Cape instructors to speak at national convention

Debbie Ebaugh and Darin Stageberg, transition instructors at Cape Public Schools, will present "Tomorrow's Success Begins Today" at the 15th International Conference of the Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT) of the Council for Exceptional Children, to be held in Savannah, GA, October 29-31, 2009. The co-presenter is Susan Hekmat, Special Education Consultant at Southeast Missouri State University.

The presentation will explain how the Cape School District's jobs transition program was developed and implemented. The transition program helps students with disabilities transition from high school to productive jobs in the community or successfully complete a college education. The program is a partnership between the Cape School District and local businesses, community members, Southeast Hospital and Southeast Missouri State University.

One offering, the nurse assistant program at Southeast Missouri Hospital, prepares students for a career in nursing or a related field.

Conference planner Dr. Cindi Nixon said Ebaugh's presentation will provide conference attendees with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve transition services for youth and adults with disabilities. DCDT's mission is to support the maximum development of capable young adults who have the educational foundation they need to pursue higher education, employment and inclusion in their communities.