Announcing

More to come in the Next Weeks

Youth First Conference 2015

We are busy planning our 8th Annual Event.
 It is promising to be an exciting, fun-packed day.

Thank You to Sunny Freckles Photography

Thank you for  serving as Conference Photographer!

 

You captured the conference memories!

And Now the Conference is Complete

It's a Memory!

Stay Tuned for Next Year

Our Keynote Speaker, Brett Eastburn

You Dazzled Us!

  Brett was born with no arms or legs.  But that doesn't stop him from doing anything!  He shared his development and life situations with the audience.  He dribbled a basketball, opened a soda can, and drew a picture.  He explained how he participated in shop class, welding, wrestling, and basketball in high school.  He shared how he plays pool, rides a skateboard, drives a car, and travels the world as a motivational speaker.  His message was one of hope.  He helped us realize that no obstacle is too big to overcome.  Tackle the obstacles in your life.  Remember if you think you can't, THEN YOU CAN'T!

 

Watch Me Roar Film Festival

Teri, served at hostess at the Film Event

Because of the size of the entire Film Festival file,
I have had to separate out the individual students highlighted at the Festival.

Don't Limit Me by Megan Bomgaars 

Miss Amazing Pageant 

J-Mac Basketball Player with Autism 

Brad, a Guy Who Builds Things 

Walgreens South Carolina Distribution Center 

Tim's Place in Albuquerque 

Autism Employment Video 

Cup of Inspiration Coffee Shop 

Cole's Story, a Self-Advocate 

Cincinnati Reds Teddy Kremer 

Because - Public Service Announcement 

Getting and Keeping My First Job

Nebraska VR presented two sessions on Getting and Keeping My First Job.

This resource may be of interest to you:

Tips for Keeping a Job

Medical Careers

A Fantastic Hands-On Session

 

Meeting New Friends; Having Fun and Snacks!

Working with My DD Service Coordinator

This session was for those youth who are eligible to work with HHS/Developmental Disabilities Division

 Vince Moreno tells the group, "It's All About Choice."

Eastern Wyoming College - Vet Tech Assistant Program

Ed Bittner, EWC Instructor, told students about the new Vet Tech Assistant program available in Torrington, Wyoming.  Many students want a career working with animals.

 

Welcome to the Conference!

Spencer Wood and Buddy, the WNCC Cougar, welcomed all to the conference beginning in the WNCC Little Theatre.

Grain Bin Evacuation and Safety

Will you be involved in working on a farm, ranch or feedlot?  Agricultural safety, specifically grain bin evacuation was demonstrated and discussed by Jason Stratman.  This session was in memory of Joey Teague of Creek Valley.

 

Nebraska Youth Leadership Council Western Region

Thanks to the Western Region NYLC and their moderator, Barb Fischer.

Thanks!  China, Jamie, Cory, Ruben, Adam, Melissa, Jessica, and Barb.

You were great!

Using the Edmark Voting Machine

Mindy Nepper and Pat Cottingham demonstrated how to use the Edmark Voting Machine, available in every polling place in Nebraska.

VOTE!

 Mindy represents Disability Rights Nebraska and Pat represents the Nebraska ARC.

Megan Bomgaars

Megan, a friend of Lindsey Roy, came to the conference.

She is also a self-advocate who presents at conferences and has her own business.  We were delighted to meet her and her mother.

This is Megan in her booth.

 

Energy Careers/Wind and Solar

Jason Stratman demonstrated work activities associated with energy careers-

Wind and Solar

On the Road!

Bill Moore, an instructor at LifeLink, showed students the driving simulator that is used with transition students at the college program.

Many students found out, maybe they weren't so ready to hit the road????

Sir, Yes, Sir!

Many students seemed interested in military careers

Sgt. Adam Johnson and others told the audience all the details!

 

Ring, Ring Life is Calling!

The Assistive Technology Partnership Staff presented a wonderful hands-on career and budgeting simulation.

It was tons of fun!

This handout has all the information about the session and APPS used.

Spending Tracker APP

 

Internet Safety and You

Being Safe on the Internet

Monty Lovelace

Nebraska State Patrol

My First Apartment and Roommate

Peggy Coulter teaches for ESU # 13 in the R-Pad Apartment Program.  She is an independent living expert.  Her session will teach you how to locate your first apartment and what to consider when choosing a roommate.  She would like to share these sites and the power point with you:

www.housing.ne.gov/

www.places4rent.com

www.wehavejobs.net

http://www.lawdepot.com/contracts/roommate-agreement/?loc=US 
My First Apartment and Roommate 

Social Skills and a Rubber Chicken. WHAT?

Teresa Halley, an instructor at the LifeLink Transition Program, will share tips and strategies on improving your social skills and personal interactions with people in your world.  Teresa and her transition students use the Social Thinking strategies from Michelle Garcia Winner.  You will learn when the rubber chicken is used and why!

Teresa shares the following resources that will be used in the Social Skills Presentation

http://www.socialthinking.com

https://getkahoot.com

Become a GOOGLE NINJA!

Beth Still, an educator at Educational Service Unit # 13, is eager to share with you her love of Google.

Yes, it is so much more than a search engine!!!

Meet Beth at the Youth First Conference and learn from her.

Become a Google Ninja!

Beth's presentation can be found here:

Gettin' Groovy with Google