9th Annual Illinois Statewide Transition Conference: October 24-25, 2013

The 9th Annual Transition Conference for high school aged students and young adults with disabilities, their family members and teachers, vocational professionals, caregivers, health care professionals, college students pursuing careers in special education and community advocates will be held at Thelma Keller Convention Center in Effingham, Illinois from October 24-25, 2013.

The conference, titled “Stepping Stones of Transition”, will invite participants to imagine the possibilities for students with disabilities in the areas of independent living, education and training, employment, community integration, health care, and self-advocacy.

Conference sessions will be organized into 4 tracks: Education, Employment, Community and Healthcare.

Friday, October 25th concludes the conference and highlights multi-choice Plenary Sessions and Break-Out Sessions in the morning. The conference concludes at 1:00 p.m. For more information see the Conference At A Glance.

-back to top-

Registration

Conference participants are strongly encouraged to register using the Illinois Transition Conference online registration. "Go Green" and help conference planners take eco-friendly steps to better our environment by registering online and eliminating paper registration forms. A limited number of hard copy registration booklets will be made available by request only to those that do not have internet access. Contact Family Matters at 866-436-7842.

The registration web site provides details about the conference plenary sessions and agenda with specifics on each of the breakout sessions. Space is limited and breakout sessions have limited capacity on a first come basis. So register early to ensure admission to your top choice sessions.

Detailed information on conference sessions and registration will also be available in the near future in the 2013 Transition Conference Registration booklet. This booklet will be available in PDF format - you will need the Adobe Reader to view, complete and print the document. The Reader is available free from the Adobe web site.

-back to top-

Registration for Presenters

As a benefit to approved presenters, a one day conference registration (for the day of presentation) will be complimentary. Presenters will need to complete and email to Susy Woods the presenter’s information sheet to help with conference planning.

Presenters interested in attending an additional conference day will need to complete registration and submit the one day registration fee. All speakers and presenters are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses.

-back to top-

Exhibitor Registration

Do you want to reach over 800 participants who are interested in helping create active, productive lives for young people with disabilities? A limited number of exhibit spaces were available to allow you to reach students, parents, teachers, social service and healthcare professionals.

The 2013 Illinois statewide Transition Conference has general exhibits open from Thursday 10/24/13 from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Again this year will also feature a spotlight on Young Adult Entrepreneurial Programs/Student Work Programs.

Participants need to complete the 2013 Exhibitor Prospectus to become an exhibitor, sponsor, or advertiser. The Exhibitor/Sponsorship Contract must be completed and returned by September 1, 2013.

-back to top-

Welcome Reception

A Welcome Reception will be hosted on Thursday, October 24th, to provide conference participants the opportunity to network with colleagues as well as meet new friends and associates. Appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be offered in the Exhibit Hall from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Look for more information at the Registration Desk. There will be a cash bar set up outside of the Exhibit Hall during the Welcome Reception.

Conference Goals

The goals for the 2013 Illinois Statewide Transition Conference are to promote effective, person-centered transition planning to address all aspects of adult life for youth with disabilities. Conference participants will discover practical and evidence-based (proven) strategies related to:

• Family Involvement (e.g., parents and families as partners in planning for and delivering transition services)
  
• Student Self-determination (e.g., using transition assessment information and facilitating students' self-determination to develop individualized plans based on their post-school goals)
  
• Interagency Collaboration (e.g., involvement of community businesses, organizations and agencies in all aspects of transition-focused goals)
  
• Effective program structures (e.g., efficient and effective delivery of transition-focused education and services to all transition-aged youth)

-back to top-

Target Audience

• Transition-aged youth/young adults who have a disability
• Family members
• Health Care Professionals
• Caregivers
• Special Education educators and administrators
• Vocational Rehabilitation counselors and administrators
• Advocates
• Transition Planning Committees

Financial Support:

The Transition Conference Committee has made provisions for a limited number of scholarships for parents and students who need financial assistance. These funds are available on a first come, first serve basis. This scholarship can be used for needed conference related expenses including registration, hotel, transportation and/or a personal attendant. To apply, please contact Tara Dunning of the State Independent Living Council of Illinois (SILC) at 217-744-7777 or tara@silcofillinois.org.

Scholarships are also available through the Arc of Illinois Consumer Involvement Program; call 815-464-1832 for information about the Arc of Illinois program or visit their website at www.thearcofil.org.

-back to top-

Conference Sponsors

Centers for Independent Living:

• Impact
• LINC Incorporated
• Opportunities for Access

Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center

IL Alliance of Administrators of Special Education

IL Assistive Technology Program

IL Dept. of Human Services

• Division of Rehabilitation Services

IL Interagency Coordinating Council

Il State Advisory Council on the Education of Children with Disabilities

Southwest Cook County Cooperative Association for Special Education

Statewide Independent Living Council of IL

Southern Illinois University, Technical Assistance and Continuing Education Center (TACE), Region 5

Technical Assistance and Continuing Education (TACE) Center Region 5

UIC Specialized Care for Children

-back to top-

Check with FAE

-back to top-