A Day at the Navigating the Road to Life Transition Fair 

I traveled to Polson on April 23rd to represent the Rural Institute at the Navigating the Road to Life Transition Fair. Organized by Kris Kelly, the event brought together students, families, educators, and community agencies to help connect youth with disabilities and their families to services and supports available after high school. Organizations from across the region attended, including Vocational Rehabilitation, Salish Kootenai College, Flathead Valley Community College, Polson Job Service, and many other local providers.

I was grateful to attend alongside Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) members Valerie, Maclaen, and Crystal—family members and adults with disabilities who help guide and inform the work we do at the Rural Institute. They helped me table throughout the day by greeting families and students, sharing information about the many Rural Institute programs available across Montana, and handing out resources and swag to attendees.

One of the most meaningful parts of the day was seeing the excitement and optimism of the students themselves. Many of the young people I spoke with were eager to begin working after high school, continue on with college courses, and learn more about resources that could help them build even greater independence in adulthood. It was also clear how deeply respected and appreciated Kris Kelly is within the community. Students greeted her warmly throughout the event, and it was easy to see the impact of her many years of hard work supporting successful postsecondary transition outcomes for youth in the area.