Welcome to Good For All. I'm Monique Nelson. Good For All is a podcast by posAbilities, a not for profit association that offers community living support services to persons with developmental disabilities and their families. On the podcast, we share stories about disability, community and inclusion and invite you to join us as we work toward our vision of good and full lives for all.

Welcome to Good For All. I'm Monique Nelson. Good For All is a podcast by posAbilities, a not for profit association that offers community living support services to persons with developmental disabilities and their families. On the podcast, we share stories about disability, community and inclusion and invite you to join us as we work toward our vision of good and full lives for all.

In this two-part series, we're going to explore one of life's big moments. The transition to adulthood.

In this two-part series, we're going to explore one of life's big moments. The transition to adulthood.

How do we support transitioning youth and their families on their journey towards good and full lives? To help us answer this question, we hopped on the phone with two guests who each have a unique perspective on transition planning.

How do we support transitioning youth and their families on their journey towards good and full lives? To help us answer this question, we hopped on the phone with two guests who each have a unique perspective on transition planning.

Our first guest is Meaghen Taylor-Reid, a Navigator with the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Just a few years ago, the Navigator role was piloted in three communities serving both youth and seniors. Now, the service has expanded to over 140 communities across BC, and it's housed within the Ministry of Children and Family Development focused specifically on youth aged 16 to 24.

Our first guest is Meaghen Taylor-Reid, a Navigator with the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Just a few years ago, the Navigator role was piloted in three communities serving both youth and seniors. Now, the service has expanded to over 140 communities across BC, and it's housed within the Ministry of Children and Family Development focused specifically on youth aged 16 to 24.

We met a while ago, when she supported our family, as my son just recently transitioned to adulthood. Megan, wonderful to have you here today.

We met a while ago, when she supported our family, as my son just recently transitioned to adulthood. Megan, wonderful to have you here today.

Thanks so much, Monique.

Thanks so much, Monique.

Could you please tell me a little bit about the valuable service that you provide?

Could you please tell me a little bit about the valuable service that you provide?

Sure. So you know, for youth living with labels of diverse abilities, moving into adulthood can be so challenging, and for parents and caregivers helping youth move towards adulthood, it can be just as challenging. So really knowing what's available and who to approach, what's possible.... It's exciting and tricky all at once, and so that's where a Navigator can help youths and families with this transition. A Navigator helps youths and their team plan for the future and on their journey to becoming an adult. Of course, everyone is so unique and different. So we help youth meet their own goals and needs, and we can help youths be connected with supports from and in their communities.

Sure. So you know, for youth living with labels of diverse abilities, moving into adulthood can be so challenging, and for parents and caregivers helping youth move towards adulthood, it can be just as challenging. So really knowing what's available and who to approach, what's possible.... It's exciting and tricky all at once, and so that's where a Navigator can help youths and families with this transition. A Navigator helps youths and their team plan for the future and on their journey to becoming an adult. Of course, everyone is so unique and different. So we help youth meet their own goals and needs, and we can help youths be connected with supports from and in their communities.

While we would certainly love to support every youth exiting high school, we don't have that capacity quite yet, so the service might be right for you if you have a diagnosis of intellectual /developmental disability, autism spectrum disorder or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. You need to be between 16 and 24. And really, the transition planning supports that we provide are very much about that 19 year old point so the earlier the better. You're going to hear me say that quite a bit.

While we would certainly love to support every youth exiting high school, we don't have that capacity quite yet, so the service might be right for you if you have a diagnosis of intellectual /developmental disability, autism spectrum disorder or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. You need to be between 16 and 24. And really, the transition planning supports that we provide are very much about that 19 year old point so the earlier the better. You're going to hear me say that quite a bit.

