The Oregon Transition Podcast

Be inspired with OTP as they visit with Kay Chaires, former client turned coordinator on staff with Trendsitions Provider Agency out of Pendleton, Oregon. When OTP visited the agency to talk about how transition age students may be able to access services, it came up in conversation that Trendsitions had a former client, who had grown up in school in Eastern Oregon and was now on staff with them....

OTP takes you into the world of Provider Agencies. What do they provide and who do they provide services for? Trendsitions, in Pendleton Oregon has won the Oregon Statewide Transition Conference Innovative Agency award for 2025. Ed Cortez, Director, shares about their work and what can be provided to transition age students attending school. Look for a bonus interview coming with a story of one of...

Listen in as we take a short break from our "Transition Snacks"to bring you an episode with an amazing self-advocate, Casey Olsen, from Redmond, Oregon, as he shares about his journey and the lessons learned on the way to successful employment and life. This interview was recorded at the Breaking Barriers Conference in April 2025. Casey shares his personal struggles, sacrifices and winning attitud...

The second "snack sized" episode about the Transition IEP! This episode is all about Age Appropriate Transition Assessments (AATA). We welcome Margie Blackmore, TNF in central Oregon, to join us.  Resource links: AATA Info Chart AATA in the Transition Handbook  

Welcome to Season 7 of OTP! We are  starting a new series on the transition IEP. The episodes are "Snack Size" so you can listen to short episodes to gain information. Each episode will include links in the show notes to resources that support the topics. Episode one covers Supported Decision Making and Inviting the student to the IEP meeting as well as ideas to engage the student in their IEP. Re...

Hear students share in their own words about their summer work experience with Heart of Oregon, which sponsors a summer outdoor camp work experience, Camp LEAD, for youth with a documented disability to build skills and prepare for work. Participants learn about forest fire fuel reduction and maintenance as well as building new friendships and their own strengths and abilities. Website: https://he...

The Transition Network Team attended the Breaking Barriers conference in Central Oregon. This unique conference, sponsored by The Central Oregon Disability Services Network, is for self advocates to share on their lives, successes and how to overcome barriers, Listen in as our own Josh Barbour was the Emcee and we captured some great highlights. CODSN Breaking Barriers web page

Hear students and teachers talk about exciting programs, such as Future Build in Eugene and a culinary student business in Pendleton. Learn about important skills students are gaining and how teachers are adapting and accommodating to include student on IEPs in their programs.

The Transition Technical Assistance Network and partners, gathered "secretly" to share and record memories of our "Fearless Leader" and educator, Sally Simich, for a special episode of OTP. She will be missed as she retires end of February, 2024. Sally has been a tireless advocate of students and a leader in Oregon's special education transition services journey. All the best in your future Sally!

This last episode of season 5 focuses on stories by teachers around successes that they have seen with students. At the end there is a special announcement about a hiatus for OTP as we re-focus our teams and work for 2024-25. Thanks to all our listeners!

Top youth and school motivational speaker, keynote for the Oregon Statewide Transition Conference, Brad Butler II, takes some time to share about his past, work with students and his books, speaking, and mission. He shares his principles for success and encouragement on supporting students looking for their future path.  His message of hope will inspire you. Check out his website: https://www.brad...

Listen to the first-ever live recording of the Oregon Transition Podcast. Recorded in Eugene, Oregon, March 2023. The program includes 2 student interviews around working and future goals, Exploring Career Technical Education (CTE) in Eugene Public Schools and an award given to OTP as :Transition Podcast of the Year".

This episode's focus is on Interviews with students and teachers using STEM, (Science, Technology Engineering & Math) to discover career tracks and plan for the future. Youth Transition Program Specialists share how students with disabilities are empowered to identify their own interests and choose their own paths.

The entire OTP podcast team get together to share season fives' mission and get you ready for some great transition stories. Join us for another year of Oregon Transition Podcast!

This bonus episode is the full interview with Oregon Treasury contact for Oregon ABLE Savings Plan that had excerpts in the last full episode on Supported Decision Making , Season 4. There was so much valuable information that it needed to be its' own bonus. For more information on ABLE savings plans visit their website here .

SDM = Supported Decision Making. This episode explores the difference between guardianship and exercising SDM. There are various ways individuals can be supported for daily decisions, job exploration, financial literacy and post-secondary training and education. Listen as Josh and Mandy interview various professionals around these areas.

Student from Southern Oregon, Jordyn Spires, shares a podcast she wrote, recorded and produced on her own. Jordan worked with the OTP team to learn skills to produce this bonus episode as a part of her goal to one day work in broadcasting and recording. Listen in on her interview about working with therapeutic horses and the benefits for clients riding and handling the horses.

Two students share their experiences stepping out into new areas of life, gaining confidence as they overcomes barriers. Hear their successes and also from those who supported them on the way. Interviews include experiences moving into college and work, and a student-created podcast project soon to be released as an OTP Bonus episode.

A spin-off of the myth-busters episode, the myth around social security income and work had so much great information it had to be added as its' own bonus episode. Mandy Younger interviews the Oregon Work Incentives Network on the world of SSI benefits management and work. WIN website

In Episode 2, the team presents myths around work and benefits with transition age youth and adults, and interviews subject matter experts to debunk them. Get some solid information to de-bunk those commonly expressed myths next time you hear them! Episode 2 also introduces us to a new feature you will enjoy..."The Voice of Pod". 

Listen in on an interview with a student sharing his insights into paid summer work and some profound life lessons. The OTP production team  reflects on episode 2 and the bonus on the RFA and its' success to establish preferences for students out in the workplace.

OTP welcomes a new co-host, Mandy Younger, Pre ETS Coordinator from Southern Oregon. Josh and Mandy interview students who participated in the 2001 summer paid work experience RFA grant through Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation as well as CJ Webb, coordinator for the program, who also shares on what it is, who it serves and how to apply for next summer 2022 RFA 4708. There is an end- teaser for a b...

Follow the pathway and progression of students navigating their way to success during a year of pandemic, setting goals and reaching new achievements. Hear how parents and agency professionals build independence and motivate towards success in the final episode of OTP, Season 3. Transcript

Acronyms can be confusing and the number used in the transition world is no exception. This episodes not only defines the different plans used by Vocational Rehabilitation, Education and Developmental Disabilities, but how they work together to create a strong collaborative plan and team. Transcript link

This is a bonus re-release of Season 2, Episode 7 - "Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork" with a new intro from Josh and Nicole. Pair this listen with our Season 3 Episode 4 on Seamless Transition and you have a perfect duo of seamless information. Enjoy! Transcript