Youth Transition Conference
The Youth Transition Conference gives students opportunities to learn more about employment, post-secondary education, social and independent living skills, self-advocacy and more. Participants will meet service providers, role models, and other youth with similar needs.
When & Where
Friday, November 7
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Mid-State Technical College
Wisconsin Rapids Campus
Conference Cost: The cost of this conference for general attendees is $34, but individuals registering for DVR support will only be charged $5. If a student would like to be funded by DVR please reach out to Caralee Morrison, DVR (715.679.5527) for instructions on how to register a student.
Registration deadline: October 24, 2025
Schedule at a Glance
| 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. | Check In |
| 9:00 – 9:15 a.m. | Introduction and Welcome in the Gymnasium |
| 9:15 – 10:00 a.m. | Keynote Speaker – Cody Clark |
| 10:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Break |
| 10:15 – 11:00 a.m. | Breakout Sessions One |
| 11:00 – 11:15 a.m. | Break |
| 11:15 a.m. – Noon | Breakout Sessions Two |
| Noon – 12:30 p.m. | Lunch |
| 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. | Magic Show with Cody Clark |
| 1:00 – 1:45 p.m. | Breakout Sessions Three |
| 1:45 – 2:00 p.m. | Wrap Up and Door Prizes in Gymnasium |
Keynote Title – Revealing the Secrets Behind Essential Skills
Keynote Description:
Cody breaks the magician’s code by revealing some secrets….but not of magic tricks! Instead, he’ll be sharing the secrets behind essential life skills. These can seem harder for disabled people than everyone else, which is why Cody offers simple, easy to remember techniques for personal management skills, handling conflicts, and taking care of your emotions. By the time this talk ends, your students will have the essential skills needed for work and home.
Presenter Bio
Cody Clark is a professional magician/autistic self-advocate from Louisville, KY. He shares his magic shows and talks for audiences ranging from public library patrons, K-12 students, college students, educators, and corporate employees how autism makes him see the world differently and that he and others with autism have similar life goals and desires as anyone else. His mission is to help people realize that differences like autism are nothing to be scared of - but rather a different way of thinking.
His past clients include major universities like University of Kentucky and Ohio State University, corporations like Energizer Batteries, Domino’s Pizza, and Delta Faucet Company, and he’s even testified for the U.S. House of Representatives Small Business Committee! He can be found at codyclarkmagic.com or on social media as @codyclarkmagic.
Event Sponsor
Breakout Sessions One
- You got the job! What now? - Michelle Lucek
- Bridging the Gap: Moving to Adult Health Care – Allison Lourash
- Your Resume, Your Story: Crafting a Winning First Impression – Tiffany Johnson
- Supported Decision Making – Jordan Anderson
- Everyone has a story to tell: Share Yours Today! – Ashley Nickel
- Social Media & Internet Safety – Wood County Sherriff’s Department
- Volunteering with a Pawpose – Dorothy O’Connor
- Exhibitor Visit & Mid-State Tours
Breakout Sessions Two
- Interview Do's & Don'ts: From Oops to Awesome - Amanda Foley & Danielle Nystrom
- Adaptive Career Awareness Series: An inclusive Exploration at Mid-State Technical College - Benjamin Nusz
- Housing, Employment, and Assistive Technology - Julie Reindl & Jennifer Rindfleisch
- Options for your Mental Health - Michele Losey
- Be Buffalo - Courage, Empathy, and Values - Samantha Szynskie
- IRIS 101 – Amanda Flater
- Find Your Voice, Use Your Voice: Empowering Students to Advocate and Build Connections - Katey Fortun
- Exhibitor Visit & Mid-State Tours
Breakout Sessions Three
- Mental Health Matters: Empowering Youth for a Healthy Transition - Scott Huntington
- Finding Your Purpose: Connecting Employers to Your Strengths - Stacey Teegardin & Theresa Iacullo
- Building Your Future: Community Connections and Support - Paul Mross & Megan Acheson
- Independence Through Assistive Technology: Supports After Transition – Cassie Frost
- Be Buffalo - Courage, Empathy, and Values - Samantha Szynskie
- Social Media & Internet Safety – Wood County Sherriff’s Department
- Find Your Voice, Use Your Voice: Empowering Students to Advocate and Build Connections - Katey Fortun
- Exhibitor Visit & Mid-State Tours
Questions
Contact Sara Schueller (ODC Inc) at sschueller@odcinc.com regarding event questions.
-OR-
Ashley Borchardt (Mid-State Technical College) regarding registration inquiries.
If you have a disability and need accommodations to take part in this activity, please let us know. Contact the event coordinator as soon as possible, ideally 14 days in advance.
