17th Annual Illinois Statewide Transition Conference in East Peoria
The “Stepping Stones of Transition” virtual and in-person conference shares services and resources to prepare youth and young adults with special healthcare needs for success in adulthood.
The statewide transition conference, titled “Stepping Stones of Transition,” will take place Nov. 3-4. Both in-person and virtual options are available. The in-person event will follow all necessary health and safety guidelines.
The conference is at the Embassy Suites by Hilton East Peoria Riverfront Conference Center, 100 Conference Center Dr., East Peoria.
“Stepping Stones of Transition” is for youth, parents, caregivers, vocational professionals, healthcare professionals, educators and others who work with youth and young adults with special healthcare needs.
Participants can discuss the possibilities for students with disabilities in the areas of:
- Independent living
- Education and training
- Employment
- Community integration
- Health care
- Self-advocacy
Youth and young adults with special healthcare needs will learn how to plan for their future, including:
- What happens after I leave high school?
- How do I sort through the maze of resources?
- What steps can I take now to prepare for upcoming changes?
- What skills are important for me to develop?
More information, including how to register, is available at www.illinoistransitionconference.org/. You can also see the event flyer:
The University of Illinois Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) may be able to fund the conference-related expenses for DSCC participants and their families, caregivers, nurses and/or personal attendants. These expenses include the cost of the hotel and transportation.
DSCC participants should contact their Care Coordinator to complete their registration or call (800) 322-3722.
Family and student scholarships are also available for eligible attendees.
The Arc of Illinois, through a grant from the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities, administers the Financial Assistance for Training Program. The program provides funds for people with developmental disabilities and their family members to attend conferences of their choice that are directly related to developmental disability issues.
For more information on using the program to attend the transition conference, visit www.illinoistransitionconference.org/scholarship-information/.
The conference also includes a health care track for pediatric, adult primary care and subspecialty providers to learn from experts and one another about the Six Core Elements of Health Care Transition and the strategies, services and resources available to help improve the quality of health care transition. The conference’s health care track is on Nov. 3.
The deadline to register is Oct. 7.
You can also read more about how the 2021 conference participants received valuable information and resources.