Transition coordinator honored

BREWER – What’s next? Where am I going to live? Can I take care of myself? How will I get around town?

They’re important questions for any family with a young person in special education who’s about to make the transition to adulthood.

Working on the answers often brings family, students and professionals into contact with Cynthia Tuck, the transition coordinator for the Maine Transition Network Region III, Penquis Area.

Now, the Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities has named Cynthia Tuck its 2007 Special Education Advocate of the Year.

The award was presented to Tuck in June during the annual MADSEC awards dinner in Bar Harbor.

When she began her position as transition coordinator three years ago, Tuck was given three directives, according to a letter by Sharon Brady, special education director for Union 87 and co-chairman of the Penquis Regional Transition Board.

They were: “to increase service delivery to schools in the region, to start a youth leadership group for the Penquis area and to improve access to transition services for families in the region. Within a short period of time Cindy met those goals and exceeded them,” Brady wrote.

In accomplishing those goals, Tuck also works with the Maine Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, the University of Maine, University College of Bangor and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.

“Cindy has assisted students and families in better understanding the transition process and finding solutions that work for them,” Brady wrote. “Cindy is viewed by area special education directors as a valued colleague and is a great resource for families, students and school staff.”

In recognition of her honor, the Maine Legislature issued a legislative sentiment introduced by Rep. Charles D. Fisher and co-sponsored by Sen. Richard W. Rosen and Rep. Benjamin Marriner Pratt.

Just to be nominated for the Special Education Advocate of the Year Award was “a surprise and a thrill to me,” Tuck said during the awards dinner. “It is wonderful to be recognized for something you love doing.”

An advocate, Tuck pointed out, pleads the case for, or supports the cause of, another person.

“In some small way I hope that I am successful in doing both of these for the youth in my region,” Tuck said. “But more importantly, I see my role as encouraging youth with disabilities, and their families, to learn how to advocate for themselves.”

She added that she accepted the award not only for herself and the Penobscot Region, but also for the other six transition coordinators of the Maine Transition Network.

A tentative schedule has been issued for this year’s School to Life sessions at Alpha One, 1048 Union St., Bangor.

There is a new time for the monthly meetings, as well.

. 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, “The IEP-Transition Planning Meeting: Best Practices,” presentation and discussion.

. 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, “The State’s New Waiver Program: Who’s Eligible, What’s Covered and How Do I Apply?”

. 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, “Community Case Management: Who, What, Why, Where, When and How?”

. 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008, “Post-Secondary Education and Training” with the University of Maine at Augusta, University College of Bangor, Eastern Maine Community College, Penobscot Job Corps and others.

. 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008, “Employment, Vocational Rehabilitation and Work Incentive Benefits,” with VR representative, benefits specialist, job developers and employers.

. 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2008, “Guardianship, Special Needs Trusts, Wills and other Legal Questions,” Nathaniel S. Putnam.

. 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, 2008, “Social Security Rules and Regulations,” the re-determination rule for 18-year-olds, and “Maine Care and Health Care Issues.”

. 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, 2008, “Community Participation: Recreation and Leisure Activities for Youth with Disabilities.”

All meetings are free and open to the public, Tuck emphasized, but donations are encouraged.

“Please call to register for each meeting to allow for adequate workshop materials,” she added. The telephone number is 992-2270.