About the Event

Navigating the Road to Independence is a dynamic event designed to empower and equip young people with special health care needs and disabilities, their families and caregivers, and professionals as they transition to adulthood. This event will provide youth and their families with essential tools, resources, and connections to navigate the challenges and opportunities in areas such as education, employment, independence, healthcare, and social integration.

The event will feature expert-led workshops, hands-on sessions, and interactive discussions designed to help build the skills and confidence to thrive as youth move into adulthood. Attendees will gain valuable insights on self-advocacy, managing healthcare, career readiness, post-secondary education options, independent living, and more.

Who Should Attend?

Youth with Special Healthcare Needs 

As you prepare to transition from youth to adulthood, this event is a chance to learn important skills and gain the knowledge you'll need to shape the life you dream of. 

At the event, you'll have the opportunity to create your own dreamboard, a visual tool to help you plan and visualize your goals—whether that's finding a job you love, managing your money, or building the social relationships you want. You'll also work through some tough topics like handling challenges, managing your healthcare needs, and overcoming obstacles that may come your way. 

Experts will guide you through key areas like financial planning, employment readiness, and finding a place to live, helping you understand how to take charge of your future. This summit is all about giving you the tools, confidence, and resources to take the next steps towards living a fulfilling, independent life.

Families, Caregivers, and Advocates

As families and caregivers of youth with special healthcare needs, you play a vital role in supporting your loved one’s transition into adulthood. This event will provide you with the resources and knowledge to navigate this important stage of life. 

Throughout the event, you'll learn about a wide range of topics that can help you advocate for and guide your child through the transition process:

  • employment
  • housing
  • building social relationships
  • IEP and diploma options
  • financial planning, including special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, SSI, and Medicaid
  • healthcare transition (ensuring that your child’s medical and support needs are met as they move from pediatric to adult care)

This event will empower you with the knowledge and tools to help your youth build a meaningful, independent life while navigating the various systems that support them.

Educators, School Nurses, School Counselors- 10 CEUs

This event offers educators and professionals a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into the critical process of transition planning for students with diverse healthcare needs and receive up to 10 CEUs. 

Throughout the event, participants will explore best practices for fostering independence, supporting self-advocacy, and navigating the complexities of healthcare and education systems. They will learn how to collaborate with families, healthcare providers, and community resources to ensure seamless transitions from school to adulthood. 

By attending, educators and professionals will be equipped with practical tools and strategies to better support youth in their journey towards a fulfilling, empowered future, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges these youth face and how to overcome them.

Friday Evening Reception

5:00-6:30pm 

The Note-Ables is a group of professional musicians who shatter the stereotypes! The group first met in April 1999 when they started jamming and writing their own songs together. By that summer they had started playing small gigs in the Reno/Sparks area and have since expanded to performing 20-30 gigs each year. 

In addition to being professional and crowd pleasing, the group’s activities have also increased the visibility of people with disabilities and added to the dynamic arts community in the Truckee Meadows. With a blend of covers and original songs, the musical style of The Note-Ables ranges from blues to country to jazz to classic rock. The band will bring diversity, fun, and music guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone!

Schedule

Friday12 PM - 1 PM

Registration

Friday1 PM - 5 PM

Keynote Address, Introduction to the new Nevada Trip Transition Website, and What's Health Care Got to Do with Transition?

Friday5 PM - 6:30 PM

Reception and dance with the Note-Ables band.

Saturday8 AM - 8:30 AM

Registration

Saturday8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Breakout Sessions, Lunch, and Closing

Location

TMCC campus, Reno NV - Sierra Building (MAP)

Reno, NV - Reno, “The Biggest Little City in the World”, may be famous for its shining neon lights and casinos – but chancing your luck is only one of the best things to do in Reno. From rafting, pub crawling, visiting museums or catching a fly ball at a baseball game, there is more to this city than just gambling.  

Tourists and residents alike are drawn in by the region's natural beauty, outdoor recreation, ski resorts, and boating, not to mention its many world-class casinos and resorts. While visiting Reno, NV, you'll feel the spirit of the American West still resides in this beautiful city nestled in the mountains.

Things to do in Reno/Tahoe    

Lodging

We’re excited to welcome you to the Navigating Transition Conference in Reno, NV! To make your stay even more convenient, we’ve secured a discounted rate at the Grand Sierra Resort, one of the area's premier accommodations. Simply book your room under the “Navigating Transition Conference” room block to take advantage of this special offer. The resort offers a range of amenities to make your experience comfortable and enjoyable, from luxurious rooms to top-tier dining options and recreational activities. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to stay in style while connecting with fellow attendees—book your room today!  

(800) 501-2651

https://www.grandsierraresort.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIicGKn5TxigMVOwStBh0x_xqGEAAYASAAEgKPKvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Keynote Speakers

Owen Erquiaga and Mallory Cyr

Having grown up as advocates, Mallory and Owen began their journey together when they met at this very conference in 2011. They were both living with their families across the country from one another, serving in similar roles on state grants in Maine, and Nevada. After realizing they had something special, they took the plunge and began the ultimate transition journey, as two young professionals, living with disabilities. Moving from rural states to urban settings, they navigated the challenges of education, employment, housing, healthcare, and building a life together across multiple states.

In this presentation, Mal & Owen will weave their stories of lived experience with best practices and lessons learned for young people and their families. With, heart, humor, and authenticity, this presentation tackles all the important transition topics as Mal & Owen return to where it all began!

SPEAKER BIOS

Questions:  [email protected]

Register

  • Ages 14-30; Individuals with IDD will have their own track where they get to explore their lives, dreams, and futures. They will explore topics of interest, as well as topics that may be difficult to wrap their heads around.

  • (If this fee is a challenge for you, please check the box below for a scholarship.) Experts will guide you through key topics such as housing options, Medicaid, SSI, and financial planning tools like Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts. You'll also learn about Supported Decision Making versus Guardianship, as well as IEP's and Diploma Options, and much more!

  • If you require a scholarship to attend our event, please check this box. We don't want our fees to be a barrier to participate in this important event!

  • Educators, school counselors, school nurses, and attending the Transition Summit will gain valuable insights into the various aspects of supporting youth with special healthcare needs as they transition to adulthood. You will learn about the healthcare transition process, ensuring that students move smoothly from pediatric to adult care. Specialists will discuss IEPs and diploma options, helping you better guide students through their educational pathways. Additionally, you'll gain an understanding of housing options and post-high school programs available in Nevada, along with resources for employment and career development. This event will also cover best practices for collaborating with families, community agencies, and other professionals to provide comprehensive support, empowering you to effectively assist youth in making informed decisions about their futures.

  • Includes: One 4' Table, One Folding Chair, Lunch

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