Deciding what to do next after leaving high school is always a major time of transition and choices. It's even more challenging for people with special needs and learning disabilities.

The Chilliwack Community Transition Committee is hoping to make the process a little easier by hosting an evening for young adults who fit into this category. Community Connections… Taking the Next Step will feature a panel of young adults who have moved from school to community in the past few years. They'll share what they've learned about making the transition to adult life. Chilliwack Mayor Clint Hames will also speak at the event.

The evening will also feature booths staffed by representatives of a number of community groups, including UCFV programs for people with disabilities and those who want to upgrade; School District 33; Human Resources Development Canada; the Ministry of Advanced Education, Training and Technology; the Ministry of Children and Families (Community Living Services); Chilliwack Society for Community Living; Pacific Development Pathways; Family Support Institute; Special Olympics; Chilliwack Family YMCA; Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre; VOICE; Access Disabilities; Vocational Services; and Adult Services Program.

"We want to make sure that all adults with special needs and learning disabilities are aware of all the education, training, and community-based options that are available to them," says Alyson Seale of UCFV Disability Services. "We especially want to invite those who've been away from the school system for a few years who want to find out more about what's out there."

The Community Transition Committee is a partnership of Upper Fraser Valley agencies, institutions, and ministries. Its mandate is to promote and sustain the development of coordinated, combined-skills programs for the purpose of facilitating successful transitions to long-term job attachment and community inclusion for young adults with disabilities.

The Community Connections… Taking the Next Step evening is open to all interested people, even those who have been out of high school for a few years. It runs from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, in the cafeteria on the UCFV Chilliwack campus. Parking is free for this evening only.

For more information call UCFV's Alyson Seale at 604-795-2843.