Once you are referred and scheduled to participate in the Transition AHEAD Roundtable, our staff may be contacting you for more information before your appointment. Please be sure to provide us with your most up-to-date contact information and check your voicemail and email often.

 

FAQs for Teachers/Liaisons

Q: I know a family who I would like to refer for the Transition AHEAD Roundtable. How can I sign them up to participate?

A: First, you should contact the family and discuss this opportunity. If they are on board, you can express your interest to participate in the contact form on this page. Someone from our staff will contact you with details.

Q: Does the family need to be present (in-person) for the Transition AHEAD Roundtable?

A: No, the Transition AHEAD Roundtable is a fully online/virtual event. We do ask that parents/guardians plan to be fully available throughout their scheduled appointment, which means they may need to schedule a day off from work. Depending on their technology needs, they can participate from home or you may help us designate a location.

Q: What kind of technology is needed to participate?

A: 1. A computer or mobile device with a strong Internet connection for both parent and youth (2 devices needed)

    2. Capability to use Zoom

    3. An audio source such as speakers, headphones, a webcam and/or microphone (participants will need to see the screen, turn on a camera, listen/speak during sessions)

Q: How long does the Transition AHEAD Roundtable take?

A: The Transition AHEAD Roundtable begins at 9:00am and ends at approximately 3:45pm. Short breaks and lunch are scheduled.

Q: How much does the Transition AHEAD Roundtable cost?

A: It’s free! The Transition AHEAD Roundtable is funded by the Arizona Developmental Disability Planning Council (ADDPC) and is offered to families in Arizona at no cost.

Q: Is there anything else I should know?

A: Once a family is referred and scheduled to participate in the Transition AHEAD Roundtable, our staff will be contacting them for more information before their appointment. Please be sure to provide us with their most up-to-date contact information and advise them to check their voicemail and email often.

Transition AHEAD Roundtable | A Moment with Nelly Sanchez

Transition AHEAD Roundtable | A Moment with Peer Mentor Gabe Martinez

Transition AHEAD Roundtable Contact