On March 12, Phil Campbell (Auburn’s Director of Pupil Services) and Cheryl (Nicky’s mom) presented at the Statewide Advisory Council meeting in Marlborough.  With about 20 representatives including school administrators, DESE transition program and special education Directors, FCSN Directors, and parents, we led a dialogue that was a shortened version of what we have planned for the 19th.

The response was excellent.  Questions were primarily directed to Phil regarding the logistics of setting up the program with multiple contracts and developing an IEP that would bridge the educational and adult service worlds.  Questions regarding data presented about Nicky’s progress were very helpful in giving us some ideas of what people might ask in future presentations.  We were applauded and thanked for sharing our vision.

Most importantly, we were very grateful to be invited by Marty Mittnacht and the SAC, and to be given the opportunity to begin what we hope will be a ripple effect in the approach to transitioning challenges students and looking TRULY at the individual’s unique needs and strengths.