Youth Disability Transition Webinar Series

Name: Youth Disability Transition Webinar Series
Start: 2026-04-18T16:00:00Z
End: 2026-10-17T18:30:00Z

April 18 to October 17, 2026

Registration

The Youth Transition Summit continues with a Virtual Webinar Series designed to support the transition of youth with disabilities into adulthood.

Originally planned as in-person breakout sessions, these topics will now be delivered as accessible virtual webinars held once a month from April through December 2026, on Saturdays from 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM. Each session will feature two transition-focused topics, providing practical strategies, resources, and guidance for navigating the path to adulthood.
All webinars will be hosted on Zoom and include live captioning and Spanish interpretation to ensure accessibility for all participants.

The Youth Transition Webinar Series is designed for families, caregivers, educators, and professionals. Each session offers opportunities to learn from experts, engage in interactive discussions, and gain tools that support long-term success and independence.

This series builds on our mission to provide meaningful learning, connection, and actionable resources that empower youth with disabilities to achieve their goals and lead fulfilling adult lives.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

$40 registration fee.
Registration is inclusive of the entire 12 month series.
All sessions will be recorded, so if you miss a session you will be sent a link to the recording.
Current schedule subject to change.

We look forward to having you join us throughout the series!

Webinar Series Topics

(for detailed schedule see the "Schedule" tab)

Medicaid Transition and Eligibility SupportsDHCFP will provide an overview of Medicaid services available for recipients with disabilities during transition. Additionally, we can touch on the Katie Beckett program and what comes after these services end.

- Sandra Villalvazo-Warner, Social Services Manager III, Nevada Department of Health and Human Services.

- Cherie Stagner- Healthcare Coordinator IV, Nevada Department of Health and Human Services.

- Vanessa Justice - Social Services Program Specialist III, Division of Welfare and Supportive Services.

Building Your Future: How ABLE Accounts Support IndependenceThis session will introduce the basics of ABLE Accounts and how they can support financial independence for individuals with disabilities in Nevada. Learn how these accounts work, who qualifies, and how they can be used as part of a broader transition and independence plan.

- Erik Jimenez - Chief Policy Deputy at the Nevada State Treasurer's Office.

Supported Decision-Making and Guardianship: Knowing Your OptionsSession will review Supported Decision Making in Nevada as a meaningful alternative to guardianship, including a review of what Supported Decision Making is; how to create a Supported Decision Making Agreement, other alternatives to guardianship, and a review of available resources.   The session will also provide an overview of sdmnevada.org and important information relating to the needs of those utilizing supported decision-making agreements.

- Alex Cherup, Esq.; Executive Director; Nevada Legal Services, Inc.

- Catherine Nielsen, MPA; Executive Director; Nevada Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities

Transportation Supports and Services Across NevadaThis presentation provides an overview of disability transportation options available within the state of Nevada, focusing on how individuals and families can access safe, reliable transportation for medical appointments, education, employment, and daily activities. Participants will learn about common transportation types, eligibility and scheduling processes, and key considerations when choosing services. The session is designed to empower individuals with disabilities, families, and educators with practical knowledge to navigate transportation resources and support greater independence and community participation.

- Angela Vereen; GMT Care

- RTC Access Southern Nevada

- RTC Access Northern Nevada

Vocational Rehabilitation: Transition ServicesVocational Rehabilitation & Transition from Middle School into Adulthood: Understand the services that VR can provide to transition-age youth: Disabilities as Barriers, Supports for students for vocational planning, Counseling & Guidance, Financial supports, Vocational Exploration, Job Placement, Post-Secondary Education, and Internships.

- Audra Murray Program Officer - Pre-ETS Instruction (In Class and In Community); Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS); Nevada Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation; Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation

- David Fisher, M.A. CR; Rehabilitation Supervisor

Tools for Independence: Assistive Technology Into AdulthoodThis presentation is designed for individuals with disabilities, their families, and educators to explore assistive technology (AT) options available after high school in Nevada. It will cover how AT can support independence in education, employment, daily living, and community participation, explain who may be responsible for paying for devices and services (including insurance, vocational rehabilitation, and other funding sources), and highlight local and statewide resources that provide evaluations, training, and ongoing support. Participants will leave with practical information on accessing AT, navigating funding pathways, and connecting with community partners to maximize independence and success beyond graduation.

