Virtual Health & Wellness Forum – Transitioning to Employment and Adult Services

Educational professionals play a crucial role in preparing students and their families in identifying and reaching their personal and professional goals once they leave the school setting.  Students with intellectual and development disabilities have a variety of choices available to them once they leave school to assist them in achieving their goals. 

This presentation will provide attendees with a better understanding of opportunities available to students with intellectual and development disabilities post-graduation and how professionals can use the transition process to identify and creatively implement educational goals to serve as a catalyst for students in achieving their vocational, higher educational and personal goals and objectives.  

Steve Towler is the VP of Programs & Business Development at AHRC NYC Chapter (NYSARC, Inc.). He has over 35 years of experience developing Employment and Training Programs for people with disabilities and at-risk youth. Steve directs programs throughout all 5 boroughs of New York City, and has primary responsibility for Employment and Business Services, Camping and Recreation Services, Adult Day Programs and Homecare.  He is also a registered lobbyist in NYS for the organization.  Steve has worked very closely with the NYC Schools, and other Community Stakeholders to assist in developing very creative pathways from school to work to individuals transitioning out of the NYC school system. He is also extremely active with a variety of trade associations that work to assist AHRC. He is the past Chairperson of the Board for NYSID; which is a 200-million-dollar organization that helps non-profit organizations obtain work contracts. He is also serving on the Board of Directors for NY Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation and is the current Co-Chair of the Adult Day and Employment Services Committee for IAC (Interagency Council of NYC).  Steve is very active in the business development area as well, where the organization has over 500 different business partners and supports people at well over 1,000 different locations.  He has a Master’s Degree in Psychology from CUNY.

Michele Shapiro is a Director at AHRC NYC Chapter (NYSARC, Inc.) in their Employment and Business Unit. She has over 35 years of experience in the field of vocational services for individuals with developmental disabilities. She assists in developing new and creative initiatives to help individuals learn competitive marketable skills and diversify employment opportunities.  She is directly involved in creating new business partnerships and with program operations. Michele works very closely with the NYC school system focused on developing work-based learning opportunities and transitional services for the students.  She has a BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan and a Masters in Social Work from New York University. 

 ____