News — Preparing for life after high school presents unique challenges for some people with neurodevelopmental disabilities like autism, ADHD, fragile X syndrome and Down syndrome. Understanding how to support young people during this transition is the focus of the Aug. 3.
The event is titled “We Belong: Preparing for Community Life and Fulfillment After High School.” The virtual presentation will take place from 9:00 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. and will feature:
- A keynote address by of Drexel University on research related to the journey to adulthood for people with disabilities.
- Panel discussions featuring self-advocates, individuals with disabilities, family members and providers, focused on planning, resources and strategies for living your best life.
The Summer Institute is free, but registration is required. .
“The Summer Institute is an opportunity for the community to learn about emerging research, policy and practice, and for providers and researchers to hear from people with lived experiences about what is important to them,” said , professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and director of the MIND Institute’s . “This bi-directional communication is key to making sure the work we do at the MIND Institute has a strong impact in the community.”
Stahmer, who is the chair of the Summer Institute event, encourages health care professionals, educators, therapists, self-advocates, families and caregivers and anyone with an interest in neurodevelopmental disabilities to attend.
A focus on self-advocacy and transition strategies
Preparation for life after high school is a critical, multi-faceted process, especially for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
“Transitioning and preparing for adulthood requires intentional planning, support and meaningful discussions long before the last year of high school,” said , program manager at the MIND Institute and co-coordinator of the Summer Institute. “It’s important to ensure that individuals are at the center of their own transition planning; all too often their voices, interests and dreams may be overshadowed. This event is an opportunity for individuals to share barriers, successes and strategies related to the transition journey and self-advocacy.”
The goal of the event is to help individuals and families identify personal, organizational and societal barriers to navigating the transition to adulthood, as well as strategies to overcome them.
“Self-advocacy has historically been an incredibly important part of civil rights for people with disabilities. It’s also often required to access appropriate services,” Stahmer explained.
The organizers hope participants will come away with resources and ideas to help them advocate for themselves.
Continuing Education Units are offered for health care professionals. . Attendance for the entire event is required to receive credit.
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