The Arc of Massachusetts 2019 Transition Conference
Charting the LifeCourse during the Transition Years
On Saturday, November 16, 2019, a record-breaking over 400 family members, self-advocates, and professionals attended The Arc of Massachusetts 2019 Transition Conference, Charting the LifeCourse during the Transition Years. The conference, held at the Hogan Campus Center at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, was completely sold out. The day focused on the transition and future planning structure known as the Charting the LifeCourse Frameworks and Tools, developed by the University of Missouri–Kansas City Institute for Human Development.
Attendees were privileged to hear a moving keynote address from Jane St. John, the Training and Development Specialist for the Charting the LifeCourse team at the UMKC-Institute for Human Development, UCEDD, during which she discussed the implementation of the LifeCourse Frameworks and Tools in the life of her son, Ben. "We want people to have the supports they need - where and when they need them," St. John stressed. "You can’t buy a good life through the service and support system."
Another key focus of her keynote was the a fact often taken for granted and challenged: "All people and their families have the right to live, love, work, play and pursue their life aspirations in their community."
In addition to St. John's speech, Executive Director Leo Sarkissian provided an overview of the work of The Arc of Massachusetts, including The Arc belief that, "at the end of the day, if we’re not working together, we’re not really maximizing what we can do." "Your [personal and grassroots] wins make the state and federal wins come to life," he added, encouraging family advocates and self-advocates to keep up their important work in the community.
After the addresses and keynote speech, attendees were able to take part in their choice of 27 different workshops, including three in Spanish. Lunch entertainment was provided by the amazing jazz band from the Higashi School.
Thank you to everyone who made this day possible, including our generous sponsors, partners, planning committee, presenters, exhibitors, and attendees. Our next Transition Conference will be held in 2021. We hope to see you there!
Workshop Presentations (PDF)
A1: Transition from School to Adult Life: Using the IEP to Create Success
A2: Navigating the DDS ISP Process
A3: DDS 101: What You Need To Know
A4: Introducción al Proceso de Planificación de la Transición
A5: College Navigator
A5: You're With Us!
A5: College Opportunities for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
A7: Tools for Charting Your Child's Financial Life Map
A8: Transition Across the Autism Spectrum
A9: Transition to Adult Care for Medically Complex Youth & Young Adults
A9: Boston Children's Hospital Weitzman BRIDGES Adult Transition Program
A9: Your Child's Transfer to Adult Providers
B1: Secondary Transition 101: What Families Need To Know
B4: Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
B6: En equipo si se puede!
B6: Facing Transition
B8: Government Benefits: Getting Financial Support for Your Child and Your Family
B9: Supporting Transition Age Youth with I/DD and Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
Gold Sponsors


Bronze Sponsors











Chapter Sponsors





Partners
Thanks to the organizations who came together to assist in the planning of the 2019 Transition Conference!
The Arc of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport
Autism Commission
Cambiando el Mundo de Personas con Discapacidad
Centro
Communitas
Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN)
The Guild for Human Services
HMEA
Mass Advocates for Children (MAC)
Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC)
Mass Families Organizing for Change (MFOFC)
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)
Merrimack College
The Nemasket Group