March 7, 2024 By Idaho CDHD Tools for Life 2024 is coming to Idaho Falls The 2024 Tools for Life Fair (TFL) is on the horizon. This year, the postsecondary transition conference is heading to southeast Idaho, taking place at the Blue Cross of Idaho Conference Center in Idaho Falls. Dan Dyer, TFL coordinator said, “We’re looking forward to getting back to Idaho Falls and using their newly constructed conference center, which is attached to a hockey arena/stadium.” Taking place on March 4 and 5, the Fair will feature the familiar along with a few unique surprises. “We will have great keynote speakers and special activities taking place based around healthy eating and career/technical-education,” Dyer said. Tucker and Meera Phillips will be returning as keynote speakers. The brother and sister are seasoned presenters, offering engaging insight and lived experience on self-advocacy, assistive technology, planning life after high school and more. The Fair will also feature a full schedule of breakout sessions (PDF) focused on assistive technology, employment, independent living, self-advocacy and postsecondary education. Familiar favorites, such as ‘Undercover Boss’ presented by Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and ‘So You Think You Want to go to College’ presented by the University of Idaho are on the list. The ‘Reality Town’ experience will also be returning. This attendee-favorite will be held at the Holiday Inn and Suites. It’s an interactive session that immerses participants in the fun and responsibility of independent living. A few new sessions can also be expected. This includes ‘Adaptive Movement for Everyone’ presented by the CDHD’s own Victoria Rae, and ‘Gardening for Mental Health’ presented by Disability Action Center NW. Attendees can also choose to take part in the new ‘Healthy Cooking for $30 a Week’ activity, which will provide informative information on shopping and meal prep on a budget. Oh! And there will be live cooking demonstrations as well as tastings! There’s also the option to attend a Career and Technical Education Field Trip as well as a campus tour of the College of Eastern Idaho. And, it wouldn’t be a TFL Fair without the student dance party! Participants have the opportunity to gather at the Holiday Inn and Suites to socialize with their peers. There will be dancing, singing, video games and more. By the looks of it, the 2024 TFL Fair will be an informative and fun event for all those signed up! If you’re not in the southeast Idaho area or you missed out on the registration deadline this year, TFL will be back next year in Moscow, Idaho. Keep your eyes on the Idaho Assistive Technology Project’s website for more information as this year’s Fair wraps up and plans get underway for 2025.