Skills for Life: Empowering Students With Developmental Disabilities with Mary Justman

Everything But the Lesson Plan

In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, host Franchesca Thompson explores what it truly means to support students with special needs beyond the classroom. Join us as we dive into the importance of life skills, community integration, and employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism.

Franchesca sits down with Mary Justman, Vice President of Resource and Development for WOW In-Sync, Inc., a Georgia-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering adults with special needs through essential life skills training and workforce readiness programs.

Together, they discuss the challenges families face during the transition from school to adulthood, the life-changing work WOW In-Sync is doing in the community, and practical ways educators, families, and advocates can help bridge the gap.

If you believe that education is about more than just academics — and that every individual deserves the chance to live a fulfilling, independent life — this conversation is for you.

About Mary Justman

Mary Justman serves as Vice President for both WOW In-Sync, a non-profit organization helping adults with developmental disabilities and autism develop life and career skills, and its subsidiary Mister Migs LLC, a manufacturing and retail distribution company providing haute couture dog gear such as clothing and accessories. In her position, she is the senior officer responsible for coordinating strategic planning processes and providing leadership on a broad range of strategy, policy, and governance matters for both companies.

WOW In-Sync is accredited by CARF International (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) in the areas of community integration, employment development, and employment planning.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-justman-6485a121/

About The Host: Franchesca Thompson

Welcome to the "Everything But the Lesson Plan", a podcast brought to you by Thrive12, an education company designed to ensure you thrive every month of the year. I am an educator, entrepreneur, and influencer on a mission to transform education with innovative tools, tips, and resources for educators everywhere!

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