Each year, the TASH Conference brings together our constituents to share resources and success stories, learn about field-driven best practices, and network within a community engaged in shared values. The Conference is attended by passionate leaders, experts, and advocates from every corner of the disability community. Conference attendees are influential in their fields and communities, and play an important role in the provision of services and supports for the millions of individuals and organizations around the world; and include professors and researchers from leading institutions; those involved in local, state, and federal governments and public policy; special and general educators, and school administrators; self-advocates, adult service providers; students, family members, and many others. This year’s conference theme, Building Diverse and Inclusive Communities, reminds us that equity, opportunity, and inclusion relies on the input of broad perspectives and experiences.
While typical students graduate high school after 4 years and transition to work or higher education, these options are historically not available to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The University of Arizona's College of Education in collaboration with local school districts provide a unique fully inclusive postsecondary transition option for young adults, age 18-22 who have IDD. Project FOCUS (Focusing Opportunities with Community and University Support) facilitates access and inclusion to the University of Arizona's academic courses, internship experiences, and college life events in order to increase each student's independence, quality of life, and employability. A student in Project FOCUS will present about their experience transitioning from high school to higher education, attending college, and receiving employment training. A same-aged undergraduate peer mentor will present on how they foster self-determination of students with IDD to build a more diverse and inclusive university community.
