Shows
The Post Secondary Transition Conversation095. Keypoints About Guardianship Families Should ConsiderSend a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) discuss the complexities of guardianship; they highlight the importance of understanding legal capacity and exploring alternatives like supported decision-making. They note that voting rights exist under guardianship and also cover reasonable accommodations, such as having a support person in court, and the role of Medicaid-authorized representatives. Join the conversation!Episode Keywords:Guardianship, supported decision making, legal capacity, alternatives to guardianship, court appointed, young adult, decision making, voting rights, reasonable accommodations, Medicaid authorized representative, SSI, representative payee, non-verbal communication, advocacy, transition processLInks:...
2026-02-1720 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation094. MilestoneSend us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) take a few minutes to reflect on their journey, now in the fourth season, and the diverse topics they've covered, including interviews, info sessions, and timelines. They celebrate reaching 94 episodes and 5,000 downloads (noting that most podcasts don't surpass seven episodes). They express gratitude for their global audience, mentioning listeners from various countries, and encourage listener feedback and reviews to enhance their reach. Join the conversation!Episode Keywords: podcast, search engine optimization, transition coordinators, listener feedback, episode downloads, global audience, transition topics, community support, milestones, t...
2026-02-0216 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation093. To Summer School or Not to Summer SchoolSend us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) discuss summer opportunities for students with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of considering alternatives to Extended School Year (ESY) programs. They highlight the benefits of work and volunteer experiences, mentioning resources like DORS and local workforce development programs; they even discuss sleep-away camps as a way to foster independence! Join the conversation! Episode Keywords:Summer opportunities, IEP, extended school year, vocational skills, DORS counselor, work study, volunteer opportunities, sleep-away camps, independence, social opportunities, community involvement, transition specialist, self-directed services, Rec and Parks, Facebook groups
2026-01-2015 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation092. Interview: Kelly Nelson & Understanding ABLE Accounts_Full DiscussionSend a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) speak with Kelly Nelson about ABLE accounts, highlighting how they allow individuals with disabilities to save money without affecting SSI, Social Security, or Medicaid eligibility. The conversation covers key features such as tax advantages, online setup, gifting options, prepaid cards, and financial literacy tools, as well as the importance of opening an account early. They also discuss how ABLE funds can be used for health, independence, quality of life expenses, long-term savings, and managing back payments. Join the conversation!Episode Keywords: ABLE accounts, disability support, f...
2026-01-1250 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation091. Interview: Kelly Nelson & Understanding ABLE Accounts Pt. 2Send us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) continue their conversation with Kelly Nelson about ABLE accounts, exploring the many benefits and features these accounts offer. The discussion highlights flexibility, tax advantages, and built-in financial literacy tools, including the online gifting page that allows friends and family to contribute, as well as the prepaid card option that helps account holders manage their funds. They also emphasize the importance of opening an ABLE account early to avoid over-resourcing and protect SSI eligibility, and discuss how ABLE accounts can be used for long-term savings, special purchases, and...
2026-01-0530 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation090. Interview: Kelly Nelson & Understanding ABLE Accounts Pt. 1Send us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) discuss ABLE accounts with Kelly Nelson. They talk about how ABLE accounts are a financial tool allowing families to save money for individuals with disabilities without affecting their eligibility for other benefits like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and/or Medicaid. They also cover how accounts can be opened online, the criteria for qualifying for an account and how ABLE accounts can be used for expenses related to health, independence, and quality of life (including vacations). Join the conversation!Episode Keywords:ABLE accounts...
2025-12-2222 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation089. Interview - Martha Goodman; introducing the MEIRA Planning Tool_Full DiscussionSend us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) sit down with advocate Martha Goodman, creator of the MEIRA (Maryland Education Information Resources and Advocacy) Planning Tool, to discuss how her work supports families navigating the complexities of the transition process. Martha shares her background, her dedication to education advocacy, and how her experience as a mother of a child with down syndrome has shaped her mission. Martha also opens up about her daughter’s transition journey, from volunteering in Israel to exploring employment & continued education amid the challenges created by funding gaps. She also offers in...
2025-12-1533 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation089. Interview - Martha Goodman; introducing the MEIRA Planning Tool_Full DiscussionSend us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) sit down with advocate Martha Goodman, creator of the MEIRA (Maryland Education Information Resources and Advocacy) Planning Tool, to discuss how her work supports families navigating the complexities of the transition process. Martha shares her background, her dedication to education advocacy, and how her experience as a mother of a child with down syndrome has shaped her mission. Martha also opens up about her daughter’s transition journey—from volunteering in Israel to exploring employment and continued education—amid the challenges created by funding gaps. She also offers...
