How One District Built 30 Job Partners (From Zero Planning) - Dr. Mike Ubbens

Opening Hook What if your school district could create meaningful employment opportunities for students with disabilities—without a massive budget or years of planning? In this episode, discover how Avon Grove School District went from zero community partnerships to 30 thriving job sites, and learn what's possible when special education leadership combines vision with practical action. Guest Introduction Dr. Mike Ubbens is the Supervisor of Special Education at Avon Grove School District in Pennsylvania. With deep experience supporting individuals with severe disabilities and a passionate commitment to inclusive employment, Dr. Ubbens has transformed how his district approaches transition planning and community partnership building. What You'll Learn This episode explores the real-world barriers students with disabilities face when preparing for adulthood—and concrete, replicable strategies to break them down. You'll hear how one district identified funding solutions, built genuine employer relationships, and created job exploration pathways that honor each student's strengths and potential. Whether you're struggling with transition services, seeking community buy-in, or wondering how to support students with severe disabilities in meaningful work, this conversation offers both inspiration and actionable next steps. Key Takeaways - Disability doesn't define potential: Understanding students as whole people—not their diagnosis—opens doors to unexpected opportunities - Communication takes many forms: Behavior and connection extend far beyond spoken words; recognizing this changes how we support students - Partnership building starts with relationships: Employers become genuine partners when they understand the "why" behind inclusive employment - Funding creative solutions exist: Transportation, aide support, and job site development don't require unlimited budgets—they require creative thinking - One person's passion can catalyze district-wide change: Dr. Ubbens' commitment to disability advocacy became the foundation for systemic transformation Notable Quotes "The disability does not define the person for sure." "For me, [this work] turned into a passion of advocating for individuals with disabilities, having seen what institutionalization looks like on the other end of it." "Realizing that communication comes through in so many more ways than just verbalizations, and behavior is a lot more than what it looks like on the outside." Why This Matters Now As districts nationwide grapple with transition services, limited resources, and the challenge of preparing all students for post-secondary success, this episode offers a roadmap for meaningful change. Dr. Ubbens' journey from special educator to district leader reveals how one person's commitment to dignity and inclusion can reshape what's possible for an entire community. Listen & Subscribe Ready to discover how your district can build meaningful employment partnerships? Listen to this episode today and subscribe for more conversations with education leaders who are transforming outcomes for students with disabilities. Share this episode with your special education team, administrative colleagues, or anyone working to build more inclusive communities. --- Subscribe for weekly episodes on special education, transition planning, and inclusive school practices.*