July 3, 2025 By CDHD ICIE builds connection for students with disabilities It has been one year since we introduced the Idaho Competitive Integrated Employment (ICIE) Center and what a year it has been! In just 12 short months, staff have set about connecting with community partners to build a statewide support system to help Idaho students with disabilities successfully plan for life after high school. This has included a robust schedule of training and events such as their recent Speed Networking Transition event held in Boise. In partnership with the Boise Local Interagency Leadership Team (LILT), it served as a powerful collaboration platform to strengthen planning and services available for students with disabilities. 47 teachers and school staff attended the event. All four Boise School District high school quadrants were represented. Attendees rotated through timed sessions where they met with representatives from key community organizations. They were able to build relationships, learn about services, and explore ways to connect students and families with meaningful support as they plan for life beyond high school. Community partners included: Idaho Parents Unlimited Living Independence Network Corporation (LINC), the Center for Independent Living in the Treasure Valley Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation’s Pre Employment Transition Services Idaho Assistive Technology Project (IATP) Boise School District’s administrative representatives on the LILT worked closely with each school to ensure a rewarding experience for all educators who participated. This collaboration reflected a shared goal to make sure youth with disability have access to the tools, relationships and opportunities they need to move confidently toward adult life. Educators left energized, with a clearer understanding of the local resources available to their students and families. They also gained new connections that will help them boost individualized planning across the district. Community partners were also excited for the opportunity to work directly with educators. “It was a fun way to talk about our projects and services,” said Jeff Mason, one of IATP’s Assistive Technology Consultants. “It was fast but I feel like it made it easier for people to soak in information and remember us. Less is more sometimes. I’ve had several people reach out to us since the speed networking event.” The ICIE Center is hoping to implement similar events in other regions, continuing to bridge the gap between schools and services. The team also utilized this speed networking-style format with success at the Idaho Pathways to Partnerships Conference last fall to introduce community agencies to new members of the LILTs. Not only does it provide the opportunity to quickly share information in smaller, manageable segments, but it also provides a more personalized experience in a fun and exciting atmosphere. It's just one example of how the ICIE Center is thinking outside the box to create systems and organization that meet the needs of all students with disabilities in Idaho. This work is buildling a system of support that provides these students with the resources and skills needed to enter the workforce. This unlocks economic potential for Idaho and creates meaningful opportunities for Idahoans to work together to create more equitable and thriving communities.