That's really interesting, because I remember when we first started talking about things like the Interagency Youth Transition planning protocol and learning that there were up to nine agencies involved. It's really hard for a family to sometimes take the lead as case manager, and I think the system was designed with that in the beginning. So now this is after having this pilot in

That's really interesting, because I remember when we first started talking about things like the Interagency Youth Transition planning protocol and learning that there were up to nine agencies involved. It's really hard for a family to sometimes take the lead as case manager, and I think the system was designed with that in the beginning. So now this is after having this pilot in

four communities, three for youth and one for seniors. And now, having this wonderful service available in 140 communities across BC , I can see how it makes a difference. Could you tell me a little bit more about how your role is distinct from, say, a facilitator, an analyst or a social worker, and why it's needed by families and youth?

four communities, three for youth and one for seniors. And now, having this wonderful service available in 140 communities across BC , I can see how it makes a difference. Could you tell me a little bit more about how your role is distinct from, say, a facilitator, an analyst or a social worker, and why it's needed by families and youth?

You know, over 1000 families around the province identified that 19 is so very difficult in terms of transition team members coming and going and not knowing who to talk to about what and even if you could figure that out, what to request in these pieces. And so I think the Navigator role is very distinct in that it is there before and after midnight of that 19th birthday. And the planning piece really is vital. I think understanding how planning that can begin at 16 is very specific and has significant depth. And so the planning process includes larger goals. Things like having enough money to live, you know, on your own, and relationships, traveling adventures... And then breaks it down into milestones. So those medium-sized steps that help meet big goals, like getting a job, meeting new people, planning for traveling. And then breaking those down even further into action items, which are very small steps about how to meet milestones, like learning how to be independent with transit, trying new workshops or new groups and hearing travel stories as well.

You know, over 1000 families around the province identified that 19 is so very difficult in terms of transition team members coming and going and not knowing who to talk to about what and even if you could figure that out, what to request in these pieces. And so I think the Navigator role is very distinct in that it is there before and after midnight of that 19th birthday. And the planning piece really is vital. I think understanding how planning that can begin at 16 is very specific and has significant depth. And so the planning process includes larger goals. Things like having enough money to live, you know, on your own, and relationships, traveling adventures... And then breaks it down into milestones. So those medium-sized steps that help meet big goals, like getting a job, meeting new people, planning for traveling. And then breaking those down even further into action items, which are very small steps about how to meet milestones, like learning how to be independent with transit, trying new workshops or new groups and hearing travel stories as well.

So I think the finite detail is that Navigators meet with youth and families to discuss those goals, hopes and dreams, starting as young as 16. And so with a Navigator, planning around future goals, talking about if you want to go to school or find a job, where you want to live, hobbies and activities to try bringing together those supports, You might already have, um, finding government and community services that are right for you, you know, and assisting assisting youth with sharing stories with other people who can help as well. On dso I think the finite detail is a navigator. Really? Can. Knowing that person centered planning piece of who are you? This, um, really help learn about services. And those services certainly include, you know, community living BC, and a battle upgrading grants and PWD but aren't solely limited to that. You know,

So I think the finite detail is that Navigators meet with youth and families to discuss those goals, hopes and dreams, starting as young as 16. And so with a Navigator, planning around future goals, talking about if you want to go to school or find a job, where you want to live, hobbies and activities to try bringing together those supports, You might already have, um, finding government and community services that are right for you, you know, and assisting assisting youth with sharing stories with other people who can help as well. On dso I think the finite detail is a navigator. Really? Can. Knowing that person centered planning piece of who are you? This, um, really help learn about services. And those services certainly include, you know, community living BC, and a battle upgrading grants and PWD but aren't solely limited to that. You know,

use that phrase the midnight you're there before at the end of the 18th year, and and you're there when the 19th year and beyond begin working with social workers. It must be very challenging because they've often known the individual in the family for a very long time. So I imagine it's it's quite critical that you are there to pick up that story and help move it

use that phrase the midnight you're there before at the end of the 18th year, and and you're there when the 19th year and beyond begin working with social workers. It must be very challenging because they've often known the individual in the family for a very long time. So I imagine it's it's quite critical that you are there to pick up that story and help move it

forward. Absolutely so

forward. Absolutely so

you know, because we're able toe have that gift of planning on DWI. Say early planning at 16, because really that is three years before 19. But your navigator, really, you know, we can take time to get to know youth in those who who support use, including, including family, friends, teachers, absolutely social workers and others, um, the formation of a planning team and those coordinated supports and services from government and agencies bringing our relationships to the table. So coming together creates time to celebrate successes, but then also share challenges and brainstorm goals, you know, from the planning of her serve executive. That's the focus is that the Plan B about about use and be focused on on that piece. But you're absolutely right. That history and that story is one of the biggest pieces that were able to bring forward and, um, really, really share. Circling back to those goals and growth pieces are also what I just love to see.

