TRANSITION TALK: WHAT I WISH I KNEW

 FCSN staff will be part of this conversation about transition for families and professionals. Hear from families who struggled but found success with their young adult with disabilities on their journey to adulthood. Some great tips are coming your way: from IEP goals, the right environment, using Charting the LifeCourse tools to plan, housing, college, and so much more!

 

Date: November 4, 2026

Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Location: Zoom

Register here! Transition Talk: “What I Wish I Knew” — Unexpected Pathways – Perkins School for the Blind

 

IN-PERSON TRANSITION CONFERENCE: SAT. 10/24/2026

 

Arc of MA Transition Journeys Conference: Tools for Today, Hope for Tomorrow

 

Registration is now open for Transition Journeys 2026: Tools for Today, Hope for Tomorrow, The Arc of Massachusetts’ premier conference for families, self-advocates, and professionals navigating the transition to adulthood for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism.   FCSN will be there! With more than 20 workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, families and professionals will gain valuable guidance on a variety of topics, including adult services, housing, higher education, health care, transportation, advocacy, employment, and more.   PDPs avail for educators and social workers.   Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026 Location: Renaissance Framingham Hotel and Conference Center Cost: $125 with discounts available Register

FREE TOOL TO EXPLORE CAREER PATHWAYS

 Your Career, Your Path

MassHire CIS 360 is a free tool where you can explore career pathways, map out education and training options, and access the guidance you need to reach your goals.

Your school, organization, or local Career Center may have recommended you used this tool.

 

MassHire CIS 360 can help you:

• Explore careers
• Plan your education or training
• Prepare for your job search

 

To sign up: Go to the MassHire Career Information System 360 website.

 

Employers and jobseekers can visit MassHire Career Centers for:

• Job search and career planning support
• Interview, resume, and career planning workshops
• Training and education resources
• State and local job market information

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month This week, FCSN is highlighting MassHire resources and programs for youth! This a link to the main page. There are also pages for different areas of the state. This is not part of MassAbility – it’s an additional program young adults with disabilities can access!

National Disability Employment Month - FREE VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

 

Making Work Work For All: Tools to Support Positive Employment Outcomes

 

TransCen is celebrating National Disability Employment Month (NDEAM) by offering a free webinar that introduces proven strategies and actionable tools for supporting individuals with disabilities as they pursue employment.  Participants will receive: ·    a complimentary Employment Process Guide ·    Positive Personal Profile & Life Skills Assessment ·    a first look at TransCen’s new e-learning course Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026 Time: 12–1pm Cost: Free Register

Local Shared Art-making Workshops for People with IDD and Their Caregivers

Don't miss: this SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2026 at the Northampton Center for the Arts!

This workshop is provided by my friend, Gayla Berry.

Check out the article in the Daily Hampshire Gazette, “Beyond the ‘exception,’”  which really captures what’s behind these workshops: the importance of creating programs specifically designed for people with Intellectual Disabilities and their caregivers.

Before Accepting a Diploma: Must Know Information!

 

DEADLINE APPROACHES for a 2026 Family Grant from Neurodiversity Support for Children

 DON'T DELAY!

There is 1 week left to apply for a 2026 Family Grant from Neurodiversity Support for Children, Inc. to help fund a neuropsychological evaluation, behavioral health treatment, &/or advocacy & legal services. Please share with Massachusetts families who may need these services. https://www.neurodiversitysupportforchildren.com/family-grants

 

FAMILY GRANT PROGRAM
Empowering families. Fostering resilience. 

NSC provides financial assistance to families with a neurodivergent child (ages 1-17). Financial assistance is offered to families for neuropsychological evaluations, advocacy services, and research-supported therapy.​

​

​Grant amounts:

• up to $5,000 per family

 

Who is eligible: 

• Neurodivergent children who have a diagnosed or suspected developmental, neurological, social, learning, &/or psychological disability
• Massachusetts resident
• Parents/guardians should be able to clearly outline their need for financial assistance and plan for usage of grant funds. 
• Parents may apply once every calendar year; there is a limit of 3 awards per family.

 

 

 

 

Any questions, please contact Neurodiversity Support for Children, Inc. directly: https://www.neurodiversitysupportforchildren.com/contact