Josh and Debra Whittaker

2011 Blog www.employmentjourney.com twitter

Expo was a huge success for students, families, and agencies

The Transition Expo 2010 held in Montague for students with disabilities and their families was a huge success. People of all ages passed through a busy auditorium visiting more than 30 agencies and services.

“Many agencies were available to talk with students and their families about planning for the future in the areas of education, training, employment, and recreation,” says Shelley Nelson, Community Access Facilitator with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. “They also offered information regarding day programs, financial assistance, residential options, respite care, and transportation.

For more information and a list of all the exhibitors,contact Shelley at 620-3746.

The Expo is an important networking and informational opportunity for Debra Whittaker of Georgetown and her son Josh. “The Expo keeps me updated on services that are available,” says Debra. “I was especially interested in the information regarding the Disability Registered Savings Plans that will benefit Josh in the future.”

Pauline Kelly, Chair

Voices for Choice advocates on behalf of families of children with disabilities. The families of young adults living in the Montague Regional High family of schools formed the group in 2008.

“We consult with all levels of government and partner with service providers to further develop options for our sons and daughters and give them choices primarily in employment and housing,” says Pauline.“Our voice is being heard, which has resulted in positive changes to government policies that will have an impact on our children.

“We meet several times a year, develop projects, host presentations from various groups, share relevant information about programs, resources, positive experiences and communicate as a group to the decision makers.

“An unexpected bonus is the sense of understanding that we get from each other as we all work for what is important for our sons and daughters and the positive social aspect for both the parents and their children.

“The Transition Expo is a wonderful opportunity for us to share information with students, parents and agencies.”

For more information, contactPauline Kelly at 583-2250 ore-mail pjkelly@pei.aibn.com

Mary Jane Webster,Co-ordinator

Adult Connections in Education (ACE) offered at UPEI provides individualized academic support for students with intellectual disabilities. The program also encourages active engagement on campus through pairing the students with other students and through volunteer placement options.

In May, the program offers skill development workshops that include money management, Internet safety, relationship development and boundary setting.

“The program has been very successful,” says Mary Jane. “It provides an inclusive and safe environment for adults with intellectual disabilities to mature and increase their level of independence to better their future.

“A number of graduates have secured long-term employment as a result of the gains made with their time in the ACE program.

“In compliment to his current employment, one student returns to campus two days a week for a volunteer placement to enhance his employability.”

For more information, contactMary Jane Webster at 566-0790.

Music Therapists: Shona Pottinger & Peter Mutch

�Feb 2011

by Stella Shepard

Some Expo Exhibitors

Shona, Owner of Sing Sands Music Therapy, works with people of all ages. “We work on a variety of social, behavioral, emotional, spiritual, and physical needs or issues,” says Shona. “Techniques used by an accredited Music Therapist maintain or improve the areas needing attention, which are different for each client.”

Peter, Owner of Mutch Music Therapy, says his services were in such great demand that he could not accept more clients. Shona learned of the need for another music therapist on PEI while living in Ottawa. She contacted Peter for more information and five weeks later, she was in Charlottetown.

She arrived in September 2010 and started working the next day. The two music therapists share studio space at The Guild in Charlottetown.

For more information, contactShona Pottinger at 393-3825or musicforyou@live.com