Shows
The Post Secondary Transition PodcastPodshare: Special Needs Advanced Planning- 6 Pillars of Special Needs Financial PlanningSend us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) had a BUSY few weeks planning for their local Transition Fair (and other stuff) 😏. In the meantime, Ms. Elizabeth Larson from Special Needs Advanced Planning graciously gave permission to share out one of her quick informational sessions. Ms. Larson talks about the core elements needed when considering financial planning. You can find the original video post here and more discussions from the Special Needs Advanced Planning team here.Thanks again to Ms. Larson for permission to share out her work! Support the show...
2025-10-1305 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast084. Transition Fairs & What to ConsiderSend us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) discuss more in-depth how transition fairs can help families with planning through the transition process. The duo highlight how fairs will typically promote providers and agencies offering various services, including day programs, residential agencies, and recreational opportunities. They emphasize the value of early planning, advising families to gather information, organize it in a transition binder, and consider specific needs. They also suggest using checklists, attending breakout sessions, and engaging with providers to make informed decisions. Join the conversation!Episode Keywords:Transition fair, post-secondary transition...
2025-09-2914 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast083. The "Gap Year"Send us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) discuss the challenges families may face when their children with disabilities transition out of school before turning 21. They highlight the importance of planning during the "gap year" and exploring alternative resources for funding support, such as VR (Vocational Rehabilitation) agencies. They emphasize the necessity for families to be proactive and have contingency plans due to funding uncertainties and potential delays in DD approval. Join the conversation!Episode Keywords:Post Secondary Transition, families, students with disabilities, gap year, DDA funding, Developmental Disabilities Administration, Division of...
2025-09-1513 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast082. Back-to-School Transition Tips for FamiliesSend us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) are back for a brand new season and discuss the start of the new school year for families of students with disabilities. They emphasize the importance of letting the dust settle before reaching out to case managers or teachers to discuss long-term visions and vocational skills. They advise parents to check in with their respective DD coordinators and/or VR agencies to ensure their child's status and opportunities. They also highlight the significance of updated assessments and encourage families to look for local workshops and fairs. This...
2025-09-0115 minThe Post Secondary Transition PodcastPodshare: EXCEEDing Expectations (A TerpsEXCEED Podcast) - Why TerpsEXCEED?Send us a textAs hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) work to navigate the beginning of their new school year, the friends at TerpsEXCEED gave permission to share out one of the discussions from their own podcast EXCEEDing Expectations. In this discussion, host Adrian Forsythe (a former TerpsEXCEED participant) interviews Amy D'Agati, the program's director and Meredith Gramlich, the Associate Director. The trio discuss the program's origins, growth, and inclusivity. They highlight the program's success, including the increase in mentors and the integration of students with disabilities into campus life. You can find the original video...
2025-08-1819 minThe Post Secondary Transition PodcastPodshare: The Oregon Transition Podcast - Supported Decision MakingSend us a textAs hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) take a break for the summer, their friends at the Oregon Transition Podcast (OTP) graciously gave permission to use one of their fantastic discussions. OTP's episode explores the difference between Guardianship and exercising Supported Decision Making. OTP works to discuss the various ways individuals can be supported for daily decisions, job exploration, financial literacy and post-secondary training and education.Thanks again to the Oregon Transition Podcast for their permission to share out their work! Find information about the Oregon Transition Podcast here and here.
2025-08-0424 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast081. Interview: Selina & Curtis Gray - A Self-Directed Journey (ep. 08 re-listen)Send us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) are navigating their summer schedules, so they went back into the archive and re-cut one of their earliest interviews (along with a minor audio update). Selina & Curtis Gray share their experience with their foster son, Philip, who has autism. They talk about how, initially, Philip struggled in an adult day program which led to their decision to pivot to the self-directed model. They emphasize the benefits of self-directed programs, including tailored job opportunities and parental empowerment. Join the conversation (again)!Episode Keywords:autism, self-directed...
2025-07-2143 min
Big Bad Vampire Diary PodcastThe Book Was Better?Today's episode explores the idea that "the book was better." Is it always? What makes it better or worse? Well shall see, won't we? TW: SA (Tyler Smallwood mentioned 14:37-14:55)Check out the podcast on social and see what we've been keeping in the shadows! @bigbadvampirediarypodChat me up and tell me all the things on the Google Form here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-07-0822 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast080. Transition Summer ChecklistSend us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) discuss a summer checklist for families navigating the transition process. They talk updating DD (Developmental Disabilities) information, ensuring recent assessments/IEPs, connecting with other parents for advice, and researching community services. They emphasize the importance of creating a home folder for documents, understanding timelines with coordinators, and exploring volunteer opportunities to build work skills. All this and more! Join the conversation!Episode Keywords: summer schedule, transition topics, DDA coordinator, current request, agency choice letter, assessments, IEP reevaluation, parent networking, guardianship, volunteer opportunities, community resources, t...
