On Saturday, October 24, The Arc of Massachusetts welcomed a record attendance of nearly 500 to our 2026 Transition Conference – Transition Journeys 2026: Tools for Today, Hope for Tomorrow.
The biennial conference was held at the Renaissance Framingham Hotel and Conference Center and offered 24 workshops for parents, self-advocates, guardians, siblings, educators, and professionals to choose from. In addition, attendees heard from two panels – one comprised of young adults with IDD and autism, another comprised of parents – who spoke to the subject of “What I Wish I Knew about Transition.” Department of Developmental Services Commissioner Sarah Peterson and The Arc of the United States CEO Katy Neas were in attendance as special guest speakers.
Attendees were able to visit with nearly 50 exhibitors in our exhibit hall, including service providers, financial planners, state agencies, schools, chapters of The Arc, and more. Interested attendees were able to take part in a prize quest in the exhibit hall, with lucky winners able to win a selection of prizes including gift baskets generously donated by The Paper Store. Educators were able to earn CEUs at the conference for the first time, and interpretation services were available across nine workshops.
We are so grateful for the phenomenal turnout and response to this conference; to all of our incredible guest speakers and panelists, workshop presenters, committee members, sponsors, exhibitors, staff, and attendees; and to each and every person who came together for this inspiring day of connection, walking away with the tools they need for today and the hope they deserve for tomorrow.
We would like to extend a special thank you to our top sponsors, including Nonotuck Resource Associates, Inc; The Guild for Human Services; PLAN of MA & RI; Special Needs Law Group; Amego, Inc.; Beaverbrook STEP, Inc.; House of Possibilities; Vinfen Corporation; Aspire Living and Learning; Cotting Transition Institute; Habilitation Assistance Corp; NESCA; Road to Responsibility; and WeCare 365 Adult Foster Care Program.
We look forward to seeing you for the next Transition Conference in 2028!
