CASE Conf 2025

Rural Pathways to Independence: Building Adult Student (18-22) Transition Programs (Room 207 B second floor)

05 Nov 25
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

Tracks: Transition from School to Work

Speaker(s): Melissa Madden, Special Education Content Specialist, Oklahoma Public School Resource Center; Amanda Fleming, Director of Special Services, Purcell Public School

This session offers a practical roadmap for developing and implementing effective transition programs tailored to the needs of young adults with disabilities, aged 18-22, in resource-limited rural communities. It delves into the critical rationale behind student-centered transition programs, emphasizing the importance of individualized planning and empowering young adults to achieve their post-secondary goals. The session explores a simple, adaptable framework for building successful transition programs, addressing challenges, and leveraging the unique strengths of rural environments. Participants gain valuable insights from a rural school's firsthand experience, hearing their successes and lessons learned in launching an Adult Student (18-22) Transition Program. Attendees leave with actionable strategies and a renewed understanding of how to unlock pathways to independence for young adults in their rural communities.