2025-07-0719 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast079. Interview: Jamie Brodnax - What is a Support Broker?_Full DiscussionSend us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) chat with Jamie Brodnax, a former Coordinator of Community Services who now runs her own Support Broker agency. They break down the differences between support brokers, CCSs, and administrators, and explore the broker’s role in self-directed services—from attending PCP meetings and budgeting to supporting families in setting goals and navigating policy changes. Jamie also shares tools she uses to stay organized, tips for handling staffing challenges, and why clear communication and early planning are key. Join the conversation!Episode Keywords:support broker, pers...
2025-06-3040 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast078. Interview: Jamie Brodnax - What is a Support Broker? Pt. 2Send us a textIn this second installment, hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) discuss the role of support broker with Jamie Brodnax. They talk about assisting families with person-centered planning (PCP) and self-direction, emphasizing the importance of understanding family needs, identifying goals, and managing funding. Jamie highlights the use of various tools to help keep her sane including apps and trackers. Jamie also addresses the challenges of staffing issues, advocating for clear employee handbooks and underscores the need for support brokers to be well-informed, organized, and able to connect families with resources to ensure individuals with...
2025-06-2324 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast077. Interview: Jamie Brodnax - What is a Support Broker? Pt. 1Send us a textIn this first installment, hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) discuss the role of Support Broker with Jamie Brodnax, who recently transitioned from Coordinator of Community Service (CCS) to running her own Support Broker agency. The team of three work to clarify the differences between support brokers, the CCS & day-to-day administrators. They emphasize the support broker's role in self-directed services, while Jamie explains some of the tasks her position asks for, including attending PCP meetings, budgeting, and creating newsletters to keep teams informed. They also talk about the importance of early planning and...
2025-06-0918 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast076. Transportation/Travel Training: Wheels in MotionSend us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) work to broadly discuss transportation and travel training for students with disabilities, while recognizing its a tricky topic due to regional differences. They highlight the challenges families face in getting students to jobs and community activities, they explore school-provided travel training, public transportation options, and the importance of etiquette and safety on buses. They mention resources like the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) card and the potential roles of DD and VR agencies in providing transportation services. All this and more, so join the conversation!Episode...
2025-05-2723 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast075. Resource(s): Transition ToolsSend us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) share a resource page they put together for their Post Secondary Transition website: Transition Tools. A few of the page's highlights cover the ABLE account (a tax-advantaged savings account for disability-related expenses), Comprehensive Transition Program (designed for adults with intellectual disabilities), Digital Portfolios (showcasing student achievement) and more. Join the conversation! Episode Keywords:Transition tools, ABLE account, comprehensive transition program, digital portfolios, work programs, supported education model, transition fair, special needs trust, vocational skills, academic learning, practical work experience, collaborative supports, skill building...
2025-05-1210 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast074. MD Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)_Full DiscussionSend us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) have gone back and combined two previous discussions about Maryland's Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and, at the same time, cleaned up the audio a bit. We emphasize the importance of completing a DDA application by age 14, including necessary documentation. We cover how the application process involves assessment and determining the young adult's support needs. We work to explain the difference between entitlement and eligibility, the various waivers (Community Pathways, Community Supports), and the importance of a person-centered plan. We also highlight the role of the Coordinator of...
2025-04-2839 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast073. DDA Eligibility Categories Fine PrintSend us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) discuss the eligibility categories for Developmental Disabilities (DD) agencies and what that means for families. They talk about the distinction between "Future Needs" and "Current Request" levels. They cover the "Supports Only" designation, and how that can require additional documentation. Additionally, they also touch on "Crisis Prevention" and "Crisis Resolution" for urgent needs, highlighting the importance of gathering comprehensive documentation to support these requests. Join the conversation!Episode Keywords:DD services, Developmental Disabilities Administration, eligibility, future needs, current request, choice letter, coordinator, supports only, c...
2025-04-2116 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast072. Building Futures: Business's For All FairSend us a textTypically, hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) discuss aspects of the transition process. However, this week Patrick is on his own to discuss a local business fair organized by Meghan and co-worker Erin Bourque (also a Transition Coordinator). The business fair highlighted businesses that support individuals with disabilities and emphasized the importance of visibility and opportunity for people with disabilities. Join the conversation!Episode Keywords:disability community, inclusive world, local businesses, special needs, employment opportunities, role models, micro-businesses, visibility, career paths, support systems, family involvementLinks:Humanium...
