Keynote speakers were Ben and Wendy Erdman

The Conference theme this year was Destination: A Good Life! Let's Travel This Road... Together. Help plan a roadmap for your child's life.Keynote speakers were Ben and Wendy Erdman who spoke about their lives and almost 20 years of marriage in a session titled, "Don't Worry, Be Happy!" They shared the story of their lives, family supports. early education, work opportunities, how they met and about their marriage.

Other speakers and sessions included:

Programs for Students Still in School (ISD supports)
Preparing for Work K-12

Nikki Graff, BRIDGES Instructor

BRIDGES: A post-secondary program for young adults (18-22 yrs) with disabilities who are continuing their education to work on independent living and vocational skills.

Ellizabeth Sherry, CSISD Project SEARCH Instructor

Project SEARCH is a post-secondary program through College Station ISD. Our interns have completed their high school credits, but are continuing their education to develop employment and hireability skills. Our goal for all interns by the end of the school year is competitive, integrated, meaningful employment in our community!

The Content of the IEP and Section 504

Sabrina Thompson, Coordinator, Region 6, Partners Resource Network

This workshop is designed to provide parents and professionals with practical working knowledge of the contents of an IEP and 504. Parents will learn how reasonable and measurable goals for a child with a disability are written. They will also learn under Section 504 how schools are obligated to prevent discrimination based on disability. 

Person-Centered Healthcare Transition Planning

Aimee Ortiz-Day, Program Coordinator II, Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M University

What is healthcare transition? Are you aware of the skills and knowledge your child needs to learn to navigate the healthcare system, and advocate for their health needs, when they turn 18? This session will explain the process of healthcare transition and steps you can take, even at a young age, to teach advocacy skills and prepare them for this part of adulthood.

Early Life

Rebekah Nobles, Certified Early Intervention Specialist for the Early Childhood Intervention Program

She will discuss red flags in child development for children ages birth through 3 years old. This will entail what typical development looks like, when to be concerned, and how to reach out for help!j Shenwill also cover the process for referral, assessment, and treatment through their program. 

Essentials of special needs planning

Matt Stagner 

An entire family can be impacted when a loved one has special needs or disabilities. Knowing where to start can be the hardest part. We’ll help guide the way so you can focus on what matters most. Our educational workshop for individuals and families helps them learn how to get started and feel ready for their financial future. This discussion covers four key areas: family assets and planning, government benefits, employer benefits and legal planning.

Postsecondary Education Programs

PATHS – Leticia LaSota

The Postsecondary Access and Training in Human Services (PATHS) is a 2-year certificate program that works in collaboration with the Institute on Person-Centered Practices and Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living. This two-year certificate program prepares graduates for employment in a career serving people with disabilities or working with children.

ACHIEVE – Heather Dulas

Aggie Academic Courses in Higher Inclusive Education and Vocational Experiences (ACHIEVE) Is also affiliated with the Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M University. A comprehensive transition program dor young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have exited high school. ACHIEVE provides an inclusive and immersive 4-year college education and equips students for employment in the community.

You may download the 2023 Disability & Community Resource Guide in English or Spanish

• English
• Spanish
• Visit the website