Online series helps families of youth with disabilities plan for adulthood

Families of young people with disabilities who are moving out of school and into adult services can join an online series that starts tonight, Sept. 30. Stone Soup Group, which helps Alaska families of children with disabilities, runs the sessions at no cost. The first, "Transition 101: Pick Your Own Pathway," is from 6 to 7:30 pm on Zoom, and registration is online at stonesoupgroup.org.

The group's 2026-2027 Transitions Series, "Pathway to the Future," continues online at the same hours on Nov. 18, Jan. 27, Feb. 24 and March 31, and ends with an in-person finale on April 24, according to the group's registration page. Topics include employment and disability benefits, youth training programs, advocacy, and IEPs and school. Under Alaska's transition guidance, a student's Individualized Education Program must include a postsecondary transition plan once the student turns 16.

Stone Soup Group is Alaska's designated state and federal Parent Training and Information Center, a federally funded source of help for families of children with disabilities, according to the state's Alaska Transition Pathways to Adulthood handbook. "Our services are free, and we're available statewide," the group says.

Stone Soup Group asks for two weeks' notice for accommodations. Requests go to Lisa B. at [email protected] or 907-792-3414.