The strength of an organization depends on its members and Virginia’s chapter of DCDT remains one of the strongest in the nation. As a result of the strength of our membership VA DCDT is currently exploring the idea of submitting a proposal to host the DCDT National Conference in 2013. VA DCDT members are leading the way in transition and one way to highlight all of our work and all of the work being done in Virginia is to host the National Conference. I encourage general members to step forward and become more involved in our chapter. Be sure to check out our newly redesigned VA DCDT Website for the latest news and happenings regarding transition.

Our goals for 2010-2011 include the following:

1.  Increase subdivision membership by 10%
2.  Expand professional development activities
3.  Continue to market for more diverse members and associate members
4.  Enhance/expand/maintain VADCDT website
5.  Enhance and maintain mentorship program
6.  Continue to improve nomination process
7.  Explore ways to increase revenue to support VADCDT projects
8.  Secure support from VA DRS and VDOE for submission of a proposal to host DCDT National Conference in 2013

I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce the VA DCDT Board for 2010-2011:

Past President
Jim Hall, Human Services Manager
Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services

President
John McNaught, I’m Determined Project Director
Virginia Department of Education T/TAC, JMU

Vice President
Mac McArthur-Fox, Co-Director
Virginia Department of Education T/TAC, RU

Treasurer
Judy Averill, Lead Transition Coordinator
Chesterfield County Public Schools

Secretary
Faith Hottle, Transition Facilitator
Rockingham County Public Schools

Publicity
Kelly Desclos
Transition Coordinator
Richmond Technical Center

          Webmaster Lead
          Joan Lovegren-O’Brien, Program Specialist
          Virginia Department of Education T-TAC, VCU

          Newsletter Lead
          Bridget Parker, Transition Specialist
          Goochland County Public Schools

          Legislative Lead
          Mary Young, Transition Consulting Teacher
          Loudoun County Public Schools

Membership
Sally Chappel, Coordinator
Virginia Department of Education T/TAC, JMU

Program
Kendel St. John

Scholarship
Jodylee Edsall, Disability Services Coordinator for Transition/Career Assessment
Roanoke County Public Schools

Student Representative
Vacant

National DCDT Representative
Katherine M. Wittig, Program Specialist for Secondary Transition
Virginia Department of Education T/TAC, VCU

VACTE-SND Liaison
Kari LaBell
Douglass Support Facility
Loudoun County Public Schools

Member at Large
Marianne Moore, Middle/Secondary Transition Specialist
Virginia Department of Education

Member at Large
Erica Lovelace, Educational Services Manager
Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services

One way to become more involved is to join a committee that interests you. If you are interested, go to VA DCDT Website and email the committee chair (see email lists under “contacts’). We welcome new ideas as well as an opportunity to network with individuals across the state. Thank you for all your hard work improving transition services for students in Virginia and I look forward to working with all of you during the upcoming year.

John McNaught