Opportunity: Creating Connections for Success

Joe Basey mastered a life-shaping skill in the College of Education’s family and human services program: how to create community teams to sustain long-term, valuable educational or social services.

Now an alumnus, Joe coordinates the Springfield Public School District's TRIANGLE (Transition Results through Individuals, Agencies, and General Education) program. In this role, he connects with the district's school-to-work coordinators, with Thurston students, teachers, and administrators, and with the UO faculty members who will evaluate the project.

Joe’s work links students who have learning or other disabilities with general-education students to collaborate in developing their post-secondary education or work plans. Working together, they can provide support and learn from each other’s perspectives. “Everyone has obstacles to overcome,” says Basey, who himself was born with cerebral palsy, “but we all have the challenge to succeed.”

:: Connection