Quick look: Students with disabilities and their families will gather March 10 in Irvine for the second annual “Empowering Transitions, Building Futures” event. The countywide event features a new student leadership conference, a youth business showcase and a resource fair with more than 75 agencies.
Students with disabilities and their families from across Orange County will gather March 10 in Irvine for the second annual “Empowering Transitions, Building Futures” event — a countywide effort to connect young people to the services, skills and partnerships that support life after high school.
Hosted by the Orange County Local Partnership Agreement, the event will take place at the Irvine Unified School District Learning Center. Families are encouraged to register in advance by Feb. 26.
Last year’s event drew more than 75 service providers and over 500 attendees. Organizers say this year’s gathering builds on that momentum with an expanded focus on student leadership and regional access to services.
Centering student voice
New this year is the first Annual Student Leadership Conference, held from 1 to 4 p.m. Approximately 30 self-advocates will participate in peer-led sessions focused on self-determination, goal setting and self-advocacy.
Branded “The Power of Our Voices,” the conference will include a keynote address by Sean McElwee of the Born This Way Foundation, along with networking and leadership activities.
By centering students as presenters and participants, organizers aim to reinforce that young people with disabilities are leaders in shaping their own education, employment and life pathways.
“This countywide transition event reflects our shared commitment to preparing students with disabilities for meaningful adult lives,” said Molly Fults, assistant director of the Orange County Department of Education’s Connections program. “From student-led businesses to family workshops, the goal is to equip students and families with the tools, connections and confidence to move forward with purpose.”
Services and workforce partners
From 4 to 7 p.m., families can explore a resource fair featuring more than 75 agencies, organized by service type. A dedicated section will spotlight providers serving Southern Orange County, helping address gaps in access to support.
The event will also include a student-led microenterprise showcase, where young entrepreneurs will display and sell products from their own small businesses. Additional workshops will cover topics such as conservatorship, estate planning, supported decision-making and person-centered planning.
A long-standing partnership
The Orange County Local Partnership Agreement is led by the Thompson Policy Institute at Chapman University and includes OCDE among its core members. The partnership brings together individuals with disabilities, families, school districts, state agencies and workforce development organizations to strengthen pathways to inclusive employment and long-term career opportunities for youth and adults ages 14 through 30 — and beyond.
OCDE representatives from the Connections program serve in leadership roles across several OCLPA work groups, helping coordinate employer partnerships and job development strategies and sharing resources with school staff, students and families throughout the county.
Families and exhibitors can learn more and register for the March 10 event online:
Parent registration: https://bit.ly/ParentMarch10
Exhibitor registration: https://bit.ly/ExhibitorMarch10