you know, because we're able toe have that gift of planning on DWI. Say early planning at 16, because really that is three years before 19. But your navigator, really, you know, we can take time to get to know youth in those who who support use, including, including family, friends, teachers, absolutely social workers and others, um, the formation of a planning team and those coordinated supports and services from government and agencies bringing our relationships to the table. So coming together creates time to celebrate successes, but then also share challenges and brainstorm goals, you know, from the planning of her serve executive. That's the focus is that the Plan B about about use and be focused on on that piece. But you're absolutely right. That history and that story is one of the biggest pieces that were able to bring forward and, um, really, really share. Circling back to those goals and growth pieces are also what I just love to see.

Oh yeah, and I've personally experienced working with you as well. You take people into an abundance mindset, Really, By bringing those pieces to the table, people begin to feel supported and often can't even imagine. What's that like if they don't have experience

Oh yeah, and I've personally experienced working with you as well. You take people into an abundance mindset, Really, By bringing those pieces to the table, people begin to feel supported and often can't even imagine. What's that like if they don't have experience

or familiarity with the different agencies and what their rules might be so I think that's a really beautiful part of the work that you do helping families use through.

or familiarity with the different agencies and what their rules might be so I think that's a really beautiful part of the work that you do helping families use through.

Can you tell me about one of the most common challenges that you see families in youth struggling with as they enter into this planning process?

Can you tell me about one of the most common challenges that you see families in youth struggling with as they enter into this planning process?

Thinking about life after high school can be hard on ditz, stressful for everyone. So information and knowledge allows for choice because there's different steps for youth and families to complete at different times. The earlier planning really does give time to spread the work towards transition at 19 out amongst weeks, Onda months a. Supposed to having thio squish those pieces of work into a small period of time. If you just don't know

Thinking about life after high school can be hard on ditz, stressful for everyone. So information and knowledge allows for choice because there's different steps for youth and families to complete at different times. The earlier planning really does give time to spread the work towards transition at 19 out amongst weeks, Onda months a. Supposed to having thio squish those pieces of work into a small period of time. If you just don't know

on eso, what does a typical day work look like for you?

on eso, what does a typical day work look like for you?

E think like you, Monique. You know there is no typical day. Our days are as diverse is Air Youth and and teams. Um, certainly we spend time getting to know youth that air newly referred to us what's important to them, who's in their lives and goals that start to pop up for them and have been there from the get go. And that process is eyes called Build a picture, um, used to tell us who they want on their transition teams on. Then start the fund, the Fund of Planning. And so that's the moment where transition teams come together and are starting to be called that on. DSO team meetings certainly have a lot of prep work supporting youth and families. Um, really Thio either host or get to that point where they're hosting their own team meetings, gathering together the team, you know, having the meeting, of course, and then significant about of follow up with questions or ideas that that, um, come up. We spend time building relationships with partners and really try toe model with that positive relationship looks like for for youth and families as well.

E think like you, Monique. You know there is no typical day. Our days are as diverse is Air Youth and and teams. Um, certainly we spend time getting to know youth that air newly referred to us what's important to them, who's in their lives and goals that start to pop up for them and have been there from the get go. And that process is eyes called Build a picture, um, used to tell us who they want on their transition teams on. Then start the fund, the Fund of Planning. And so that's the moment where transition teams come together and are starting to be called that on. DSO team meetings certainly have a lot of prep work supporting youth and families. Um, really Thio either host or get to that point where they're hosting their own team meetings, gathering together the team, you know, having the meeting, of course, and then significant about of follow up with questions or ideas that that, um, come up. We spend time building relationships with partners and really try toe model with that positive relationship looks like for for youth and families as well.

