Unlocking Potential: Special Education Perspectives

A special look at Dumas ISD’s 18+ program

In this episode of Unlocking Potential, we continue our season on transition to adulthood by spotlighting Dumas ISD’s 18+ program. Join us as we talk with Mattye Calvery and Frankie Blue about how their program supports students with disabilities in building independence, developing employment skills, and preparing for meaningful life after high school.

What is Work-based Learning?

Join the Unlocking Potential podcast as hosts Winston and special co-host Kristi Tucker dive deep into work-based learning with Joette Hardin from Texas A&M's Center for Disability and Development! Discover what work-based learning really looks like in practice  Learn why it's crucial for transition planning. Explore how schools can build stronger employment pathways for students with disabilities. Joette shares insights from supporting over 130 programs across Texas that provide on-campus and community-based vocational training. This episode is packed with practical strategies for creating meaningful adult outcomes and employment independence! Perfect for educators, transition specialists, parents, and anyone passionate about unlocking potential for students with disabilities. Learn more about this program here: https://cdd.tamu.edu/ [https://cdd.tamu.edu/] https://cdd.tamu.edu/wbl-project/ [https://cdd.tamu.edu/wbl-project/] #UnlockingPotential #TransitionPlanning #WorkBasedLearning #DisabilitySupport #EmploymentFirst #SpecialEducation #TransitionServices

Living Independently: Jose Briseño’s Journey from School to Adulthood

In this episode of Unlocking Potential, we continue our season on transition to adulthood for students with disabilities by visiting with Jose Briseño—a 30-year-old professional who has been totally blind since birth. Jose shares his journey from public school to college and beyond, reflecting on the resources, strategies, and determination that helped him successfully navigate life after high school. Now working as an assistive technology trainer and content creator, Jose empowers others through his website and podcast, Screenless Allies. Tune in as Jose discusses the differences between high school and college supports, overcoming employment barriers, and his advice for educators and families helping students prepare for independent adult lives. Learn more about Jose’s work at screenlessallies.com [https://screenlessallies.com/]

Spotlighting The Discovery Academy in Canyon ISD

In this episode of Unlocking Potential, we’re spotlighting The Discovery Academy—an 18+ program in Canyon ISD helping young adults with disabilities build independence, learn life skills, and gain meaningful work experience. Since launching just a few years ago, the program has thrived, offering innovative opportunities like an in-house laundry business and student-created products such as laundry soap and room sprays. Hosts Winston and Danielle are joined by Shelli Jones, Director of Discovery 18+, and Bree Holbrook, Discovery 18+ Coordinator, who share how the program began, what makes it unique, and how it’s helping students prepare for life beyond high school." https://www.canyonisd.net/631635_3 [https://www.canyonisd.net/631635_3]

Bridging School and Adulthood: A Conversation on Transition Planning & Services

In this kickoff to our new season, we sit down with Kristi Tucker, Evaluation & Transition Consultant at Region 16, to unpack what transition to adulthood services look like in schools. Kristi shares what educators need to know, what ARD committees are required to do, and what she’s seeing in schools across the region. We also spotlight two powerful tools from Texas SPED Support—Next Steps to Independence: Skills and Strategies and Connecting Community Supports—that can help families and educators guide students toward independence and meaningful post-school outcomes.  Next Steps to Independence: Skills and Strategies Document [https://spedsupport.tea.texas.gov/resource-library/next-steps-independence-skills-and-strategies]Connecting to Community Supports Document [https://spedsupport.tea.texas.gov/resource-library/connecting-community-supports] Contact Kristi Tucker at 806-677-5198 or kristi.tucker@esc16.net [kristi.tucker@esc16.net]