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SPAN's Transition Mini-Conference: Reflections

On Saturday, April 11th, SPAN hosted a mini-conference at Essex County College focused on transition to adulthood . Open to parents, youth, and professionals, the event provided resources and talking points centered on transition to adulthood and self-advocacy.  The Youth Engagement Team, along with members of the YEV (Youth Empowering Voices) led a presentation about self-advocacy. This presentation, with the addition of various resources and activities, received plenty of positive feedback from those in attendance . Overall, the Mini-Conference was a total success. We want to express our gratitude to our YEV council members for attending the conference, providing support and feedback during Engagement Team's presentation, and inspiring the other youth in attendance. Special thanks to: Jordan Pratt Corie "Bridge" Weber Harshil Jain Your support helps SPAN fulfill its mission of advocating for families and children with disabilities and special health and emotional needs...
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IEL Youth Transition Reports

The Institute for Educational Leadership’s 2025 Youth Transition Report looks at how young people with  disabilities are doing as they move into adulthood. It shows that many are finishing high school, but  fewer go on to college, and even fewer complete a degree. While more young people with disabilities  are finding jobs compared to past years, they are still less likely to be working than those without  disabilities. Some youth also face challenges staying connected to school or employment. At the same time, the report shares some positive news. Things are slowly improving in areas like  education and jobs, and the gap between youth with and without disabilities is starting to shrink in  some ways. However, many young people with disabilities still face higher levels of poverty and fewer  opportunities. Overall, the report shows that more support and better opportunities are needed to help  these young people succeed as adults. You can check ou...
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The Power of Words: How Leading Questions Shape Conversations

Conversations help us understand each other, share ideas, and make decisions. The questions we ask can change how a conversation goes. Even small changes in wording can make a big difference.  
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Creating Healthy Habits: Make Better Choices Easier

Building healthy habits can feel hard at first, especially when you already have a lot going on. Many people start off motivated but lose that motivation after a short time. The truth is, healthy habits are not about being perfect—they are about doing your best and staying consistent.  
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Building Self-Confidence: Believing in Yourself, from Elevatus Training

" 4 Steps to Unlock Confidence" is a passage and guided activity from Elevatus Training's newsletter, designed to help individuals reflect on their strengths and develop a more positive self-image.  The passage shows that self-confidence is very important for having good relationships. It explains that self-confidence means believing in yourself and your abilities, while self-esteem is about feeling good about who you are. When people feel confident, they are more likely to speak up, set boundaries, and choose relationships that are safe and supportive. This makes it clear that confidence is a key part of building strong friendships and romantic connections. The passage also talks about the challenges that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities may face, like negative messages from society and internalized ableism, which can make it harder to feel confident. It encourages readers to see that confidence can grow over time with practice, reflection, and sup...
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Taking Care of Your Mind: How Youth Can Support Their Mental Health

Taking care of mental health is important for anyone, let alone young adults. Many youth face challenges such as school pressure, social expectations, and big life changes. Learning to understand and talk about mental health can help youth feel supported and better able to handle these challenges.  
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Tools of Change: The History of Assistive Technology and the Disability Rights Movement

Assistive technology has played an important role in helping people with disabilities participate more fully in daily life. These tools—ranging from mobility aids to communication devices—are designed to support independence, access, and inclusion. While many people think of assistive technology as a modern innovation, its history stretches back many centuries.  
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