More than 200 students, educators, families and community partners gathered Oct. 1 in Tyler for the Roads to Opportunities conference, an event designed to help young adults with all abilities explore possibilities, build confidence and prepare for life after high school.
Hosted by Tyler ISD, Partners Resource Network and the Texas Workforce Commission, the conference brought together students from Tyler Legacy High School, Tyler High School, Tyler ISD 18+ Programs and surrounding East Texas school districts. The regional event provided students with opportunities to learn, connect and explore their next steps.
The conference also marked the beginning of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which recognizes the contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce and promotes inclusive employment opportunities. The 2026 theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” reflected the conference’s focus on helping young people recognize their strengths and the contributions they can make in their communities and future workplaces.
A centerpiece of the conference was the interactive “Roads to Opportunities Challenge.” Students created a personalized road map for their future by identifying a goal, recognizing strengths they already possess, selecting skills they want to develop and identifying people who can support them along the way. Each student left with a tangible road map and a specific next step.
Throughout the day, students participated in breakout sessions focused on practical skills and experiences that can help them navigate adulthood. In “Watch Us Work: Self Advocacy in Real Life,” Robert Ogden of The Arc of Greater East Texas joined self-advocates for a conversation about self-advocacy in everyday situations, including communicating needs at work, navigating disagreements and knowing when to speak independently or ask for support.
Other discussions emphasized that preparing for adulthood involves more than choosing a career. Students explored topics related to transportation, money management, communication, health and safety, accessing resources, building relationships and advocating for themselves.
The conference also connected students, families and educators with organizations that provide support and services beyond high school. Community partners represented a wide range of resources, including workforce development, education, health and human services, transportation, legal assistance, independent living and disability services. Exhibitors included Andrews Center, BCFS Health and Human Services, Goodwill Industries of East Texas, Workforce Solutions East Texas, Lone Star Legal Aid, Texas Workforce Vocational Rehabilitation, UT Tyler Office of Disability Services, East Texas Center for Independent Living, Tyler Transit, Tyler Junior College’s SOAR Culinary Program and others.
Through an interactive passport activity, students visited exhibitors, asked questions, discovered resources and began building connections they can use as they move toward their goals.
Roads to Opportunities reinforced a simple message throughout the day: every young person deserves the opportunity to recognize their strengths, explore their possibilities and take the next step toward their future. For students, families, educators and community partners, the event created meaningful connections and opened new roads to opportunity.