Description:

Join Shelley Burke Otto, Transition Specialist with the Transition Improvement Grant (TIG) and Tim Markle, Director of WI Youth Health Transition, for an engaging discussion on the importance of family and youth involvement in the transition process. This session will explore both traditional and non-traditional strategies for engagement, highlight the value of building strong relationships and connections, and emphasize the critical importance of elevating the student voice.

Presenters:

Shelley Burke Otto is a Transition Specialist for TIG, with 24 years of experience as a Transition Teacher and has supported many diverse students on their transition path. She specializes in work in Beyond Age 18 programming and writing transition plans.

Tim Markle is Director of the Wisconsin Youth Health Transition Initiative and Training Coordinator for the WI Autism Transition Demonstration Project. Both are part of UW-Madison Waisman Center. He is a proud father of a son with autism and facilitates Transition Talks on Tuesdays. He is the recipient of the McPherson Family Leadership Award (2025)

Learning Objectives:

Increased ability for families and youth to engage in transition planning.

Families, youth and educators will build awareness of the importance of their connection and relationship with tools to strengthen relationships.