2025-04-0710 minThe Post Secondary Transition PodcastPodshare: Disability Daily Podcast - Ray Curzwell & Abraham LincolnSend us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) continue to play catch-up with their schedules. In the meantime, we thank Dr. Katie Healey for letting us "borrow" one of her episodes from the Disability Daily Podcast; the podcast works to shine light on figures or events in disability history each day.From February, Katie talks about Dr. Ray Curzwell and the impact his inventions have had on modern society and good old "honest" Abe Lincoln, whose personal experiences and policies impacted individuals with disabilities.Thanks again to Dr. Healey for her...
2025-03-2408 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast071. Financial Literacy QuicklookSend us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) have a short discussion on the importance of financial literacy for students with disabilities, noting a common stigma that they cannot manage their own money. They emphasize the shift from handling cash to using debit cards and the need for basic financial education. Practical strategies include community-based instruction, involving students in household financial decisions, and using chores and allowances to teach budgeting. They highlight the significance of understanding banking, the difference between necessities and luxuries, and the impact of taxes on paychecks. Join the conversation!...
2025-03-0312 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast070. ABLE Accounts vs. Special Needs TrustSend us a textHost Meghan (Smallwood) and (Patrick Cadigan) discuss estate planning for individuals with disabilities, focusing on ABLE accounts and special needs trusts. They review how ABLE accounts, available in over 45 states, can be used for various expenses like transportation, medical bills and education. They also cover how a special needs trust is managed by attorneys to ensure funds are used for a beneficiary's sole benefit and other useful information. Join the conversation!Episode Keywords:estate planning, ABLE account, special needs trust, SSI, Medicaid, financial management, disability, public benefits, assistive technology, guardianship...
2025-02-1711 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast069. Parent Interview: The Nirschls_Full Discussion (Ep.04 & 05 re-listen)Send us a textHosts Megan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) have re-cut their 2022 parent interview with Nick and Remy Nirschl, whose son Rich was preparing to transition out of the school system. The Nirschls share their journey, including Rich's early signs of autism, the challenges of getting a diagnosis, and their experiences with various educational and therapeutic programs. They emphasize the importance of early intervention, the benefits of SSI (Supplemental Security Income), and the decision to pursue self-direction for Rich's post-school life. The conversation highlights the need for parents to start planning early, connect with resources, and...
2025-02-0338 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast068. Resource(s): Assistive TechnologySend us a textFor this week, hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) focus more at a local level to discuss resources around Assistive Technology (AT). They emphasize the importance of understanding AT needs which can range from low-tech to high-tech. They highlight local resources and some of the benefits they can provide. They also parallel their conversation with some potential supports for home modifications for families in need. Join the conversation! Episode Keywords:assistive technology, transition process, special education, IEP team, low tech, mid tech, high tech, funding sources, DDA, Medicaid, SSI, equipment...
2025-01-2020 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast067. Resource: Vocational Rehabilitative (VR) Agency LocatorSend us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan), take a few minutes this week to highlight a resource to locate Rehabilitative Agencies. They emphasize the need for families to research specific states as each has its own eligibility criteria and service offerings; VR agencies typically provide job training, assistive technology, and career counseling. Join the conversation!Episode Keywords:vocational rehabilitation, developmental disabilities, job placement, assistive technology, career assessments, counseling services, eligibility criteria, state-specific agencies, resource website, waiting lists, transition processLinks:Vocational Rehabilitative Agency (page)State Vocational Rehabilitation A...
2025-01-0606 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast066. Interview: YouTube Content Creator Cody Leach_Full DiscussionSend us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) have a discussion with Cody Leach, a movie review YouTuber with 176k+ subscribers, about his journey to becoming a full-time content creator. Cody discusses the importance of focusing on a niche, managing negative feedback, navigating challenges like copyright issues and YouTube’s complexities. Cody also shares advice for aspiring YouTubers on content planning, balancing creativity with business, and building resilience in the face of criticism. Join the conversation! Episode Keywords:YouTube content creator, transition process, student interviews, journey, video editing, audience engagement, recording space, li...
2024-12-3050 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast065. Interview: YouTube Content Creator Cody Leach Pt. 2Send us a textThis week, hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) finish their discussion about the challenges and realities of becoming a YouTube content creator with Cody Leach. Cody shares his experiences around copyright issues (even when using royalty-free music!) and the complexities of YouTube admin and copyright laws. Cody shares insight on his monthly content planning process, advice for aspiring YouTubers including understanding risk, maintaining a thick skin against negative feedback and balancing creativity with business savvy. Join the conversation!Episode Keywords:YouTube, challenges, copyright issues, content creation, audience engagement, video editing...
2024-12-2325 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast064. Interview: YouTube Content Creator Cody Leach Pt. 1Send us a textThis week, hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) feature a conversation with content creator Cody Leach. Cody's YouTube channel boasts 175k subscribers and he shares his journey to becoming a full-time YouTube content creator specializing in movie reviews. Cody emphasizes the importance of focusing on a niche, differences in sound for video-only content, the challenges of dealing with negative feedback and differences between live streaming and pre-recorded content. Join the conversation! Episode Keywords: YouTube content creator, horror movie reviews, transition process, student interviews, college experience, podcasting journey, video editing, audience...
