Event Details
BCI and Community Living Announce 2026 Disability Transition Conference
Boone Center, Inc. (BCI) and Community Living, Inc. will co-host the sixth annual Disability Transition Planning Conference on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles. The conference brings together students with disabilities, families, educators, and community professionals for a day of learning, connection, and resources designed to support successful transitions into adulthood.
The daylong conference is designed to help those close to students with disabilities navigate the many decisions that come after high school, including employment, continuing education, community resources, public benefits, and independent living. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with more than 30 local agencies to explore available services and gain information to build futures aligned with goals and aspirations.
St. Louis native, speaker, author, and IndyCar Chief Starter Aaron Likens will give the opening keynote address. A passionate autism advocate, Likens shares his journey of living with Asperger syndrome and encourages individuals with disabilities—especially young people—to embrace their strengths, overcome challenges, and pursue their dreams. In his latest book, Playing in Traffic, Likens outlines how finding support and embracing his uniqueness helped him achieve his dream of becoming the official flagman of the world-famous Indianapolis 500.
“The transition from high school to adulthood can be an exciting time filled with new opportunities, but it can also feel quite overwhelming,” said Katie Jones, BCI Chief Program Officer. “Our goal is to provide information, inspiration, and connections that empower informed decisions about the future. Every person’s journey is unique, and having the right knowledge and support along the way can make all the difference.”
The conference will take place from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa in St. Charles, Mo. Registration is $10 per person and includes a continental breakfast and boxed lunch.