2025-12-1533 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation088. Interview - Martha Goodman; introducing the MEIRA Planning Tool Pt. 2Send us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) continue their discussion with Martha Goodman, an advocate who has created the MEIRA (Maryland Education Information Resources And Advocacy) Planning Tool. This part of the conversation highlights the uncertainty caused by funding gaps, and the impact that can have on families. Martha also shares her daughter's transition journey, including volunteering in Israel, the complexity of employment and pursuing continued education. Join the conversation! Episode Keywords:DDA application, Pre-ETS, funding issues, political advocacy, transitioning youth, CCBC program, literacy classes, child care assistant, Postsecondary Transition, reading l...
2025-12-0813 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation087. Interview - Martha Goodman; introducing the MEIRA Planning Tool Pt. 1Send us a textThis week, hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) have a conversation with Martha Goodman, an advocate who has created the MEIRA (Maryland Education Information Resources And Advocacy) Planning Tool. This tool aims to assist families in navigating the complexities of the transition process. Martha shares her background, her dedication to education advocacy, and how her personal experience as a mother of a child with Down syndrome has influenced her work. She also discusses her plans to expand the available resources and exciting future developments. Join the conversation!Episode Keywords:Postsecondary T...
2025-11-2423 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation086. Apply for Supplmental Security Income (SSI) OnlineSend us a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) discuss the process of applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) online, emphasizing the shift from in-person to electronic applications (post-COVID). They highlight the importance of distinguishing SSI from SSDI and provide step-by-step instructions for applying on the Social Security Administration's website. Join the conversation!Episode Keywords:SSI application, online process, Social Security Administration, Supplemental Security Income, SSDI, eligibility, application status, cheat sheet, young adult, disability, account creation, password security, bureaucratic process, transition coordinators, parent resourcesLinks: Apply for Supplemental Security Income...
2025-11-1013 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation085. National Disability Employment Awareness MonthSend a textHosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) discuss the National Disability Employment Awareness Month and share about their experiences with a recent local event they attended. They talk about the events' featured presentations, breakout sessions, and activities that included free professional headshots and VR work simulations. They highlighted the importance of their school systems 40+ partnerships with local businesses including an upcoming initiative to use film students to create promotional videos for those partnerships. Join the conversation!Episode Keywords:National Disability Employment Awareness Month, employment opportunities, breakout sessions, VR, professional headshots, virtual reality...
2025-10-2716 minThe Post Secondary Transition ConversationPodshare: 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 Conversation084. 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 Conversation083. The "Gap Year"Send 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 Rehabilitation...
2025-09-1513 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation082. Back-to-School Transition Tips for FamiliesSend 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 and...
2025-09-0115 minThe Post Secondary Transition ConversationPodshare: 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 ConversationPodshare: 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 Conversation081. 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 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation080. Transition Summer ChecklistSend 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, transition t...
2025-07-0719 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation079. Interview: Jamie Brodnax - What is a Support Broker?_Full DiscussionSend 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, person-centered plan...
2025-06-3040 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation078. Interview: Jamie Brodnax - What is a Support Broker? Pt. 2Send 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 disabilities...
2025-06-2324 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation077. Interview: Jamie Brodnax - What is a Support Broker? Pt. 1Send 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 accurate...
2025-06-0918 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation076. Transportation/Travel Training: Wheels in MotionSend 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 Keywords:
2025-05-2723 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation075. Resource(s): Transition ToolsSend 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 buildingLi...
2025-05-1210 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation074. MD Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)_Full DiscussionSend 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 Community...
2025-04-2839 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation073. DDA Eligibility Categories Fine PrintSend 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, crisis p...
2025-04-2116 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation072. Building Futures: Business's For All FairSend 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 (site)
2025-04-0710 minThe Post Secondary Transition ConversationPodshare: Disability Daily Podcast - Ray Curzwell & Abraham LincolnSend 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 permission...
2025-03-2408 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation071. Financial Literacy QuicklookSend 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!Episode...
2025-03-0312 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation070. ABLE Accounts vs. Special Needs TrustSend 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, power...
2025-02-1711 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation069. Parent Interview: The Nirschls_Full Discussion (Ep.04 & 05 re-listen)Send 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 seek...
2025-02-0338 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation068. Resource(s): Assistive TechnologySend 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 connections
2025-01-2020 minThe Post Secondary Transition Conversation067. Resource: Vocational Rehabilitative (VR) Agency LocatorSend 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 Agencies (s...
2025-01-0606 min