Monday, October 26, 2026
photos by Alexandra Butler, photographer/photo editor
Penn College partnered with BLaST Intermediate Unit 17 to host the 2026 Transition Conference – designed to guide special education students exploring their futures – in the college’s Klump Academic Center on Oct. 16.
“The Transition Conference empowered students with disabilities to explore pathways to employment, postsecondary education, and meaningful community engagement through breakout sessions and inspiring speakers,” explained Dawn M. Dickey and Katie L. Mackey. Dickey is the college’s Disability & Access Resources office, and Mackey is assistant director. “It brought together students, families, educators and community partners to offer students resources, connections and confidence to take the next step in their journey. Our collaborating partner, BLaST IU17, truly makes it possible to bring together many members of the community and local school districts.”
The conference is open to students in grades 10-12 who reside in Bradford, Clinton, Lycoming, Sullivan and Tioga counties, as well as their parents, guardians and other interested parties.
Nearly 30 organizations staffed tables in the conference’s vendor space to share a variety of services, resources and opportunities, and students and their supporters chose from more than 30 education sessions.
Keynote speaker was Sean Forbes, co-founder of the Deaf Professional Artists Network, who overcame barriers to build a successful career in the music and media industries. He provided an inspirational speech – with performance of several of his hip-hop songs – to conference attendees, followed by an evening performance for the community in the Academic Center Auditorium.
BLaST Intermediate Unit 17 supports schools and communities across the Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan and Tioga County region. Its mission is providing, creating and facilitating high-quality educational solutions.
Dawn M. Dickey, director of disability and access resources at Penn College, talks with a Transition Conference participant.
Julia R. Schall, a human services & restorative justice student from Lock Haven and an intern in the college’s Disability & Access Resources office, staffs the office’s table in the conference’s vendor space. “Julia was instrumental in planning the conference,” said Dawn M. Dickey, director of disability and access resources.
Sean Forbes, a hip-hop artist and co-founder of the Deaf Professional Artists Network, provides the keynote address in the college's Klump Academic Center Auditorium.
A conference attendee participates in a question-and-answer session with Forbes. Standing on right as she handles passing the microphone is Katie L. Mackey, assistant director of disability and access resources.
Gathering for a group photo with Forbes following his public performance are Penn College students (and an alumnus), from left: Amy E. Sanchez, of Osceola Mills (nursing); Ivy Baker ’26 (human services & restorative justice); Gebreabzgi M. Helmstadter, of Mars (individual studies); Walker T. Remis, of Pittsburgh (business management); Forbes; Luel M. Helmstadter, of Mars (building construction technology); and Sami R. Reno, of Grove City (radiography).
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