May 20, 2009 – The Virgin Islands Department of Education's State Office of Special Education will host its first Youth Self-Determination Summit on Wednesday, May 20, at the Palms Court Harbourview Hotel on St. Thomas. It will host another summit on Friday, May 22, at the Carambola Beach Resort on St. Croix. Both summits will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m.
State Director for the Office of Special Education Carrie S. Johns said, "This series targets our special needs students from ages 14 and older and their families, and is in line with our mission, "Empowering Children for Success in Educational, Independent Living, and Career Planning." We are very excited about the summit and keynote speaker Darrell "Coach D" Andrews' participation as he presents on The Passion Mapping Seminar-Connecting Dreams to EducationTM."
Johns said the session is designed to help students with disabilities understand the importance of clearly defining personal affinities and connecting them to their current education. It will also help the students increase their self-determination and desire to excel in school and post-school outcomes.
For more information contact Truvia Plaskett, training manager, at 774-4399, ext. 2237, or Eddie Parrilla, supervisor for Vocational Special Education, at 773-7682.