The “The Journey from School to Employment and Independent Living: How Can the Client Assistance Program (CAP) Help?” workshop has been cancelled. We hope to reschedule but no date has been determined.

This workshop will be online using the Zoom meeting platform.  If you are unable to attend the live presentation, you can still register and we’ll send you a link to the recording of the workshop which you can watch on your own time.

This workshop is designed to provide parents, advocates, educators, and others with an opportunity to learn more about how to support youth with disabilities as they make the transition from school to employment and independent living. We will discuss the laws, programs, and services available to support their transition and how the Client Assistance Program (CAP) can help in that journey.

Presenters:

– Sherrie Brunelle is a graduate of Woodbury College’s paralegal and mediation programs. Since 1988, she has been a paralegal with Vermont Legal Aid’s Disability Law Project focusing primarily on advocating for children and youth with disabilities and their families navigating the special education or Section 504 systemic mazes. Since 2019, she has served as the Client Assistance Program (CAP) advocate for youth and adults with disabilities needing support on their journey to employment. Before coming to Vermont Legal Aid, she was an advocate for what is now the Vermont Family Network. She was also a critical care nurse for 15 years. A Vermont native, she is the parent, grandparent, and great-grandparent of family members with disabilities who were the initial and remain the sustaining motivation for her career.

– Andrea Smith holds a BS in Environmental Science from The University of Vermont and is currently enrolled in the Law Office Study Program, with plans to sit for the Vermont Bar Exam in 2027. She serves as a Paralegal with Vermont Legal Aid, contributing to the Disability Law Project and Victims’ Rights Project. Andrea’s prior experience includes roles within the Vermont Legislature and the Vermont Joint Fiscal Office. Additionally, she is a lobbyist with Voices for Vermont’s Children, advocating for systemic reform within the justice and human services sectors to better meet the needs of Vermont’s children and families. She is a Vermont native, a mother, and committed to improving the lives of communities across the state.