Bridges to Transition Volume 23 | June 2026

Empowerment in Action: MS disAbility MegaConference Self‑Advocates

The 2026 Mississippi disAbility MegaConference Self-Advocacy conference was a huge success, welcoming 12 participants from around the state. Attendees spent two days learning about self-determination, social relationships, self-care, and the importance of using their voices.

Jessie Smart was the keynote speaker, sharing her personal journey as a self-advocate, discussed how to tell your story and the importance of personal independence.

The Wednesday night gala was filled with music, dancing, friends, and food. Day two ended with the self-advocates creating vision boards and presenting them to their peers. Providing these opportunities is vital for individuals with disabilities to celebrate their successes, share their hopes and dreams, and enjoy meaningful social experiences.

2026 Mississippi disAbility MegaConference: Big Conversations, Statewide Impact

The 2026 Mississippi disAbility MegaConference once again reminded us what’s possible when families, professionals, and self‑advocates come together with a shared purpose. From powerful keynote messages to practical breakout sessions, the conversations in Oxford will continue to shape systems, strengthen partnerships, and expand opportunities across our state.

Dr. Rebecca Hines, Commissioner of the Administration on Disabilities, attended the conference for a community conversation. Thanks to Dr. Jerry Alliston for his work in making this possible. Attendees engaged in meaningful dialogue about the future of disability advocacy and services across the state.

Keynote Speakers

Dr. M. Craig Moffett opened the conference with a keynote rooted in his lived experience with dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and autism—sharing how neurodiversity shaped his leadership in medicine, long‑term care, and community‑based supports.

Chris Chism, Superintendent of Pearl Public School District, presented a very informative session on “A.I. in Our World,” highlighting how data, technology, and artificial intelligence are transforming education statewide. His leadership has contributed to major gains in graduation rates and district performance, especially for students with disabilities.

Breakout Sessions

Across both days, attendees explored a wide range of topics, including:

Neurodivergent Advantage with Amber Sheppard
Early Developmental Screening with Ashley Jenkins
Employment Strategies for Individuals with Long COVID
Special Needs Planning & MS ABLE with Richard Courtney
Driving With a Disability with Eric Knox
Functional Communication & AAC with Dr. Wildmon
Advanced Crisis Planning
Medicaid Eligibility & Appeals with Cindy Brown
Mental Health Advocacy: Nothing About Us Without Us EVER with Dr. Joy Hogge

These sessions provided practical tools, statewide resources, and actionable strategies for families, educators, and professionals.

Postsecondary Opportunities Panel

A major highlight was the keynote panel on Postsecondary Options After High School, moderated by Dr. Jerry Alliston and featuring leaders from ACCESS at Mississippi State University, READY at the University of Mississippi, BLOOM at Itawamba Community College, and RISE at the University of Southern Mississippi. Panelists discussed inclusive higher education, employment pathways, and supports available to students with disabilities across Mississippi.

Wayne Lauderdale with LIFE of Mississippi, recipient of the 2026 Daryel Dunaway Spirit of the Eagle Award. Mississippi’s Daryel Dunaway Spirit of the Eagle Award honors individuals whose leadership, advocacy, and commitment have created meaningful, lasting change for people with disabilities across the state. Wayne Lauderdale’s work with LIFE of Mississippi exemplifies this legacy of service, empowerment, and community impact.

Learn more!

Youth Leadership Council Empowers Young People With Disabilities Across the Region

Young people with disabilities deserve spaces where their voices are heard, their leadership is nurtured, and their futures are taken seriously. The Youth Leadership Council (YLC)—a regional initiative supported by Independent Futures That Work (IFTW)—is doing exactly that.

Open to youth and young adults with disabilities ages 14–26 across Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas, the YLC brings together young leaders who want to grow their self‑advocacy skills, build confidence, and make a meaningful impact in their schools and communities.

IFTW, a multi‑state project led by the Alabama Parent Education Center, focuses on helping youth with disabilities successfully transition into adulthood by providing training, resources, and opportunities for leadership. The program emphasizes the importance of youth being actively involved in planning for their own futures—learning what supports they need and how to access them.

What the Youth Leadership Council Offers

Members of the YLC participate in monthly virtual meetings designed to help them:

Build self‑advocacy and leadership skills
Give input and advise IFTW on issues affecting youth with disabilities
Connect with peers across six states
Learn how to be active members of their schools and communities
Develop confidence in speaking up for their needs and goals

The council meets every second Monday at 6:00 p.m. CST via Zoom, making it accessible to youth throughout the region.

Why This Matters

Transitioning from high school into adulthood can be overwhelming for youth with disabilities. IFTW exists to support that transition by helping young people learn, live, and work more independently. The YLC gives them a platform to practice real‑world leadership while shaping the very programs designed to support them.

For many participants, the council becomes a place to build friendships, gain confidence, and discover their own voice—skills that carry into employment, education, and independent living.

How to Get Involved

Youth who want to join the council can complete the interest form linked on the flyer.

For questions or more information, contact:

Katrina Wellborn

Phone: 334‑567‑2252

Learn more!

Student-Led Transition IEP Toolkit

This toolkit provides educators, Parent Centers, and youth-serving organizations with ready-to-use videos and accessible worksheets designed to build student voice, self-advocacy, and leadership within the IEP and transition planning process.

All videos reference and align with the screen reader–friendly versions of the accompanying documents to ensure accessible use for all learners.

Across four sections and a wrap-up video, students develop self-awareness, learn about their rights, create meaningful transition goals, and build the skills to lead or co-lead their own IEP meetings. Each section includes instructional videos and screen reader–friendly resources to support inclusive implementation in classrooms, workshops, and family engagement settings.

Together, these tools promote self-determination, collaboration, and meaningful student participation in transition planning.

Access the Toolkit Here!

National Research Project! Recruitment is now open for 10 schools to participate in the Transition Coalition research study, funded by a US Dept of Education grant.

The opportunity offers high-quality professional development for high school teams:

• Training to improve transition planning and assessment

• Create a custom transition assessment toolkit

• Participate in post-training coaching for further improvements.

• During Fall 2026 or Fall 2027, the research study will examine educator and student outcomes.

• Funding for participating is available.

Learn more: https://www.tcselfstudy.org/

Thinking about college for a student with an intellectual disability? Check out our Insight Brief “An Overview of the Admissions Process and Eligibility Criteria for Postsecondary Education Programs for Students with Intellectual Disability,” which breaks down what you need to know.

Based on a national study & interviews with postsecondary programs, this resource highlights:

• What programs look for during admissions

• Common eligibility criteria

• Steps and timelines to expect

• Tips for students, families, and educators to prepare

Get the full brief and start planning for college today at https://thinkcollege.net/.../admis.../becoming-college-bound.

Designing Your Career:

The Informational Interview

Learn about informational interviews and how talking with someone about their job, career path, and workplace can help young adults with disabilities explore careers, ask questions, and discover jobs that match their interests and goals.

Watch the video here! Find all 6 of our animated shorts on Designing Your Career at: http://bit.ly/2ytXebX

MSPTI Resources

It's Still A Good IDEA

(601) 969-0601 - Office