Building Pathways to Postsecondary Success for Rural Students With Disabilities

This session highlights evidence-based strategies for developing postsecondary pathways for students with disabilities living in rural communities. Presenters will share lessons learned from a rural outreach initiative connecting students and families to college and career options through transition planning and interagency collaboration. Practical tools and implementation tips will be provided.Participants will be able to: 1. Identify and describe three core components of the Pathways to Success program that align with evidence-based transition practices and postschool predictors, including strategies for supporting enrollment, funding access, course completion, and career connection for students with disabilities in rural communities. 2. Apply practical tools and planning templates from the Pathways to Success programs to strengthen IEP development, interagency coordination, and family engagement in transition programs. 3. Analyze and adapt implementation strategies from the Pathways to Success program to fit the needs and constraints of their own rural or under-resourced educational settings, with consideration for staffing, community partnerships, and student-centered planning processes.