Free Wasilla summit Monday aims to help students with disabilities plan for adulthood

The LINKS Resource Center, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District and IDEA Homeschool will host a free transition summit and resource expo from 1 to 5 pm Monday, Nov. 2, at Mat-Su Career & Tech High School in Wasilla. The event is open to students with disabilities ages 14 to 21, their families, educators and community partners.

Organizers say the afternoon is meant to help students and families navigate the transition into adulthood. Families can meet community organizations, attend panel discussions and learn about education, employment, independent living and community supports.

Three breakout sessions are planned:

• College & Career Pathways covers resources for school and work after graduation.

• IEP & Transition Planning explains the individualized education program process and how to plan for adulthood.

• Housing & Independent Living covers housing information and independent-living services available across Alaska.

Students can also sit for mock interviews. Organizers encourage those who plan to take part to dress professionally.

This is the second year for the Connected for Success summit. The Alaska Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education shared the announcement on behalf of LINKS, a Wasilla-based center that has operated for more than 30 years. In June, LINKS hosted a disability services fair for Mat-Su families in Wasilla.

The district runs community-based transition programs for adult students ages 18 to 22 with significant disabilities. Placement is decided by each student's IEP team, according to its special education office.

Statewide, a 2025 annual report on Alaska's vocational rehabilitation programs counted 1,482 students with disabilities ages 14 to 21 from 116 Alaska communities who received pre-employment transition services, including job exploration counseling, work-based learning and workplace readiness training. The report says Alaska's vocational rehabilitation system spent nearly $2 million on those services for students under its Potentially Eligible program in 2025.

Walk-ins are accepted and receive one grand-prize entry, according to the LINKS event page. Those who RSVP early get two. LINKS takes questions about the summit, registration and participation at 907-373-3632.