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

by Stella Shepard

T he Transition Expo 2010 held in Montague for students with

disabilities and their families was a huge success. People of all ages
The Expo is an important
networking and
informational opportunity
passed through a busy auditorium visiting more than 30 agencies and for Debra Whittaker of
services. Georgetown and her son
Josh. “The Expo keeps
“Many agencies were available to talk with students and their families me updated on services
about planning for the future in the areas of education, training, that are available,”
employment, and recreation,” says Shelley Nelson, Community Access says Debra. “I was
Facilitator with the Department of Education and Early Childhood especially interested in
Development. “They also offered information regarding day programs, the information regarding
financial assistance, residential options, respite care, and transportation. the Disability Registered
Savings Plans that
For more information and a list of all the exhibitors, will benefit Josh in the
future.”
Josh and Debra Whittaker
contact Shelley at 620-3746.
Some Expo Exhibitors

Mary Jane Webster,

Music Therapists: Shona
Pottinger & Peter Mutch
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, contact
Shona Pottinger at 393-3825
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, contact
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, contact
Mary Jane Webster at 566-0790.


or musicforyou@live.com Pauline Kelly at 583-2250 or
e-mail pjkelly@pei.aibn.com

2011 Blog www.employmentjourney.com twitter Feb 2011