19th Annual Illinois Statewide Transition Conference in Springfield
The “Stepping Stones of Transition” conference shares services and resources to prepare youth and young adults with special healthcare needs and other disabilities for success in adulthood.
The statewide transition conference, titled “Stepping Stones of Transition,” will take place in person on Nov. 7-8.
The conference is at the Crowne Plaza Convention Center, 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway, in Springfield. It will highlight the opportunities and resources available for youth and young adults with disabilities as they transition to adulthood.
“Stepping Stones of Transition” is for youth, parents, caregivers, vocational professionals, healthcare professionals, educators and others who work with youth and young adults with disabilities.
Youth 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?
Participants can learn about supported decision-making from keynote speaker and self-advocate Derek Heard along with Allison Cohen Hall from the Center on Youth Voice, Youth Choice. The conference also includes sessions on:
- Self-determination
- Advocacy
- Employment
- Future planning
- Post-secondary education
- Health care
See the conference flyer for more details:
The 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 can sign up online:
- DSCC transition conference registration form in English
- DSCC transition conference registration form in Spanish
DSCC participants can find more conference details at:
- https://go.uic.edu/DSCC2024TransitionConferenceInfo
- https://go.uic.edu/DSCC2024TransitionConferenceInfoSp
The general public can find more details and registration information at www.illinoistransitionconference.org/.
The deadline to register is Oct. 10. Please note that space is limited. Registration may close earlier if all spaces are filled.
DSCC participants can contact DSCC Title V Transition Specialist Claire Cook at (800) 322-3722 or clairer3@uic.edu for help with registration.