2024-12-0927 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast063. Empowered Beginnings Pt. 4 - Senior Year(+)Send us a textThis week, hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) conclude a series of discussions charting transition through school years. For senior year, they differentiate between diploma-bound students and those on a certificate track. Key points include finalizing student-centered transition plans, participating in transition meetings, and ensuring students are aware of their accommodations and supports. They also stress the importance of building a support network and self-advocacy skills. Join the conversation!Episode Keywords: senior year transition, diploma bound, certificate track, student centered plan, transition meetings, financial aid, FAFSA, standardized tests, college applications...
2024-11-2522 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast062. Resource: Developmental Disabilities (DD) Agency LocatorSend us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) had challenges around their school schedules, so a full discussion is still forth coming. Not wanting to leave listeners without new content, they have a quick chat about a resource from the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services that is linked to their parent website, www.postsecondarytransition.com. They discuss the importance of developmental disability (DD) agencies and highlight that each state has their own agency, typically provide services like case management, housing, vocational training, and employment services. Listen up!Episode Keywords:
2024-11-1106 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast061. Interview: Donna & Bayo from The Difference 2-17_Full DiscussionSend us a textHosts Meghan and Patrick interview Donna Pidel and Adebayo Sodunke from “The Difference 2-17.” The discussion covers the program’s growth, focusing on self-direction, community building, and the importance of independence, relationships, and a supportive environment. They emphasize the program’s focus on personalized care, community inclusion, and giving individuals a voice, with a strong commitment to accessibility and being centrally located. Challenges discussed include maintaining quality during expansion and addressing housing needs. Join the conversation!Episode Keywords: community creation, self-directed services, Alexander, legacy, personal touch, engagement, member happiness, housing challenge...
2024-11-0451 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast060. Interview: Donna & Bayo from The Difference 2-17 Pt. 2Send us a textThis week, hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) continue to talk with Donna Pidel and Adebayo (Bayo) Sodunke from "The Difference 2-17." This time, their discussion focuses on The Difference 2-17's emphasis on personalized care, community inclusion, and the importance of giving individuals a voice; they stress the importance of being in the heart of towns for accessibility and how that is essential for inclusion. They cover overcoming challenges including maintaining quality as they expand and the desire to address housing needs. Join the conversation!Episode Keywords:community creation...
2024-10-2831 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast059. Interview: Donna & Bayo from The Difference 2-17 Pt. 1Send us a textThis week, hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) interview Donna Pidel and Adebayo (Bayo) Sodunke from "The Difference 2-17. Their discussion covers how the program focuses on self-direction and community building; emphasizing the importance of independence, relationships, and a supportive environment. They talk about how the program has grown from a small initiative to multiple sites, with strong partnerships. They highlight the significance of building a community that cares for and supports its members, ensuring they are never alone. Join the conversation!Episode Keywords:transition, self-direction, autism, community building, skill...
2024-10-1422 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast058. Community Discussion: Zabrina Kearns - Home Turf Transitions_Full DiscussionSend us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) invite Zabrina Kearns to have a discussion with them about what transition looks like for families in her New Jersey district. Zabrina shares out from her extensive background in special education, applied behavior analysis and her current roles as Work-Based Learning supervisor, & transition coordinator. The trio discuss the differences in transition programs and outcomes between states, the importance of independent living skills, and the challenges parents face in navigating post-high school options for their children with disabilities. Their conversation considers the importance of teaching soft skills like...
2024-10-0751 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast057. Community Discussion: Zabrina Kearns - Home Turf Transitions Pt. 2Send us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) continue their conversation with educator, supervisor and transition coordinator Zabrina Kearns. They cover the importance of teaching soft skills like professionalism & interactions, the need for students to gain experience in various industries, the complexities of funding and the need for better communication with families about available resources through local DD and VR agencies. Join the conversation!Episode Keywords:DVRS, transition, students, coordinator, families, learning, jobs, DDD, career, graduate, community, volunteer, challengesLinks:University of Kansas Master Program in Secondary Education & Transition...
2024-09-3031 minThe Post Secondary Transition Podcast056. Community Discussion: Zabrina Kearns - Home Turf Transitions Pt. 1Send us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) invite Zabrina Kearns to have a discussion with them about what transition looks like for families in her New Jersey district. Zabrina shares out from her extensive background in special education, applied behavior analysis and her current roles as Work-Based Learning supervisor, & transition coordinator. The trio discuss the differences in transition programs and outcomes between states, the importance of independent living skills, and the challenges parents face in navigating post-high school options for their children with disabilities. Join the conversation!Episode Keywords:transition, diploma...
2024-09-1622 min