What is a STELLAR Transition Mentor?
Transition Mentors are trained volunteers who provide support to families of
children with disabilities throughout the transition process. These services may
include:
- Provide information and technical assistance to families, Centers for
Independent Living, Vocational Rehabilitation staff and other transition and
employment stakeholders
- Participate as a member of Community Transition Teams and/or Regional
Transition Networks
- Participate in face-to-face and online training on transition and family
resources
- Meet with regional service agency providers
- Attend quarterly transition mentor meetings
- Help provide outreach for culturally and linguistically diverse groups
through community organizations
- Facilitate training for families and youth about transition to
postsecondary experiences
What kind of experience, background, or skills would be
helpful?
- Experience assisting families and youth with disabilities
- An awareness of adult services for people with disabilities
- Participation as a member of a team
- Have access to a computer to participate in online training and submit
reports
- Have transportation available to travel regionally
- Knowledge of community organizations preferred, but not required
How do I become a STELLAR Transition Mentor?
-
Fill out the Transition Mentor Application and any other required
paperwork and submit them to STELLAR Project Coordinator
- Attend the following MPACT Workshops:
- IEP Boot Camp OR Special Education Law, The IEP Process, and
Dispute Resolution;
- The Art of Effective Advocacy;
- MPACT certification training;
- Facilitated IEP training (within 6 months of the certification
training)
- Participate in KU Transition Coalition Trainings (approximately four,
some online)
- Participate in quarterly conference calls with STELLAR Coordinator
What happens next?
Upon certification, mentors will be presented with a Transition Mentor
Certificate and a resource manual. Each mentor’s name will then be published on
the MPACT website to identify them as a certified mentor to our staff, parents,
and school officials.
STELLAR Transition Mentors will be reimbursed for some expenses incurred
while performing their role. Reimbursable expenses may include:
- Mileage exceeding 30 miles round trip to attend transition planning
meetings/IEPs or other approved meetings
- Necessary long distance phone call charges
- Other pre-approved expenses
Mentors may also receive some financial support for their volunteer efforts
as a result of meeting training and participation requirements
What requirements are there to remain certified?
In order to remain certified, mentors will be required to do the following:
- Participate in ongoing training opportunities provided by MPACT and
the Kansas University Transition Coalition
- Provide phone support/consultation for up to 5 families per month or
attend IEP meetings upon referral by the STELLAR Project Coordinator
- Complete and submit required reports by monthly due date to the STELLAR
Project Coordinator
Who can I contact for help or information?
If you need any assistance regarding anything related to STELLAR or becoming
a Transition Mentor, please contact the STELLAR Project Coordinator.
Karen
Allan
kallan@ptimpact.org
(877) 635-2576
Office
(573) 635-6015
Fax
(573) 635-2576
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