Program Descriptions
Preconference - April 17, 2013
Conference - April 18-19, 2013
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas
Conference Webpage:
http://ahead.org/affiliates/texas/about/event-spring
As of 2/13/2013
CONTENTS
Session Descriptions .................................................................................................................. 3
Keynote Address ..................................................................................................................... 3
Preconference Sessions .......................................................................................................... 3
Concurrent Session Descriptions ............................................................................................ 4
Concurrent Session “A”........................................................................................................ 4
Concurrent Session “B” ........................................................................................................ 5
Concurrent Session “C” ........................................................................................................ 6
Concurrent Session “D” ....................................................................................................... 7
Concurrent Session “E” ........................................................................................................ 8
Speakers .................................................................................................................................... 9
As of 2/13/2013
SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
K EYNOTE A DDRESS
Should I divulge my Disability in the age of Google?
& other concerns for transition for School to Work
Joe Bontke, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
The risk of "being labeled by a disability" comes with the realization that accommodation requirements run the
gamut from none to many. With the popularity of social sites like Facebook and Linkedin, employers can gain
access to all sorts of information that would normally be "off limits" during an interview. Could this be creating a
legal problem for employers? And another hurtles for the Transitioning Student. In this lively session EEOC's
Joe Bontke will spell out the risks and offer some remedy for the new risk of social network "investigating"
when an applicant has some "Google issues" while "On the Track to Success".
P RECONFERENCE S ESSIONS
Alternative Format Production 101 (Full-day)
Tracey Forman, Texas A&M University – College Station
Jennifer Weir, Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
If a student requested a book or other document in an alternative format (audio book, large print, electronic text
or Braille) would you know what to do? This one‐day workshop will review the resources, procedures and tools
used to research, obtain and create materials in alternative formats.
Building a Mutually Rewarding Partnership (Half Day)
Greg Mason, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
Giovanne Bell, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
Crystal Stark, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
Sophia Strother, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
Representatives from the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) will present a
strategic framework that can be used to partner with disability professionals from higher educational institutions
so that both entities can better serve those students who are transitioning from college to employment.
As of 2/13/2013
C ONCURRENT S ESSION D ESCRIPTIONS
Concurrent Session “A”
A1: School Personnel’s Perceptions of Transitioning Students and Implications for College
Disability Coordinators
Marilyn Bartlett, Texas A&M University – Kingsville
Sarah Callihan, Texas A&M University – Kingsville
Debra Willm, Texas A&M University – Kingsville
Secondary students receiving accommodations need to learn to self-advocate and prepare for the transition to
post-secondary education programs. The issue is to what extent are principals and guidance counselors
helping or hindering these students. In this session, participants will discuss how they can better work with high
schools and create a seamless transition for students and create a community of self-advocates.
A2: With Hearing Loss: Technology is on Your Side
Olivia Rains, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
Technology changes rapidly. In Texas, we are fortunate to have contractors with the DARS Office for Deaf
and Hard of Hearing Services who receive extensive training on assistive technology for persons who have
hearing loss. These contractors work with post-secondary school staff, students and employers to assess the
technology and communication needs of anyone who requests their services.
A3: Survivor Skills – Lessons Learned from New Staff Members
Paul Harwell, Texas A&M University – College Station
Sarah Lopez, Texas A&M University – College Station
From the perspective of new staff members this presentation will use real world experiences to highlight
lessons learned about the field of disability services. By analyzing their successes and challenges, the
presenters will discuss the fundamentals of navigating the early years spent as a new staff member.
A4: Helping Students with Reading, Writing, Studying and Test Taking: Kurzweil Software
Demonstration
Stephanie Ingham, Audio Optical Systems of Austin
Steve Brookins, Audio Optical Systems of Austin
Kurzweil software benefits learners no matter the students major or abilities/disabilities. Kurzweil is key for
many students, such as dyslexic, ADD/ADHD, VI, mobility challenges, bilingual, but also benefits those simply
having a hard time making the transition into college study/reading life. Come joins us for a demonstration of
the features of Kurzweil and the tools available. A raffle for an Android tablet will be held during this session.