- Scott Youngs; Senior Project Manager
Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities
Nevada Assistive Technology Resource Center

- Mike Marberry; Care Chest

From Vision to Viability: Self-Employment Pathways for People with DisabilitiesThis panel explores self-employment as an empowering career option for people with disabilities, combining lived experience with systems expertise. Two Nevada families will share their journeys starting small businesses, highlighting entrepreneurship, independence, and business realities. Experts will explain supports—including Vocational Rehabilitation, Ticket to Work, and the PASS program—that can fund training and startup costs while protecting benefits. Attendees will gain practical strategies for using family advocacy and work incentives to support successful self-employment.

- Diana Rovetti, NCED Senior Project Coordinator and Parent and Jack Rovetti

- Mona Melton-Lund and Noah Melton

- Sandra Lee Jersey - Job Developer

- David Fisher, M.A. CR; Rehabilitation Supervisor

Middle School Transition from Beginning to EndMiddle School Transition Information, presented by the Nevada LEND cohort, emphasizes the importance of initiating the transition process in middle school by providing both educator and parent perspectives. This includes sharing critical information about IEPs, diploma options, and practical strategies for engaging students, families, and educators early in planning for future independence. Through presentations and discussion panels, we will highlight real-life experiences from families navigating disability and transition, identify what has been helpful and what remains confusing, and gather feedback on how current supports can be improved and made more accessible.

- Alexa Young M.Ed., Assistive Technology Specialist

- Skye Phillips, Ed.S., NCSP and LCSD Director of Transition Services

Independent Living Options in NevadaThis presentation provides an overview of independent living options in Nevada for individuals with disabilities transitioning from school to adulthood. It highlights supports available through programs such as Betty’s Village, Neighbor Network of Northern Nevada, and Sierra Regional Center, focusing on housing, community integration, and daily living assistance. Designed for families, caregivers, advocates, and educators, the session offers practical guidance to help individuals achieve greater independence and a successful transition to adult life.

- Hannah Seiger; Betty’s Village,

- Amy Dewitt Smith, MPA; Neighbor Network of Northern Nevada

- Courtney Keys; Sierra Regional Center

Learning as We Go: Young Adults Discuss Transition Challenges and SuccessesThis presentation, Learning as We Go: Young Adults Discuss Transition Challenges and Successes, features young adults sharing their personal experiences navigating the transition from school to adulthood with a disability. Participants will hear firsthand about the challenges, strategies, and successes these individuals have encountered in education, employment, independent living, and community participation. The session offers valuable insights for families, caregivers, educators, and advocates to better support youth during this critical stage of life.

- Shelby Benzing

- Ellie Buck

- Noah Melton

- Sami Schafer

Post-secondary educationLearn about the post-secondary education programs offered at UNR, WNC, and UNLV! Participants will learn more about the Path to Independence program at UNR and the Project FOCUS (Forming Occupational for Career Life Studies) Program at UNLV, get an overview of the program expectations, financial aid, work rotations, and student life from academics to independent living!

- Truckee Meadows Community College

- Project FOCUS

- Western Nevada College

Unique transition service implementation in the Rurals - The challenges and successes, even through the limitations of smaller communitiesThis presentation explores the unique challenges and successes of implementing transition services for youth with disabilities in rural communities. Despite the limitations of smaller towns, participants will learn strategies that have helped youth access education, employment, and independent living opportunities. Designed for individuals with disabilities, families, advocates, and educators, the session highlights practical solutions and creative approaches that make successful transitions possible in rural settings, offering valuable lessons that other programs can apply in their own communities.

- LeighAnn Hill. M.A. Ed Compliance & Transition Coordinator, Special Services, ECSD.

- Skye Phillips, Ed.S., NCSP and LCSD Director of Transition Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to common questions about the conference.

Head over to our registration tab, and complete the online form. Select your ticket type, provide the required information, and submit payment to secure your spot.

The conference is virtual only.

Once you register and indicate that you will be a virtual participant, you will receive an email closer to the conference with a zoom link to access the upcoming session.

To request accommodations or accessibility supports, please indicate your needs during the registration process. If you have additional requests or need to make changes after registering, you can contact the conference team directly using the contact information listed on the website. We encourage you to submit requests as early as possible so we can best support your needs.