The Southeast region with representatives from 11 state projects collaborated on June 18, 2015 to host the annual Transition Institute for families & youth at the Kavanaugh Enrichment Center presented by the Kentucky Deafblind Project . The projects embraced the theme of the weekend "Accessing the Dream” through the informative and inspirational presentations of deaf-blind youth mentors and the keynote presented by Vicky Magliocchino whose message inspires people to become empowered and self determined. The youth participants and their families participated in learning activities to help build self determination, increase expectations, improve their "brand" and increase their knowledge on how to advocate more effectively in school settings.
The youth mentors were very determined to drive the message of self determination. Each mentor with different educational backgrounds, varying levels of needed supports and life experiences were very effective in driving their message that leadership takes many different forms, but in every case the person needs an opportunity. This opportunity may occur as the result of family engagement, effective teachers and young adults who demonstrate the interest and leadership skills. The youth participants were challenged to think strategically about their own personal journey and goals. How would families become more involved and committed to achieving these goals. Each youth participant walked away from this Institute with expanded social networks, strategies to advocate student focused planning and a better understanding of how their families can help achieve their goals.
The mentors learned quite a bit from each other. One of the mentors coined it best when she said," I was in your seat not too long ago. I lacked the confidence and found that I had very little control over anything in my life. I did not know that a person with a vision or hearing loss could do great things. I did not know that there was anybody other than Helen Keller. How could I relate to a historical figure? It all changed when I met a professional who was deaf-blind and he was funny and smart. I learned a lot at the first workshop I attended in the southeast. I am a leader who happens to be also deaf- blind. I want you all to forget about your disability and start thinking about your future. You don’t have control over how much you see or hear but a successful future is yours and you control that."
The dream of young adults is all the same regardless of background or disability. The opportunity to expose youth to a variety of experiences is what participants wanted and it’s placed on a high premium. The young adults just need the opportunity…