As of 2/13/2013
Concurrent Session “B”
B1: The ABC’s of Strategic Planning for Disability Services
Sandi Patton, Lone Star College – University Park
Vicky Saunders, Lone Star College – Montgomery
This session will focus on the importance of having a Disability Services Strategic Plan that ties into the
institutional Strategic Plan and has measureable outcomes. The importance of including Student Learning
Outcomes will be emphasized. Participants will be walked through the process of how to develop a Disability
Services Strategic Plan and Mission Statement.
B2: Project HIRE – Helping Individuals Reach Employment
Maria Solis-Morin, University of Texas Pan American
Santa E. Pena, South Texas College
Leigh Ann Godinez, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
DRS Project HIRE is an innovative program to support individuals with severe developmental disabilities to
complete post-secondary education at South Texas College and gain employment. Through this initiative,
DARS will supplement the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program with wrap-around services not currently
provided by VR to assist participants with one to one supports such as educational coaches, extensive
individual and family support and individualized assistive technology.
B3: Successful Strategies for Study Abroad Accommodations
Alicia Guevara, Texas A&M University – College Station
This roundtable discussion will focus on the various types of study abroad programs and will provide a process
for helping determine appropriate accommodations for the various program types. We will have case studies to
show the practical application of the process. Participants should bring any questions they would like to
discuss.
B4: Exhibitor Session
Barouch Chai, Microcomputer Science Center, Inc.
Description Pending
As of 2/13/2013
Concurrent Session “C”
C1: The Betwixt Spaces: The Challenge of Understanding the Changeover|
Bennie Graves, Blinn College – Bryan
Lisa Johnson, Prairie View A&M University
Although much is written on the College Experience of scholars enrolled at postsecondary institutions, less
consideration is focused to understanding the perceptions and experiences with major educational and social
dynamics of scholars as they make the changeover to higher education. Participants will understand how to
apply Schlossberg's Transition Theory to examine individual's life events.
C2: College Success for Distracted Students
Michelle Murphy Thomas, Texas A&M University – College Station
Sarah Ou-Young, Texas A&M University – College Station
This program presents how the ADD screening and counseling services at the Texas A&M University Student
Counseling Service help students who struggle with inattention problems identify their learning difficulties and
improve their academic performance. The confidence and skills students gain from overcoming attention
challenges and succeeding in college help them better prepare for the workplace or graduate school.
C3: AAAS/EntryPoint! Internship Program for Students with Disabilities
Betty Gaillard, American Academy of Arts and Science
Entry Point!, a program of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), offers
outstanding internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities majoring in
science, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and some fields of business.
C4: Exhibitor Session: TBA
Description Pending
As of 2/13/2013
Concurrent Session “D”
D1: Neiman’s Service at Wal-Mart Prices: Why this is a Good Thing for SWD’s
Ron Venable, University of North Texas
Is your office keeping pace with the technological demands of today's business world and the ever increasing
expectations for high customer service by students? On our campus, we are not quite there yet, but have
made huge strides in managing student records, delivering accommodations, and providing adaptive
technologies both good budget times and the not so good times.
D2: DHHS Resource Specialist Program
Brian Determan, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
This program provides specialized services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as assisting
agencies and other service providers to serve these consumers. The program also addresses attitudinal and
cultural barriers affecting the populations which may hinder successful service delivery.
D3: Transitioning Wounded Warriors into Post-Secondary Education
Sandi Patton, Lone Star College – University Park
Tina Dealy, Lone Star College – University Park
As more and more veterans leave the military, they are coming to our colleges and universities to take
advantage of their rich Veterans' Education Benefits. Many of these Student Veterans find the transition
challenging. Many have acquired disabilities, many of which are invisible. How do we assist these deserving,
mature students in making a radical transition from the military to college life and expectations?
D4: Exhibitor Session: TBA
Description Pending
As of 2/13/2013
Concurrent Session “E”
E1: Transition – Moving Students from High School to Higher Education
Beth Powell, Northeast Independent School District
Vickie Mitchell, Mitchell-Panter Consulting, LLC
For students with disabilities, entering college can bring the additional challenge of transitioning from services
provided in special education to adult services at postsecondary. Participants will hear one district’s journey
and practices to bridge the gap between high school and postsecondary education. A list of “Indicators for
Success” will be developed that can be shared with local high schools.
E2: Derailed! How to Get Back on Track
Callie Trahan, Lamar University
Haley Tyson, Lamar University
Presenters will share about a collaborative effort to bring a Workforce Recruitment Program Interviewer to
campus. Issues that occurred will be discussed, such as what "went right", what "went wrong" and how the
collaborators got "back on track".
E3: Roundtable Discussion: How Institutions in Texas are Applying AHEAD's New Disability
Documentation Guidance
Rhonda Rapp, St. Mary's University
E4: Exhibitor Session: TBA
Description Pending
As of 2/13/2013
SPEAKERS
Marilyn Bartlett, J.D., Ph.D.
Texas A&M University – Kingsville
Rhode Hall #151
Kingsville, TX 78363
361-593-4532
marilyn.bartlett@tamuk.edu
Dr. Marilyn Bartlett is a professor of education law and special education law in particular. She is a specialist
regarding the ADA AA, IDEA, and Section 504.
Giovanne Bell, MRC, B.A.
Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
1115 Welsh Avenue, Suite B
College Station, TX 77840
979-860-5270
giovanne.bell@dars.state.tx.us
Giovanne Bell has ten plus years of experience as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for Texas Department
of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services.
Sarah Callihan, M.Ed. (in progress), BBS
830-857-6600
scallihan@pisd.us
Sarah Callihan is completing her Master’s degree in School Administration and is completing her thesis with
Dr. Bartlett as a research assistant. She has participated as the administrator of IEP meetings, in which
students' progresses, schedules, plans and the transitioning process from secondary to post-secondary
education are discussed.
Tina Dealy, CCAF
Lone Star College – University Park
20515 SH 249; NRB; 2nd Floor
Houston, TX 77070
281-290-2897
Tina.dealy@LoneStar.edu
Tina Dealy is the Interim Manager for the Lone Star College Veteran Affairs Center. She obtained her
Bachelors of Science Degree from Georgia Southern University and did post graduate work at Wright State
University, in Dayton, Ohio. She holds a CCAF degree in Education and Training. She was the Coordinator of
one of the largest Expatriate Club in the Netherlands and taught Biology at the Rotterdam International
Secondary School before moving back to the United States two years ago.
As of 2/13/2013
Brian Determan, BBA
Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
1016 La Posada Drive, Suite 142
Austin, TX 78752
512-481-7707
DeafnessRS7a@dars.state.tx.us
Brian Determan is the Deafness Resource Specialist in Central Texas, employed by Communication Axess
Ability Group and funded by DARS/Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, and he has the knowledgebase and communication ability to work with persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, and late-deafened in the
areas of advocacy, self-empowerment and sensitivity training, as well as with Federal and State mandates on
equal access to services, including education and employment. In many instances, he works as liaison
between consumers and service providers on appropriate service provision. Mr. Determan holds a Bachelor’s
degree in Business Administration from the University of Houston and has been the Deafness Resource
Specialist since 2007.
Tracey Forman, M.S., B.S.
Texas A&M University - College Station
Cain Hall B118; 1224 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-1224
979-845-1637
traceyf@disability.tamu.edu
Tracey coordinates the alternative format production process helping to research, obtain and produce a variety
of alternative format materials for students with disabilities. Our department converts about 250 new books to
electronic text formats each academic year and handles over 700 total requests. We also assist students with
gaining access to Learning Ally audio books, Bookshare files and as needed our office also creates documents
in Braille and produces tactile graphics.
