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Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) have a discussion with Travis Anderson, an electrician with 20+ years of experience and currently an adjunct professor at a local college. Travis emphasizes the importance of high expectations for students with disabilities and the need to dispel the stigma around trades jobs. Travis highlights the significant earning potential in trades, and also discusses the importance of teaching tangible skills and why that matters. Join the conversation!

Episode Keywords:
Post Secondary Transition, students with disabilities, transition process, electrician, adjunct professor, Frederick Community College, trades training, cognitive disability, individualized attention, tangible skill sets, trade barriers, trade opportunities, soft skills, job placement, tax breaks.

Links:
Trades for People with Learning Disabilities (Article)
Resource - Guide To Trade Schools For Students With Disabilities (Link)

Maryland (specific) Links/Supports:
Frederick Community College - Disability Access Services (link)
SEE Inc. (link)

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Send us Fan Mail

For this weeks conversation, Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) discuss special needs planning. They emphasize the importance of updating wills, highlight the complexities of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). They also cover some of the basic differences between special needs trusts and ABLE accounts, stressing that both are essential for financial protection. They also review the concept of a letter of intent, a comprehensive document outlining essential information about an individual with special needs, to ensure smooth transitions and continuity of care. Join the conversation!

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Send us Fan Mail

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) are joined by Support Broker Jamie Brodnax to examine the far-reaching impact of proposed Medicaid budget cuts on self-directed services. The discussion explores potential policy changes, including potential caps on Person-Centered Plan funding, significant wage reductions, elimination of wage exceptions, and shifts that may minimize key roles like the Day-to-Day Administrator. The trio highlights how these changes could increase documentation requirements and create confusion for families navigating the system. They emphasize both the practical and emotional consequences—particularly for individuals with higher support needs—who may face reduced autonomy, limited service options, and increased reliance on traditional provider-based models. Join the conversation!

Discussion UPDATE Article (link)

Episode Keywords:
budget cuts, self-direction, support broker, family as staff, pay rate cuts, staffing issues, one-to-one support, nursing care plan, behavior support plan, DDA policy changes, geographic differential, live-in caregiver exemption, contingency planning, advocacy groups, legislative updates

Links:
Self-Directed Services (page)
Medicaid - Self-Directed Services (link)
Ep. 032 Self-Direction Deep-Dive_Full Discussion (link)

Maryland (specific) Links/Supports:
Self-Directed Advocacy Network of Maryland (site)
Individual and Family Directed Goods and Services (IFDGS) (link)
​Self-Directed Services Guidance and Forms (link)

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.