register today!
Life in the Community Conference
A must-attend conference for teens and adults with disabilities and their caregivers!
This conference will focus on the critical aspects of transitioning to adulthood, providing valuable resources, expert insights, and networking opportunities to help navigate education, employment, independent living and community engagement. Whether you’re navigating education, employment, independent living, or community engagement, this event will empower and equip you for the journey ahead.
When You Register:
- You can request any special accommodations.
- Self-Advocates can request a Peer Mentor Ambassador to provide support with schedules, navigating hallways, and exploring vendor tables. (Please note: Ambassadors cannot assist with activities of daily living support.)
- Select your boxed lunch preference.
- Please select your preferred track (the session topic you’re most interested in). You’re welcome to attend sessions outside of your chosen track as well.
Attendee scholarship applications can be completed and submitted HERE.
Questions, email Debra Holloway at [email protected]
Schedule at a Glance
8:30-9am – Registration & Exhibitors
9-9:30am – Exhibits, Networking, Breakfast
9:30am – Welcome and opening Remarks
9:45-10:45am – Breakout Sessions
10:45-11am – Break and Exhibitors
11am -12pm – Breakout Sessions
12-1pm – Lunch and Exhibitors
1-2pm – Breakout Sessions
2-3pm – Break, Exhibitors, Social and Recreation Panel, Focus Group
3-4pm – Breakout Sessions
Breakout Session Descriptions by Track (Topic Focus)
College and Career Readiness
This track will support individuals to gain insights into the resources, tools, and strategies that can help them make informed choices, set clear goals, and build a successful post-high school transition.
In this session panelists will share their personal journeys, lessons learned, and practical insights about exploring post-secondary education, employment, independent living, and community engagement.
Success in college or other post-secondary programs often depends on having the right support in place. This session will provide students with disabilities with practical guidance on planning for and accessing academic accommodations. Learn how to navigate disability services, advocate effectively, and utilize tools and resources that promote inclusion and success in higher education settings. From understanding your rights under the ADA to building self-advocacy skills, this session equips you with the knowledge and confidence to thrive beyond high school.
Discover pathways to meaningful employment in this empowering session designed for individuals of all abilities. This session will explore inclusive strategies for preparing for the workforce, including how to build essential job skills, and navigate career development with confidence.
Supported Employment is a powerful model designed to help individuals with disabilities find and maintain meaningful work in the community. This session will explore how ongoing support services—such as job coaches and vocational counselors—play a critical role in helping individuals succeed in employment settings.
Self-Advocacy Exploration Track
This track is designed to empower participants with the knowledge and guidance needed for the next phase of their journey.
Learn how to build healthy relationships and set boundaries in personal and work settings. This session uses real-life examples and interactive tools to explore communication, consent, and public vs. private behavior.
Check back soon for more details.
This session will touch on entrepreneurship and non traditional career options. Discuss how personal passions and strengths can spark a career journey, including tips and ideas on getting started.
This session will introduce the concept of Executive Function Skills, and how these skills translate to young-adult life. Research to facilitate growth in EF skills, as well as functional strategies to support day-to-day functioning will be discussed. This introductory discussion will have you seeking more information WHILE setting you up to jumpstart an action plan to support Executive Function Skills.
Caregiver Track
This track is tailored for parents, guardians, and family members supporting teens and adults with disabilities. Sessions will focus on providing practical resources, guidance, and strategies to help caregivers navigate key aspects of the transition to adulthood.
Turning 18 is a big deal. An 18-year-old is legally considered an adult in Virginia and can make their own legal, financial, medical, and educational decisions. For some individuals with disabilities, this will not be an issue. Others may need support. This session will share basic information about things that need to be considered as your loved one turns 18.
Special Needs Planning involves organizing various services, supports, and protections in such a way that they last throughout the disabled person’s lifetime. This includes securing necessary funding such as ABLE accounts and social security, establishing protections such as special needs trusts and microboards, and identifying and putting into place services and supports that are needed now and in the future. This presentation will discuss those components, essential tools, and actions you can take to develop your special needs plan.
Navigating the healthcare system can be challenging—especially when advocating for a loved one with a disability. This session is designed to equip family members with practical, effective communication strategies to use when working with physicians and healthcare providers. Participants will learn how to prepare for appointments, clearly describe symptoms and concerns, ask the right questions, and ensure their loved one’s needs, preferences, and rights are respected. The session will also address common barriers in healthcare communication and how to foster collaborative, person-centered care.
This session will explore guardianship and a range of less restrictive legal alternatives that promote independence while providing necessary guidance. Participants will learn about options such as Supported Decision-Making (SDM), Powers of Attorney, Representative Payees, and Advance Directives. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each, how to determine the best fit for your family, and the importance of preserving the rights and autonomy of individuals with disabilities.
Join us as an Exhibitor
You’ll have the valuable opportunity to connect directly with students, families, and professionals who are actively planning for life after high school. Exhibitors play a critical role in this process by sharing programs, services, and tools, and supports that help bridge the gap between school and the adult world.
Join us for this meaningful chance to showcase your commitment to inclusion and accessibility, build community partnerships, and be part of a collective effort to create brighter futures for individuals with disabilities.
Cost: $75.00
SPONSORED BY
The Central Virginia Transition into Adulthood Coalition Life in the Community Committee
The Autism Society of Central Virginia, The Down Syndrome Association of Virginia, The Arc of Virginia, Jacob’s Chance, Beyond Boundaries, Commonwealth Autism, Northstar Academy, United Methodist Family Services, VCU, Bright Point Community College,
Special Olympics, The Arc of Hanover