Stronger Together New Horizons Conference

Event description

Showcasing Possibilities

May 16-18, 2025
Vancouver, Washington

Please join us for the second annual Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) Stronger Together Conference where we will introduce new and innovative approaches to supporting youth with disabilities on their journey through high school and beyond into their transition to post-high school education, training or to join the workforce. 

DSB staff and community providers, families, professionals and community organizations are invited to join us again for this growing opportunity to share information, tools and resources with one another from across the state. 

In response to feedback from last year’s successful conference, we will have even more breakout sessions and interactive activities on this year’s agenda as well as even more community organizations in our Partner Marketplace.

Highlights

• Youth Driven Content: Activities and discussions created and led by students who are Blind and Low-Vision. 
• Runway of Services: A dynamic showcase of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) partners currently engaging students with refreshed strategies for supporting students in reaching their goals. 
• Provider Expertise: Learn directly from those delivering services on the ground to youth as they showcase their ideas and strategies and offer guidance to those in attendance.
• Interactive Workshops: Hands-on sessions featuring maximizing your Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) journey through Milestones, youth and professional panel discussions, adaptive sports and recreation, mental health, career readiness, emerging technologies, self-advocacy, and more.

Dates

Friday, May 16 - Sunday, May 18, 2025

• Conference & Hotel Check-In starts at 4 p.m. on Friday
• Check-Out by 11:30 a.m. on Sunday

Registration Information

Registration is free! However, advance registration is required to attend. Register online by April 7, 2025. 

Meals

Meals are provided to all registered conference attendees throughout the event.

• Friday: dinner only.
• Saturday: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Sunday: breakfast only.
• Snacks will be provided at the DSB Lounge throughout the conference. 
• Water, coffee and tea will be provided throughout the weekend

Please note: No outside food can be brought into the hotel conference spaces or breakout rooms.

Youth, Students and Families

All expenses are covered including transportation, meals, and hotel accommodations for most conference attendees.
There is a maximum of five family members who may attend at no cost. Any additional family members looking to attend the conference weekend must cover their costs to attend. 

Please note: 

• Childcare is not provided. 
• Conference attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or adult chaperone to participate.
• Attendees and families who live within 50 miles of the conference location are not eligible to receive free lodging and transportation support for this event. 

Professionals Supporting Students who are Blind, Deaf-Blind or Low Vision and Community Partners & Organizations

There are no hotel, meal or registration costs for professionals who support the Blind, Deaf-Blind or Low Vision youth, or community partners and organizations to attend the conference. However, DSB is unable to reimburse for travel to and from the conference for vision professionals. This cost must be covered by you or the agency you represent.

Additional Information

Please email Matthew Hines, Pre-ETS Program Manager, or call 360-409-3003 for assistance with questions about conference details, eligibility, accommodations, or help with any other questions. 

Register for the Stronger Together New Horizons Conference