The Bridges Training Series helps young adults ages 18–24 with intellectual and developmental disabilities prepare for college, careers, independent living, and life after high school.
Through interactive online trainings, students explore their strengths and interests, build practical skills, connect with peers, and create plans for their future. Along the way, they gain confidence in self-advocacy, decision-making, goal setting, and navigating the opportunities and challenges that come with adulthood.
Whether you're preparing for postsecondary education, exploring career options, or building skills for greater independence, Bridges provides tools, resources, and support to help you take the next step. Talk with your school or Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor about payment options!
Bridges year-round programming
The Bridges Training Series is currently offered online, with four trainings designed to prepare young adults ages 18-24 with intellectual disabilities for higher education, independent living, and careers. The four trainings are: Tools and Technology for Academic Success, Setting and Realizing Goals and Self Determination, Setting and Realizing Goals and Transition to Adulthood, and Next Steps in Person Centered Planning.
All trainings take place online on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 – 2:00 pm EST, and can be attended while still in school or a transition program.
Tools & tech for academic success
Cost: $595 | Schedule: September 22 - October 22, 2026
Tools & Tech for Academic Success is the first training in the Bridges Training Series. You must take Tools & Tech for Academic Success before you can take the other trainings.
In this training, you will learn about the software and platforms most often used in college and professional settings. These include Zoom, Microsoft Office, Canvas, and Outlook email. You will also learn about Assistive Technology. Some things you will learn about are tools and technology to support reading, writing, note-taking, and executive function skills. Some examples include:
- Reading: text-to-speech for having websites and documents read aloud
- Writing: word prediction and voice typing/dictation
- Executive Function: using calendars and reminders for scheduling and attending classes
Setting and realizing goals and self-determination
$595 | Schedule: October 27 – December 1, 2026
In this training, you will learn about goal setting and self-determination. Including:
- Identify strengths, interests, and barriers, and use these to set goals.
- Identify ways to keep track of progress towards goals.
- Identify resources that support students to reach their goals.
Setting and realizing goals and transition to adulthood
Cost: $595 | Schedule: December 3, 2026 – January 19, 2027
In this training, you will learn more about goal setting. You will also learn about topics related to transition to adulthood, including:
- Healthcare transition
- Employment
- Self-advocacy
Cost: $595 | Schedule: January 21 – February 23, 2027
Next Steps in Person-Centered Planning is the last training in the series and can only be taken after you finish the other three trainings. Next Steps in Person-Centered Planning will focus on supporting you in your career and/or postsecondary education goals. You will take what you learned in the other trainings, learn more about careers and postsecondary education, and make a plan for your next steps. By the end of this session, you will have
- Developed your own person-centered plan,
- Identified the next steps to pursue, and
- Be able to name personal and community resources to help you achieve your goals.
