Is College Appropriate for Your Student?

This session will focus on using vocational evaluation data to determine if college is the most appropriate pathway for a student with a disability. This will be discussed in the context of using the data to select an appropriate vocational goal and college program, while meeting the support needs of the student. An emphasis will be placed on using a strengths-based process, called Wraparound, to harness the power of this information and foster student involvement to encourage self-determined choices and empower families, schools, and students to make the best possible decisions regarding post-secondary education and employment.

Presenter Bio:

Dr. James Williams is the National Pre-ETS Director and Chief Operating Officer of Bloom Consulting in Round Rock, TX which specializes in providing vocational services, evaluations, and training to individuals with disabilities, particularly those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He is also proud to be a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, an Advanced Certified Autism Specialist, and a Certified Special Education Teacher. He obtained his Bachelor’s in Special Education from Sam Houston State University, his Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from Texas Tech University Health Science Center, and his Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Lamar University. He has had the wonderful opportunity to work in both public and private special education with students of all ages in both teaching and administrative roles. His passion for the last 15 years has been, and always will be, providing transitional and vocational services to individuals with ASD. He strives to use his professional and personal experience with ASD as a catalyst to inspire and educate others to believe in the incredible possibilities for adults and children with disabilities when they receive the appropriate support and accommodations.