Resource + Transition Fair
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. March 9
NETWORKING: Meet and speak with other individuals, families and professionals. Space will be provided if you wish to have a private conversation.
RESOURCES: Have a chance to speak to providers and other agencies that will help you plan and prepare for a great life.
DOOR PRIZES: Visit vendors and be entered for a chance to win a door prize.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Attendance at a break-out session titled “Restoring Dignity and Self-Determination by charting the Life-Course” qualifies for one free Ethics CEU from the Social Work program at Goshen College.
When Kristi Komon’s son started experiencing seizures at the age of 8, it changed her family’s life entirely.
David Cooper, now 29, was diagnosed with epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by unpredictable seizures and other health problems. Immediately, Kristi faced a whole new world filled with medical tests, new medications and dietary restrictions for David.
“Life isn’t easy any way, but then you add a disability,” Kristi said. ” You just can’t help but feel alone.”
Kristi ended up taking her children out of public schools; homeschooling gave her peace of mind knowing she was providing all the care and support her children needed.
Although she had the support of her husband and her faith to guide her through life with a disability, Kristi now realizes how many other resources she was missing out on.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t find that support until later,” she said.
That is why she is encouraging everyone to attend ADEC’s Resource + Transition Fair, set for 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. March 9 at Goshen College’s Music Center.
The event is free and open to the public. More than two dozen organizations offering resources for families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities will be represented at the fair.
David had graduated already, but when Kristi saw advertisements for a resource fair hosted by ADEC in 2015, she figured she didn’t have much to lose by attending. She visited the event, which took place in South Bend that year, and was greeted by a network of resources and organizations all standing by to help her family.
“It just blew me away with how many resource were out there,” Kristi said. “I never realized how much free help there was.”
After that resource fair, she connected with organizations like Bridges of Indiana and Special Outdoor Leisure Activities, a nonprofit that helps individuals with disabilities enjoy outdoor leisure activities like skiing and hiking.
Kristi also learned about therapies offered through ADEC at that resource fair, and David has been participating in recreation therapy for more than three years now. Kristi said the sessions have helped David grow his social skills.
“My children are the most special things in my life,” Kristi said. “You can’t put a price on the help we found through the Resource + Transition Fair.”
