Tune In: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcast

---

If there was a foreign language in special education, it would be Transition to Adulthood.  When IEPs start to consider a child’s transition to adulthood, things over get willy nilly.  I think it’s mainly because parents – while often quite innocent about special education already – are REALLY intimidated by All Things Transition.  That’s why I invited advocacy rockstars,  Jawanda and Rachel Mast back on the podcast to talk about Transition to Adulthood.  Rachel is an adult that has Down syndrome that has been to college, worked several jobs, and has a vibrant social life!  I can’t wait for you to learn from these amazing role models!!! 

---

Meet My Guests: 

Jawanda and Rachel Mast 

Mother and daughter team Jawanda and Rachel Mast are passionate about the meaningful inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities in all aspects of the community and have presented at many conferences. The two of them worked alongside advocates from across the country for over eight years to pass the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act allowing individuals with disabilities to save money in 529 type accounts without jeopardizing benefits. Because of her work on passing the ABLE Act nationally and in Kansas, Rachel became the first person to open a Kansas ABLE Savings Account.  

Rachel Mast, who has Down syndrome, is 22 years old and a graduate of Olathe South High School and works as a hostess at the Olive Garden and wants to someday live in a pink house. 

Jawanda Mast is a national grassroots advocacy speaker and consultant. Jawanda is married to Jonathan Mast. Along with Rachel they make their home in Olathe, Kansas. 

Jawanda says their work is a #laborofloveandconviction. 

---

Never miss out on a new episode by joining my mailing list here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f43ff3f99f8080026e08ed7

Show Notes/Script: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wquUiZjC4RJmtTGa3mMIh0EVedXgxruP/view?usp=sharing