Bridging the Cliff: Student-Centered Innovations in Transition Planning and Employability

This session features four leaders sharing research-based strategies to empower youth with disabilities. Topics include student-led IEPs, professional behavior instruction for blind students, immersive career exploration for students with intellectual disabilities, and practical school-to-work experiences. Together, these approaches foster self-determination, employability, and inclusive postsecondary success. Participants will be able to: 1. Gain insights into replicable student-led IEP practices that promote meaningful participation in transition planning. 2. Explore strategies and outcomes for teaching professional behaviors to blind and visually impaired youth to enhance workplace readiness. 3. Learn how immersive tools and leadership curricula can support students with intellectual disabilities in career exploration and advocacy. 4. Discover practical models for bridging school to work, including partnerships and experiences that promote real-world skill development.