Annual Conference

2025 VFN Annual Conference Save the Date – April 8th!

Our 2025 Annual Conference “Navigating Transition: Empowering Journeys of Change” will be held in-person* on April 8, 2025 at the University of Vermont – Dudley H. Davis Center from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Check back here for more details and a registration link in the new year!

This year’s conference will focus on the intersections of education and health for children/youth with disabilities or special health needs. Health and educational professionals will collaborate with families and youth to examine challenges during critical transitions throughout a child’s developmental journey. This conference promises to equip attendees with practical knowledge and essential tools through expert speakers, interactive workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities. Participants will engage in collaborative activities to enhance their understanding of how to effectively support children at different stages of life. The VFN conference aims to empower families and children/youth with disabilities or special health needs as they navigate their individual paths toward a brighter future.

Participants will have the opportunity to dive into a variety of enriching topics, such as:

  • Person-Centered Financial Planning:Understanding the financial resources and strategies available to support the youth.
  • The Transition from Pediatrics to Adulthood: Addressing the critical changes that occur as children move from pediatric care to adult services, and how to facilitate this shift effectively.
  • Care Coordination 101: Learning the fundamentals of coordinating care among multiple providers to ensure holistic support for the child and family.
  • Strengthening Partnerships within the Transition Team: Building effective relationships among parents, educators, and healthcare providers to create a seamless support system.
  • Transitioning from Adolescent to Adult Mental Health Services: Exploring the unique challenges and strategies associated with moving from adolescent mental health care to adult services. 

*Please note: Because of the interactive nature of the workshops this year, our conference will be offered in-person only. We will not be offering a livestream option nor recording these workshops. Please let us know if you need any support in being able to attend in-person.

Limited partial scholarships will be available for parents/guardians and youth on a first-come, first-served basis. Info coming soon.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for our 2025 annual conference, please contact [email protected].

If you interested in being an exhibitor or purchasing an ad for our 2025 annual conference, please contact [email protected].

Our sponsors and exhibitors provided invaluable financial aid and informational resources for families. Thank you to all for your support!

Many Thanks to our 2024 SPONSORS!

Platinum Level

  • Children with Special Health Needs at the Vermont Department of Health

Gold Level

  • HireAbility Vermont

Silver Level

  • College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Vermont
  • SD Associates
  • University of Vermont Children’s Hospital

Bronze Level

  • Northwestern Counseling and Support Services
  • Vermont Children’s Integrated Services – Early Intervention
  • University of Vermont Center on Disability and Community Inclusion
  • Vermont Department of Labor
  • Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council
  • Building Bright Futures
  • Rutland Regional Medical Center

Other

  • Northwestern Medical Center
  • UVM Medical Center – Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deafblind Education Services Program

Many Thanks to our 2024 EXHIBITORS:

  • Therap Services
  • EDD Adaptive Sports
  • The Stetson School
  • Prevent Child Abuse VT
  • Project SEARCH
  • VT Department of Libraries – ABLE Libraries
  • The OSHER Center for Integrative Health
  • Disability Rights VT
  • Public Assets Institute
  • College Steps
  • Caffrey Law, PLLC
  • VT Legal Aid – Disability Law Project – Client Assistance Program
  • Human Rights Commission
  • Voices for Vermont’s Children
  • HireAbilityt VT
  • Children with Special Health Needs Nutrition Program
  • SD Associates
  • University of Vermont Center on Disability and Community Inclusion
  • Northwestern Counseling and Support Services
  • Vermont Department of Labor
  • Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council
  • Building Bright Futures
Thank you to all  for your generosity and commitment to Vermont’s children, youth, and families. We could not make this important event happen without supporters like you!