I think that's another exciting piece of the work. You know, I'm hearing, or I'm feeling things like abundance when you speak and the gifts that were exposing that youth and families have and how they could bring them forward. The support, the transitioning. Can you tell me about a time that you really made a difference in someone's life? I bet you you have so many stories, success stories.

I think that's another exciting piece of the work. You know, I'm hearing, or I'm feeling things like abundance when you speak and the gifts that were exposing that youth and families have and how they could bring them forward. The support, the transitioning. Can you tell me about a time that you really made a difference in someone's life? I bet you you have so many stories, success stories.

It's true and you know, yes, every youth is a highlight whether it's a little or a lot. But certainly one of my favorites is a youth who expressed that they were done with high school in Grade 12, choosing not to do that over age or grade 13 year because they really just wanted to work in construction. And so during the school year, because we'd been involved from Grade 11 at 16, the youth was supported to ask for help from their educational assistant in particular to attend a short skills training program in construction. And then landed a job through Work BC's help with the municipality. So they continue also, of course, to play sports and, you know, enjoy family time together. But really, what was so fantastic is that all of this was before turning 19. And I really do strongly believe that just, you know, even a short decade ago, this youth would have felt stuck in Grade 13, and they would have been eligible for day programming 10 years ago and today. But instead partners really, you know, rose to the dream shared by this youth, and we get to see that changing face of inclusion and leadership by youth and self determination every day and champion that from the sidelines as we see those youth go forward.

It's true and you know, yes, every youth is a highlight whether it's a little or a lot. But certainly one of my favorites is a youth who expressed that they were done with high school in Grade 12, choosing not to do that over age or grade 13 year because they really just wanted to work in construction. And so during the school year, because we'd been involved from Grade 11 at 16, the youth was supported to ask for help from their educational assistant in particular to attend a short skills training program in construction. And then landed a job through Work BC's help with the municipality. So they continue also, of course, to play sports and, you know, enjoy family time together. But really, what was so fantastic is that all of this was before turning 19. And I really do strongly believe that just, you know, even a short decade ago, this youth would have felt stuck in Grade 13, and they would have been eligible for day programming 10 years ago and today. But instead partners really, you know, rose to the dream shared by this youth, and we get to see that changing face of inclusion and leadership by youth and self determination every day and champion that from the sidelines as we see those youth go forward.

I know in my experience working with you, you showed us how to dream bigger. Well, I thought we were already dreaming pretty big, but working with you...

I know in my experience working with you, you showed us how to dream bigger. Well, I thought we were already dreaming pretty big, but working with you...

You are a big dreamer, Monique. It didn't take much convincing, that's for sure.

You are a big dreamer, Monique. It didn't take much convincing, that's for sure.

Not much convincing, but certainly a beacon of light and exploring things I didn't think were possible. As families, when we're seeking services, you're looking at the person that you love, maybe when they are needing the most support. It doesn't always naturally take you to dreaming about things where they're interdependent in community without paid supports, necessarily. That's a big leap, and I think that's one of the really juicy bits that the Navigator could bring you through that journey to a place you couldn't otherwise imagine.

Not much convincing, but certainly a beacon of light and exploring things I didn't think were possible. As families, when we're seeking services, you're looking at the person that you love, maybe when they are needing the most support. It doesn't always naturally take you to dreaming about things where they're interdependent in community without paid supports, necessarily. That's a big leap, and I think that's one of the really juicy bits that the Navigator could bring you through that journey to a place you couldn't otherwise imagine.

What do you think parents and caregivers need to pay attention to in those early tween and teen years to prepare for that, you know, planning piece that happens between 16 and 19?

What do you think parents and caregivers need to pay attention to in those early tween and teen years to prepare for that, you know, planning piece that happens between 16 and 19?

