Tools for Life 2008
 

A move across the state, a power outage, a wait list of attendees, and a missing keynote speaker were some of the challenges that marked the fourth annual Tools for Life: Secondary Transition and Technology Fair held on March 3-4, 2008 at the Shilo Inn in Idaho Falls. Despite these challenges, this year’s conference also proved to be one of the best. Passionate local support fueled the event with energy, new ideas, creative problem solving, and physical support. Record youth turnout, record number of presenters, and record number of registrations made this year’s Tools for Life conference a remarkable and unexpected success.

The Tools for Life conference is designed to help high school students with disabilities and those that support them - plan and prepare for life after high school. The conference is a vision of the Idaho Interagency Council on Secondary Transition, and sponsored by the Idaho Department of Education, Center on Disabilities and Human Development’s Assistive Technology Project, and the Council on Developmental Disabilities. National keynote speakers Rulon Gardner and LeDerick Horne helped set the tone for the event with their inspiring stories of struggles with learning and meeting their future goals.

 

 

Tools for Life is the product of the collaboration of the Idaho Interagency Council on  Secondary Transition with representatives from education, state and federal agencies, parents, and self-advocates, all working toward increased opportunities for transitioning students with disabilities in higher education, employment, community living and recreation.  In short, it is the annual showcase for the many individual and group efforts and activities occurring around the state to collaborate, inspire, and educate students, educators, families and agencies about the issues surrounding secondary transition.

Conference coordinators and presenters have witnessed the blossoming and self-determination of the young adults with disabilities who have participated in these efforts over the last few years.  This year the fair served over 500 attendees with over 200 of them being students.  There were fifty breakout sessions covering  assistive technology, education, self-determination, employment, post-secondary education, supporting rural families and community living.  Keynote speakers, Rulon Gardner and LeDerick Horne and luncheon keynote speaker, Michael O'Bleness gave inspiration to many.

 

Additional Read materials:

The Tools for Life 2008 Registration Booklet

2008 Tools Fair Conference at a Glance

Tools for Life 2008 Pictures

Go Back to Main Tools for Life page.