Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic we've decided to host our Transition Fair Virtually! All of our exhibitors have provided a wealth of additional resources for you to explore! Please browse! You can also feel free to contact exhibitors listed below for more information about any of their programs. Many are now offering virtual information and sessions for you to enjoy!

Exhibitors

State Agencies:

• The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC): MRC connects youth with disabilities to many employment, leadership, and independent living supports to help ease the transition from high school to adult life.
• The Department of Developmental Services (DDS): DDS works to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate fully in their communities as valued members. DDS works with adults of all ages to connect them with an array of employment and day program supports, community living and other residential aid, and family support.
• The Department of Mental Health (DMH): DMH Adult Services focus on community-based supports designed to enable individuals receiving treatment to recover and thrive in their communities. Services they provide include case management, Adult Community Clinical Services (formerly CBFS), Programs of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT), Respite, Clubhouses, Recovery Learning Communities (RLCs), crisis stabilization units, and homelessness services.

Community Based Organizations & Non-Profit Groups:

• 3LPlace: 3LPlace is designed to empower young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities to reach their individual potential, to follow their passion, and to live meaningful lives in the community. 3LPlace offers a variety of day, weekend and evening programming for young adults and is located near Davis Square in Somerville, MA.
• AANE: The Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) helps people with Asperger's or similar autism spectrum and neurodiverse profiles build meaningful, connected lives. They provide individuals, families, and professionals with information, education, community, support, and advocacy — all in an inclusive atmosphere of validation and respect.
• Adult Family Care of SCES: Adult Family Care endeavors to ensure that people with disabilities are able to live in a supportive family setting that fosters the best quality of life for themselves and their caregivers.
• The ARC of Massachusetts/SUPPORTbrokers: Young adults and their families can hire a broker to help them find services and supports in their community. Brokers can help find transportation, housing, someone to help with daily activities, a job counselor, and other linkages within the community. Brokers can also facilitate and create a person-centered plans and help a person apply for Social Security or health insurance, among other benefits.
• Communitas: Formerly known as EMARC, Communitas has a track record of advocating passionately while compassionately delivering services and programs that expand opportunities, empower people, support independence and enrich lives. They offer family supports, residential services, day services, recreational programs, employment and volunteering opportunities.
• EPIC Service Warriors: Empowering People for Inclusive Communities (EPIC) prepares young people with disabilities to be actively engaged community leaders through education, leadership development and community service.
• Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN): The Federation provides information, support, and assistance to parents of children with disabilities, their professional partners, and their communities. They are committed to listening to and learning from families, and encouraging full participation in community life by all people, especially those with disabilities.
• Finding Futures Consulting: Finding Futures Consulting specializes in working with teens and young adults on identifying their unique talents, interests and passions and connecting those with job opportunities and career paths.
• JVS - Boston: Jewish Vocational Service in Boston (JVS) was founded in 1938 during the Great Depression to assist Jewish immigrants struggling to enter the American workforce. Today, JVS is among the oldest and largest providers of adult education and workforce development services in Greater Boston, serving a diverse clientele and helping people secure financial independence through educational and employment services. JVS offers services for adults with disabilities including the Connections Program and the Transitions to Work Program.
• Skills for Life: Occupational Therapists who specialize in working with young adults on transition skills needed for adult life. They provide support to young adults (16 & older) in their home communities as they learn to navigate and access their community.
• Special Needs Law: Dedicated to guiding families and individuals with special needs so that they can navigate the wide variety of legal issues that they may face. Additional resources are available here:
• Northeast ARC: The mission of The Northeast Arc helps people with disabilities become full participants in the community; choosing for themselves how to live, learn, work, socialize and play.
• Opportunity for Inclusion: The mission of Opportunity for Inclusion is to serve children, adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in the community. They provide quality, flexible programs, services and supports that are designed to foster inclusion, promote self-advocacy, and build community connections.
• Paratransit, Inc.: Offers ADA Paratransit service, vehicle maintenance, travel training, contract transportation, adaptive vehicle rentals, and mobility management.
• Partners for Youth with Disabilities: PYD programs are designed to provide young adults with disabilities three key things - self-confidence, community and purpose. They aim to build disability pride, leadership, healthy relationship skills, community involvement, and ensure that youth are successful in school and in seeking employment. Current programs include one to one mentoring, career readiness, online mentoring and theater arts. They even offer an online mentoring program available to youth across the United States.
• Riverside Community Care:
• Triangle, Inc. - School to Career Program: The School to Career Program serves students and recent grads aged 16-26 to help them plan their careers, expand their experience through community internships, and secure competitive employment. Employment Specialists work with students to jump-start their careers early on.
• Walnut Street Center: The Walnut Street Center is a nonprofit human service agency that provides adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity to live engaged and meaningful lives through a variety of support services that provide the opportunity to live, work, volunteer, and socialize within the community. Some of the services they provide include Day Habilitation and Community-Based Day Programs, Individual Support Services, Shared Living Supports, Residential Services, and 24-hour support.
• Work without Limits: Work without Limits is a network of employers, educational institutions, employment service providers, state and federal agencies, individuals with disabilities and their family members. The goal of Work Without Limits is to increase employment of people with disabilities until it is equal to those without disabilities.
• You're With Us: You’re With Us! is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and a Department of Developmental Services (DDS) service provider that creates inclusion opportunities for young adults with disabilities. The program identifies and trains college clubs, groups, and teams to welcome individuals with disabilities into their groups as they are. You’re With Us! believes that a meaningful life includes a home, a job, family, friends and social opportunities with their peers - able and otherwise. Click here to access their Virtual Fair Resources.

College Based Programs:

• The College Experience (Albany, NY): The College Experience is a two-year residential non-credit certificate program hosted by The College of Saint Rose in partnership with Living Resources. Through The College Experience, students with intellectual disabilities can practice living independently, make friends, intern at area businesses and become part of a diverse campus community.
• Institute for Community Inclusion: ICI is a research and training institute that promotes the full inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society. This is accomplished by training, research, consultation, and clinical and employment services. Our projects increase disability inclusion throughout New England, across the United States, and internationally. ICI is a program of UMass Boston and Boston Children’s Hospital. ICI is also a part of the national network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. Key projects include:
  • Think College: College options for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • ExploreVR: A data hub for research related to vocational rehabilitation.
  • The LEND Program at Boston Children's Hospital: Training health professionals and families to support children and youth with developmental disabilities.
• Transitional Scholars (Mass Bay Community College): Transitional Scholars is a student centered program designed for transition age students with a documented intellectual disability. This program serves students typically between 18-22 years old, currently enrolled in their high school transition programs or transitioning from high school to post-secondary education. The Transitional Scholars Program is designed for students who are interested in taking one (1) college course per semester and accessing the program’s services for a maximum of three (3) years.