You know, that transition at 19 is one to prepare for by researching, connecting and planning starting early. So that really can mean that planning is more manageable. Like you've said, it's possible to then feel like you can dream, uh, a bit bigger. Um, it also gives time to research other stories and paths also for ideas of what's local. So having that family-to-family friend-to-friend, connection and sitting down over, you know, a picnic, and just kind of wondering or, you know, connecting through various organizations that have mentor supports and just leaning leaning into that inquiry.

You know, that transition at 19 is one to prepare for by researching, connecting and planning starting early. So that really can mean that planning is more manageable. Like you've said, it's possible to then feel like you can dream, uh, a bit bigger. Um, it also gives time to research other stories and paths also for ideas of what's local. So having that family-to-family friend-to-friend, connection and sitting down over, you know, a picnic, and just kind of wondering or, you know, connecting through various organizations that have mentor supports and just leaning leaning into that inquiry.

Well, I think that's absolutely true. After thinking about, you know, where do those juicy conversations happen in the early years, and it is family-to-family, the families coaching each other through.

Well, I think that's absolutely true. After thinking about, you know, where do those juicy conversations happen in the early years, and it is family-to-family, the families coaching each other through.

Yes and continuing, continuing that, too. I know it can take a little extra energy to build that that support network, but it is vital, and I think that Navigators can can help recognize who those supports might be going forward as well in those initial brainstorms.

Yes and continuing, continuing that, too. I know it can take a little extra energy to build that that support network, but it is vital, and I think that Navigators can can help recognize who those supports might be going forward as well in those initial brainstorms.

One of the best pieces of advice I think I received at a conference was in the women's washroom, a break between sessions. And I was speaking with a CLBC staff member who is also a parent, and I was remarking that I was concerned about all the people who weren't in the room, who didn't have the opportunity to go to conferences and workshops. And she said, "Monique, bring one with you. Make sure you take this message out to at least one person." And that's something that I've been encouraging other families to do as well. We have some challenges in sharing information about something like a Navigator service or a community sports league with all families in all stations of life, all economic stratas, all of those different barriers that can lead to people not getting information that would help them. So I always take that to heart. It's like, bring someone else along on the journey with you.

One of the best pieces of advice I think I received at a conference was in the women's washroom, a break between sessions. And I was speaking with a CLBC staff member who is also a parent, and I was remarking that I was concerned about all the people who weren't in the room, who didn't have the opportunity to go to conferences and workshops. And she said, "Monique, bring one with you. Make sure you take this message out to at least one person." And that's something that I've been encouraging other families to do as well. We have some challenges in sharing information about something like a Navigator service or a community sports league with all families in all stations of life, all economic stratas, all of those different barriers that can lead to people not getting information that would help them. So I always take that to heart. It's like, bring someone else along on the journey with you.

Speaking of that, how does a parent ask for your service and is there a cost to them?

Speaking of that, how does a parent ask for your service and is there a cost to them?

You know what? Even youths, youth's parents, caregivers, guardians and all of our partners are able to self refer or refer. The easiest way is by calling our phone number 1-855-356-5609 to request a Navigator. There is no cost and Navigator's are available in over 140 communities.

You know what? Even youths, youth's parents, caregivers, guardians and all of our partners are able to self refer or refer. The easiest way is by calling our phone number 1-855-356-5609 to request a Navigator. There is no cost and Navigator's are available in over 140 communities.

Oh, that's wonderful. And we also maybe can give a little shout out to organizations like the Family Support Institute and Inclusion BC and Vela Microboard Association. They all have a number of online services and supports that they can assist people who live in more remote communities or who don't yet have a Navigator in their community and help with that peer-to-peer support.

Oh, that's wonderful. And we also maybe can give a little shout out to organizations like the Family Support Institute and Inclusion BC and Vela Microboard Association. They all have a number of online services and supports that they can assist people who live in more remote communities or who don't yet have a Navigator in their community and help with that peer-to-peer support.