Betty Gaillard
AAAS/EntryPoint!
1200 New York Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20005
214-763-6270
efgaillard@yahoo.com
Betty Gaillard has been a Consultant/Recruiter for Entry Point! since 2007.
Leigh Ann Godinez, M.S., BBA
Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
801 W. Nolana, Suite 115
McAllen, TX 78504
956-212-5188
leighann.godinez@dars.state.tx.us
Leigh Ann Godinez is one of the writers and coordinators for the Project HIRE grant. She is a DARS Transition
Counselor who works directly with students with disabilities in the areas of educational training and
employment.
As of 2/13/2013
Bennie Lee Graves, Ph.D., M.Ed., B.A.
Blinn College
2423 Blinn Blvd.
Bryan, TX 77805
979-209-7400
bgraves@blinn.edu
Dr. Bennie Lee Graves the Director of Student Leadership and Activities at Blinn College, Bryan Campus. He
has twenty-three years of experience in higher education. He taught First Year Experience courses at Blinn
College for several years and defended his dissertation on the subject matter.
Alicia Guevara, B.A., TX BEI interpreter certification Level 2
Texas A&M University – College Station
Cain Hall B118; 1224 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-1224
979-845-1637
aliciag@disability.tamu.edu
Alicia Guevara is the Study Abroad Liaison for the department and has presented on this topic multiple times
including Advising and Coordination: Fundamentals to Making Study Abroad Accessible at AHEAD in 2012,
and All Hands Hoay! Making the Quest to Study Abroad More Accessible at the Disability Training Network in
2011.
Paul Harwell, M.A., B.A.
Texas A&M University – College Station
Cain Hall B118; 1224 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-1224
979-845-1637
paulh@disability.tamu.edu
Paul Harwell is as an Accommodations Counselor in Disability Services at Texas A&M University. His
responsibilities include managing a caseload of about 230 students with disabilities, coordinating the
departmental assessment plan, and serving as an adaptive technology specialist. He has six years of
experience working in Disability Services. Paul holds both bachelors and masters degrees in psychology from
Stephen F. Austin State University. He currently serves on the board for AHEAD in Texas.
Lisa Johnson, M.Ed., B.A.
Prairie View A&M University
P.O. Box 519
Prairie View, TX 77446
832-439-2732
msbit77073@yahoo.com
Lisa Johnson is currently employed at PVAMU and teaches in the College of Education, Developmental
Reading for education majors. She has taught Developmental courses for the last twelve years at PVAMU.
As of 2/13/2013
Sarah Lopez, M.A., B.A.
Texas A&M University – College Station
Cain Hall B118; 1224 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-1224
979-845-1637
sarahl@disability.tamu.edu
Sarah Lopez is a new Accommodations Counselor in Disability Services at Texas A&M University. Her
responsibilities include managing a caseload of about 100 students with disabilities and processing the
department’s documentation. She has three and a half years of experience working with students with
disabilities. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Master's degree in Counseling from The
University of Texas at San Antonio.
Greg Mason
Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
2306 Devonshire
Bryan, TX 77802
(979) 220-6754
greg.mason@dars.tx.state.us
Greg Mason has twenty plus years of experience in the vocational rehabilitation and rehabilitation fields as a
rehabilitation services technician, vocational rehabilitation counselor I-IV, program specialist, field director and
licensed professional counselor.
Vickie Mitchell, Ed.D.
Mitchell-Panter Consulting, LLC
113 Fairway View Ln
Montgomery, TX 77356
936-494-9080
vickie@mitchellpanter.com
Dr. Vickie Mitchell is a transition specialist who has worked in public schools, taught at the university level, and
works collaboratively as a private consultant. She trains and provides technical assistance in public schools,
Education Services Centers, and postsecondary education institutions.
