Michael Laharty

Michael Laharty has almost 40 years, He has served students with special needs, their families, and the staff who support them. He has been a teacher, mentor, master teacher, principal, university lecturer, provider of staff development, and a vocational specialist. He is recognized as a statewide leader in providing transition services for youth with special needs. He coined the phrase “school to world, not just work” as a reminder that successful transition to the adult world includes post-secondary education and training, independent living, community access and participation, as well as employment. Michael works for the Sacramento County Office of Education as a Vocational Specialist and lives in Sacramento with his wife and three children.