BRIDGES: Supporting Post-Secondary Life
    In our final unit in Bridges, students are exploring the wide range of assistive technology that can help both now and after graduation. Although most seniors were aware of many of the apps available on their phones, there was a lot to learn.
   We began with a discussion of the ethical use of these technologies, including AI like Chat GPT and Gemini. While it’s clear that using technology to cheat or take credit for ideas/work that isn’t one’s own is wrong, there are many gray areas. The class was split on using Chat GPT to create original poetry or works of art - some felt it was okay as long as credit was given to the technology but others felt that using AI for creative endeavors takes away from those who are creating the art/poetry without assistance.
   I highly recommend playing with Goblin.Tools - it’s a web-based AI that does specific things like breaking down a project into tasks, rewriting text/email to be more formal, explaining the tone of text, and suggesting a recipe when given random ingredients.
  While AI can feel intrusive and creepy, it can be incredibly helpful and will be increasingly used in the future.
– Cindy Schlesinger, Director of College Counseling & Transitions

PARENT EDUCATION: TRANSITION PLANNING
April 23, 2025 on Zoom | 5:30 p.m.
Join us on Zoom to learn about Self Determination Programming (SDP) at the Regional Centers and how to gain access to this important resource. Tiffany Liang, a San Francisco-based Independent Facilitator, was inspired by her younger sister, Grace (Stanbridge Class of '19) to help families all across the Bay Area navigate Regional Center services and enroll in SDP. With a background in HR at tech companies and a Bachelor's degree from NYU, Tiffany is passionate about making disability services more accessible and empowering families to feel confident in the process.

• This meeting is appropriate for parents/guardians of students in 8th grade and up.
  
• Learn about SDP and how it differs from traditional Regional Center services.
  
• Benefits of SDP, and considerations for whether it’s the right fit or if staying in the traditional system may make more sense.
  
• Who qualifies, how to enroll, and what support is available during enrollment (Independent Facilitators).
  
• Examples of customized, non-traditional services families can fund through SDP.
• ​Tips on navigating the process, understanding Regional Center requirements, and overcoming common challenges.

​(Interested parties should contact [email protected] for Zoom link.)