Transition Planning Conference

An informative and empowering event for individuals with disabilities and their families, as well as schools, service providers, and funding agencies, to create successful transitions to adult life and independence.

YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT:

• High School Transition Planning

• Disability and Work Benefits

• Transition Supports and Funding through Vocational Rehabilitation, Workforce Development, Developmental Disabilities Resource Board, and Department of Mental Health

• Supports and Programs through Higher Education

• Vocational Programs at the BCI Skills Center

FREE ATTENDANCE & LUNCH thanks to a generous grant from theSaighFoundation.org

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (subject to change)

8:00 AM -- Doors open for Registration

8:30 AM -- Aaron Likens, Keynote Speaker

9:30 AM -- School District Panel Discussion

11:00 AM -- Work & Public Benefits 101

11:30 AM -- Lunch

12:30 PM -- Higher Education Panel Discussion

2:00 PM -- Public Funding Sources Panel Discussion

3:30 PM -- Skills Center/BCI

4:30 PM -- Conference Concludes

ABOUT THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Aaron Likens—an accomplished public speaker, published author, avid blogger and remarkable individual—was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism, at age 20. Now in his 30s and a recipient of the prestigious Mental Health Champion award given by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, Aaron spends his time educating people of all ages about autism and sharing with the world how the autism mind works. Having been diagnosed later in life, Aaron is committed to advocating for early-intervention autism services and to helping students, educators, parents, school administrators, community groups, first responders and others better understand autism—how it feels, how individuals with autism face unique issues and challenges, and how to interact effectively with someone with autism.