iCan Dream Center Adulting Conference

Thinking about what comes after high school? Take a "college day" and attend an exciting conference planned special for neurodiverse youth.
About this Event

🌟 Who Should Attend?

The iCan Dream Center Adulting Conference is designed for everyone invested in the journey from high school to independence:

👩‍🎓 High School Seniors who will be eligible for transition services in the 2027–2028 school year are invited to “try on” iCan Dream Center programs—or simply gain practical insight from sessions covering all things emerging adulthood.

🎓 College & Career Seekers exploring resources for local colleges, vocational training, and workforce pathways designed to support individuals with autism and other neurodiverse learning needs.

👩‍🏫 Educators who want to bring their students, gain powerful new strategies, and even earn a CEU while they’re here.

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents & Families ready to discover agencies, services, and community resources that can help their young adult take the next steps toward independence with confidence.

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Agenda

🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
Conference Lineup

Info: Check-in, receive your conference badge and swag bag.

🕑: 09:30 AM - 09:45 AM
Keynote Address
Host: Dr. Evisha Ford

Info: An inspiring opening by Dr. Evisha Ford encouraging attendees to embrace the journey of emerging adulthood.

🕑: 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
BLOCK ONE |Sleep Smart, Spend Smart, Scroll Smart
🕑: 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
Dreaming Forward: Transition Planning 1 CEU AVAILABLE
Host: LaKisha Thigpen Chief School Officer , iCDC

Info: The move from high school to adulthood is a pivotal moment for students with diverse learning and developmental needs. Too often, these young adults are underestimated or misunderstood. This workshop is designed for parents, educators, and practitioners seeking effective strategies to support successful transitions.

Together, we’ll explore core principles of transition planning, the role of community partnerships, and the importance of centering student voices. A highlight will be a student panel, where emerging adults share real experiences that bring these strategies to life. Participants will leave with practical tools and renewed commitment to creating opportunities that honor every learner’s potential.

Course Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

Understand key principles of transition planning

Challenge myths and misperceptions

Learn directly from student voices

🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
BLOCK TWO | Goals: Careers, Lifestyle, Love
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:25 PM
Lunch and Mixer

Info: With live entertainment, table games, prizes, and an emcee, your social skills will get a workout!

🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
Dress for Success (and Laugh While You’re At It): A Comedy Workshop
Host: iCan Dream Center

Info: They say “dress for success,” but does that mean a blazer, a tie, or just clothes without pizza stains? In this laugh-out-loud session, we’ll compare fashion myths with the realities of college, work, and adulting. From the battle of hoodies vs. blazers, to the mystery of “power ties,” to whether ripped jeans can survive an interview, this comedy-packed workshop will have you laughing and learning at the same time.

Discover why confidence matters more than clothes, why authenticity beats high heels, and how showing up with humor can be your best accessory. Perfect for students, parents, and anyone who’s ever stressed over what to wear, this interactive comedy show will leave you with sore cheeks from laughter—and a new perspective on success.

🕑: 01:15 PM - 02:00 PM
BLOCK THREE | Level Up: College Hacks, AI Power & Focus