1

Pikes Peak Interagency Transition Team

8/20/2015 meeting minutes

PPITT was created in 1992 to inform families what is

available for students with disabilities during and

following transition. PPITT meetings on the third

Thursday of each month permit agencies to network

and share their events. The PPITT website:

http://ppitt.org/

Agencies in attendance – D11, D8, D20, D2, BOCES,

BlueStar Guide, Harmonized Brain Centers,

Independence Center, CHS Martial Arts, TRE, The

Arc PPR, ASPIRE Colorado, Special Kids Special

Families, Foundations for Successful Living, Person

Centered Learning, PP Library District, ACESO

Foundation

If an agency desires being on the daily 5pm list serve,

email ppinteragencytt@gmail.com. Those who

desire presenting at upcoming PPITT meetings: email

Carol Lampe Van Ness at cvanness13@gmail.com.

Discussion on PPITT purpose:

PPITT originally began as a way for transition

coordinators to communicate with adult programs

available to their graduating students. PPITT has

grown to include many other agencies that serve

people with disabilities. PPITT’s primary meeting

2

focus is the needs of the school districts’ transition

teams. In order to establish the natural supports in

the community for young adults with IEPs, the

transition coordinators will update PPITT on what

issues they are facing. Transition coordinators who

meet before PPITT meetings will bring their

discussion to PPITT meetings so PPITT can

determine how agencies can collaborate to serve their

needs. CDE guidelines differ significantly from adult

services. Therefore issues arise for families in

transition when attempting to bridge the gap between

school and adult services. By knowing each agency’s

purpose PPITT will strive to facilitate this process for

families.

Decisions based on this discussion: At each meeting,

school district representatives will explain the issues

that their transition programs are facing. At the 9/17

meeting, PPITT will examine the CDE guidelines so

agencies are aware of the policies and procedures

school districts are required to follow.

The PPITT Annual Resource Fair is scheduled from 5-8pm

on 4/15/16. Value Care Health Clinic has offered to

be a sponsor and provide publicity. 2016 booths will

be $40. Booths might increase to $50 in 2017.

3

Announcements:

Cindy Powell is hosting day-time sign language from 12-2

pm for 7 weeks, starting Weds. 8/26. Though Cindy is

leaving Carmel/ACESO Foundation at the end of this

month she is available to continue providing ADA and

sign language trainings on a contractual basis.

Congratulations to Cindy for over 40 years in the

disabilities field!

In addition, Carol Lampe Van Ness is leaving Carmel

Brain Centers on 8/26. Carol will continue to provide

support and services from her home office.

Harmonized Brain Centers is hosting a free workshop

about optimizing brain function with nutrition at Gold

Hill Mesa from 6:30-8pm on Tues. 8/25.

Refreshments will be served.

Special Olympics invites volunteers and participants to

register for fall sports. The new Southeast Colorado

Special Olympics Director will be invited to PPITT’s

September meeting.

Pikes Peak Library District’s Explorer program is held at

six local library branches. This month, CHS Martial

Arts is hosting self-defense classes at Penrose library

on 8/25 and Ruth Holley Library on 8/26. PPLD’s

Explorer program will be introducing a new website

soon.

4

Person Centered Learning and Foundations for Successful

Living are hosting an open house from 3-6:30 pm on

Thurs. 8/27.

BlueStar Guide has launched in Omaha and is expanding

to Denver this fall. There is no fee to post. For more

information, email contact_us@bluestarguide.com

Changes at The Resource Exchange (TRE):

An enrollment team was created in March to handle

the enormous influx of referrals this year. Each team

member has a specific role so that information and

assessments can effectively reach the community.

475 people have been referred to TRE since January,

150 in June and July alone. A position has been

created for transition students on the SLS waitlist.

Email Marsha Unruh munruh@tre.org for more

information.

TRE and PPITT welcomes Jennifer Westrom as a

contact for community resources! Please send your

electronic brochures to Jennifer at jwestrom@tre.org.

Budget Information:

Beginning Account Balance 3-24-2015 $2475.98

Revenues $925.00

Expenses $1339.58

Current Balance $2061.40

5

NEXT MEETING – 1PM on Thurs. 9/17

Facilitator: Hannah Widmer

Note taker: Carol Lampe Van Ness