Absolutely, absolutely. And I would say our Navigator teams of the north and the Interior have really been working hard also over the last few years at virtual practice pieces. And so we're continuing that these days everywhere and that's also additional support. But certainly yes, with not being in all communities, all of those supports are vital for everybody everywhere.

Absolutely, absolutely. And I would say our Navigator teams of the north and the Interior have really been working hard also over the last few years at virtual practice pieces. And so we're continuing that these days everywhere and that's also additional support. But certainly yes, with not being in all communities, all of those supports are vital for everybody everywhere.

That's right. Thank you so much. And in closing, I'd like you to reflect a little on your own transition journey and the many stories that you hold. Is there any other advice that you have for our listeners?

That's right. Thank you so much. And in closing, I'd like you to reflect a little on your own transition journey and the many stories that you hold. Is there any other advice that you have for our listeners?

I think, you know, it's about... It's about having adventures. And within those adventures, you know, knowing your choices and being able to to make decisions that allow you to continue to grow. And that's for youth and young adults, families and caregivers, and all members of teams. Really being able to share in these processes are why everybody is wanting to be in in the field and doing the work that we do. But that adventure piece, I think, is paramount for transitioning youth to be able to explore and experience adventures, whether they be small in our own backyards or larger than life. So I think that's the main point.

I think, you know, it's about... It's about having adventures. And within those adventures, you know, knowing your choices and being able to to make decisions that allow you to continue to grow. And that's for youth and young adults, families and caregivers, and all members of teams. Really being able to share in these processes are why everybody is wanting to be in in the field and doing the work that we do. But that adventure piece, I think, is paramount for transitioning youth to be able to explore and experience adventures, whether they be small in our own backyards or larger than life. So I think that's the main point.

And what does living a good and full life mean to you?

And what does living a good and full life mean to you?

You know, it's living the life that you define. Knowing what's available in community and supports to assist in this big adventure and living that life that you're defining can also sometimes mean difficult conversations and some things not working. And it can also mean conversations to request support so something can work. So it's equally about those decision points. But that life that you are giving definition to is so very empowering to also be able to share to those planning teams.

You know, it's living the life that you define. Knowing what's available in community and supports to assist in this big adventure and living that life that you're defining can also sometimes mean difficult conversations and some things not working. And it can also mean conversations to request support so something can work. So it's equally about those decision points. But that life that you are giving definition to is so very empowering to also be able to share to those planning teams.

Thank you so much, Meaghen. I heard so much in your responses today. You know, we talked about things like person centeredness, self determination, choice, growth, access to information and supports. And maybe most of all, just by having this conversation, we can share with our listeners that this really is a journey. It doesn't have to be rushed. It can be a joyful journey with learning and growth and support. And we now know the number to call to help many people get on that journey with you.

Thank you so much, Meaghen. I heard so much in your responses today. You know, we talked about things like person centeredness, self determination, choice, growth, access to information and supports. And maybe most of all, just by having this conversation, we can share with our listeners that this really is a journey. It doesn't have to be rushed. It can be a joyful journey with learning and growth and support. And we now know the number to call to help many people get on that journey with you.

Well, thank you for hosting this important podcast, Monique. And to your team as well. And absolutely looking forward to hearing from everyone. Take good care.

Well, thank you for hosting this important podcast, Monique. And to your team as well. And absolutely looking forward to hearing from everyone. Take good care.

Thank you for listening to Good For All from posAbilities. I'm your host, Monique Nelson. You can learn more about our transition support services and everything else we do on our website posAbilities.ca Keep up with the podcast by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. And if you liked what you heard share this episode with your family and friends. Thanks for joining us.

Thank you for listening to Good For All from posAbilities. I'm your host, Monique Nelson. You can learn more about our transition support services and everything else we do on our website posAbilities.ca Keep up with the podcast by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. And if you liked what you heard share this episode with your family and friends. Thanks for joining us.

This has been part one of our two part series on transition planning. Stay tuned for our next episode to hear a parent's perspective on this important transition.

This has been part one of our two part series on transition planning. Stay tuned for our next episode to hear a parent's perspective on this important transition.