Special Education Advocate Susan Yellin to Speak at Mitchell College Oct 17

As part of the Thames Academy 10th Anniversary Celebration, Thames Academy at Mitchell College will host guest speaker Susan Yellin on Saturday, October 17 from 9:30–11:30 a.m. in the Fox Room in Mitchell Hall. The title of her presentation is “Next Steps: How Students and Parents Can Plan for Life After Thames Academy.”
 
Her presentation is relevant to any parent who has a teenager with a disability and would like information on the college search process, appropriate support questions to ask in the college application process, how the ADA applies to the workplace, hybrid college/work options, etc. In addition to being an author and successful businesswoman, Susan Yellin is also the parent of a former Thames Academy student.
 
Highlights from Mrs. Yellin’s presentation will include:

• Identifying numerous “next steps” as each student is different
• Asking the right questions on a college visit (disability services, college resources to know about)
• Other options when college isn’t the right next step (certificate programs, hybrid settings, workplace)
• Getting what you need in college and the workplace
• Role of Americans with Disabilities Act/504
• Responsibilities of the student in typical college setting — steps in getting accommodations/no modifications of curriculum
• Practical life management: Things To Work on Now (medication management, social engagement, etc.

The presentation is free and open to the public. Mitchell College is a small, private college that has been an invaluable resource for southeastern Connecticut for over 75 years. Mitchell’s personal, mentoring approach activates strengths in our students that allows them to achieve levels of success and leadership they may not yet have imagined for themselves. Mitchell has a strong tradition of celebrating and supporting diverse ways of learning, and is committed to the broader community through partnerships and internships. Located on a beautiful waterfront campus in historic New London, it is also home to championship NCAA Division III athletics and the Duquès Academic Success Center which includes the renowned Bentsen Learning Center.
 
Thames Academy at Mitchell College is a residential post-secondary program that prepares students with learning disabilities to succeed academically, socially and emotionally in college. About Susan Yellin
Susan Yellin is the Director of Advocacy and Transition Services at The Yellin Center for Mind, Brain, and Education, a New York City-based independent educational assessment practice that helps struggling students experience success in school and in life.
 
Mrs. Yellin has been a practicing New York attorney for over 25 years and has extensive experience in legal issues related to education and special education. In her role as Director of Advocacy and Transition Services at The Yellin Center, Mrs. Yellin works with families to obtain school services and to help identify appropriate school settings for K-12 students and with older students seeking guidance about supportive college programs or alternatives to college.

She is an author of the book “Life After High School: A Guide for Students with Disabilities and Their Families”  (Jessica Kingsley Publishers), which was awarded the Bronze Medals as Best Education Book of the Year by both Book of the Year Awards and the Independent Publishers Association.
 
She is a frequent speaker and writer on issues relating to special education and transitioning beyond high school and has conducted several national webinars on topics such as legal issues relating to IEPs, 504 Plans, and obtaining services and accommodations.

Prior to joining The Yellin Center, Mrs. Yellin was the founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit Center for Learning Differences, an organization which has provided information and resources to thousands of families and professionals. She also created its signature program, Life After High School, which brought together hundreds of students, parents, and counselors with representatives of colleges and post-secondary programs that offer supports for students who struggle with learning issues.