Sarah Ou-Young, M.A. LPC-S, NCC
Texas A&M University
1263 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-1224
979-845-4427
souyong@scs.tamu.edu
Sarah Ou-Young is a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor at the Student
Counseling Service at Texas A&M University. She provides academic, career and personal counseling and
crisis intervention. She also conducts workshops on academic skills, career exploration and various topics on
As of 2/13/2013
enhancing student success. Mrs. Ou-Young was in private practice prior to coming to Texas A&M University in
2007. She worked in various mental health settings since 1996.
Beth Powell, MBA, BBA
Northeast Independent School District
8961 Tesoro, Suite 500
San Antonio, TX 78209
210-407-0273
cpowel@neisd.net
Beth Powell is currently the Transition Coordinator for North East ISD in San Antonio. During her time in this
position she has led the district in the areas such as Student-led IEP meetings, job skills training, communitybased instruction, and student self-determination. Like Covey, Beth believes that starting with the end in mind
is the best way to success. In NEISD, students begin the discussion of life after high school at the elementary
level. In middle and high school students continue the process of transition through the development of realistic
post-secondary goals. Beth has presented various areas of transition at the Texas Transition Conference,
Texas Council of Administrators in Special Education (TCASE), and the Council for Exceptional Children. It is
her desire to help build a bridge between public school and post-secondary education for students with
disabilities.
Sandi Patton, M.S.
Lone Star College – University Park
20515 SH 249; Building 11, 4th Floor
Houston, TX 77070
281-290-2708
sandi.patton@LoneStar.edu
Sandi Patton is the System Director of Disability Services for the Lone Star College System. She has worked
in the field of rehabilitation for more than 30 years, 27 of those specializing in disability services within higher
education. Her Master’s degree is in Rehabilitation Counseling, from Auburn University, where she also
worked on post-graduate studies in Disability Issues and Higher Education Administration.
Santa E. Pena, M.Ed., B.S.
South Texas College
3201 W Pecan Blvd
McAllen, TX 78501
956-872-2140
santaep@southtexascollege.edu
Santa Pena is a Project HIRE Advisory Board Member, LPC-S, South Texas College -Coordinator of
Counseling Services, and Chair of the RGV Council UNIDAD Coalition.
Olivia Rains
Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
As of 2/13/2013
Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
6901 N. Lamar Blvd, Suite 102
Austin, TX 78752
512-428-1813
orains@c-s-d.org
Olivia Rains, who is a Certified Hearing Loss Specialist, serves a 30 county area of Texas, and provides oneon-one consultations for consumers with hearing loss. She demonstrates assistive technology, provides
resources, offers training on communication strategies, and much more. Miss Rains was born with severe
hearing loss and survived a childhood with amplification or accommodations in her educational settings. She
understands the issues surrounding hearing loss and the impact that lack of information can have on everyone.
As of 2/13/2013
Vicky Saunders, M.A., CRC
Lone Star College - Montgomery
3200 College Park Drive
Conroe, TX 77834
936-273-7239
Victoria.A.Saunders@LoneStar.edu
Vicky Saunders has been employed as a faculty counselor at LSC-Montgomery working with students with
disabilities for the past six years. She holds both a BA and MA degree in Psychology from Southern Illinois
University at Edwardsville. Prior to LSC-Montgomery, she worked primarily in the fields of mental health,
mental retardation and vocational rehabilitation. She is a certified vocational rehabilitation counselor with over
21 years of experience working for federal, state, and private non-profit agencies.
Maria Solis-Morin, M.S., B.A.
University of Texas Pan American
1201 W University Drive- Rehab Annex #107
Edinburg, TX 78539
956-665-2420
morinms@utpa.edu
Maria Solis-Morin is a Project HIRE Program Coordinator and Lead Educational Coach for Project HIRE . She
has 3 years of training institutions of higher education on Disability Law, types of Disabilities, common
Accommodations and Universal Design. She also has 16+ years of experience working with people with
developmental disabilities in various settings.
Crystal Stark, MRC, CRC, B.A.
Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
1115 Welsh Avenue, Suite B
College Station, TX 77840
979-860-5290
crystal.stark@dars.state.tx.us
Crystal Stark has 10 years of experience in the field of rehabilitation as a vocational rehabilitation teacher,
independent living caseworker, and vocational rehabilitation counselor.
Sophia Strother, MBA
Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
Sophia has almost five years of experience as an Employment Assistance Specialist for the Department of
Assistive and Rehabilitative Services.
As of 2/13/2013
Michelle Murphy Thomas, M.S., LPC, NCC, CRC
Texas A&M University – College Station
1263 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-1224
979-845-4427
mmurphy@scs.tamu.edu
Michelle Murphy Thomas is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Certified
Rehab Counselor at the Student Counseling Service at Texas A&M University. She has worked in Student
Counseling Service for 9 years. Prior to coming to Texas A&M, she worked as a Vocational Rehab Counselor
with the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services for 3 years. She created and administers
the Learning Disability and ADD/ADHD screening that is used in the Student Counseling Service.
Callie Trahan, MSW, BSW
Lamar University
P O Box 10087
Beaumont, TX 77710
409-880-8347
callie.trahan@lamar.edu
Callie Trahan has been SFSWD Coordinator (1991-2006) and is currently Director of SFSWD (2006 to
Present) at Lamar University. She obtained her Bachelor of Social Work from Lamar University in 2004 and
Master of Social Work from the University of Houston in 2006. Callie is a founding member of AHEAD in
Texas, served as AHEAD in Texas President in 2002, and has participated on several state and international
conference planning committees.
Haley Tyson, B.G.S.
Lamar University
P O Box 10012
Beaumont, TX 77710
409-880-1853
haley.tyson@lamar.edu
Haley Tyson is the Assistant Director of the Lamar University, Career & Testing Center. Mrs. Tyson is an active
member of the Houston Area Consortium of Career Centers (HACC). She is the President-elect for HACC
during 2012-13 and the incoming President for the upcoming 2013-14 school year. She received her Bachelor
of General Studies, with an emphasis in Kinesiology and Education from Lamar University and is currently
pursuing her Master's degree in Counseling & Human Development from Lamar University.
As of 2/13/2013
Ron Venable, M.A. VRC, B.A.
University of North Texas
1155 Union Circle #310770
Denton, TX 76203
940-565-4323
ronv@unt.edu
Formerly a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with DARS, in 2001 Ron Venable became employed by UT
Arlington as the Assistant Director in their Disability Services Office. In 2004, he moved to the University of
North Texas where he is currently the director of the Office of Disability Accommodations.
Jennifer Weir, M.S. (in progress), B.A., RESNA-Certified Assistive Technology Professional
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
119 Corpus Christi Hall, 6300 Ocean Drive Unit 5717
Corpus Christi, TX 78412-5717
361-825-3376
Jennifer.Weir@tamucc.edu
Jennifer Weir has been in the field of assistive technology since 1993, working with all ages and disability types
on research grants regarding assistive technology. Before moving to Texas in 2007, she was at the Center for
Assistive Technology at the University at Buffalo as well as the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on
Aging. In her current role as Assistive Technology Specialist at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, she
assists students with disabilities access the curriculum through technology. In the 2011-2012 academic year,
her office provided over 700 textbooks in alternate format to students. Formats provided included pdf, braille,
synthesized audio, Daisy audio, MS Word, and epub.
Debra Willms, M.Ed. (in progress), B.S.
361-595-5964
debraw@cmaaccess.com
Debra Willms is completing her Master’s degree in School Administration and is completing her thesis with Dr.
Bartlett as a research assistant. She is a veteran classroom teacher with Kingsville Independent School
District, presently teaching 4th grade. As such, she works with children who have varying degrees of abilities. It
is her responsibility to be thoroughly knowledgeable about their specific needs including modifications and/or
accommodations and addressing them as per their individualized education programs.
As of 2/13/2013