The annual Alabama Transition Conference assists youth with disabilities in making the transition into young adulthood.  This year's conference, which will be held March 10-12 at the Marriott Grand National Conference Center in Opelika, Ala., is dedicated to helping such youth take charge of their life.

"About 700 stakeholders interested in and dedicated to improving services and post-school outcomes of these youth attend the conference each year," said Diane Glanzer, conference and Auburn Transition Leadership Institute outreach coordinator.

This year's opening session will feature LeDerick Horne, a successful young adult from New Jersey living with a learning disability and Dr. Jim Martin, professor and researcher at the University of Oklahoma.  Ryan Easterly, a Hartselle native now with the HSC Foundation in Washington, D.C. will highlight the Tuesday night banquet.  Entertainment will be provided by Garrett Miles, a young Alabamian college student who has opened for entertainers such as B.J. Thomas and George Jones, and was the young soloist runner-up in Alabama's 2005 VSA competition. 

Other notable guests at the conference include Dr. Larry Kortering of the National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center, Dr. Bill East, executive director of the National Association of State Directors of Special Education, and Carl Suter, executive director of the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation.