Dr. Sandra Lynch, the dedicated Transition Coordinator at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, and her devoted team of fellow educators in Special Services teamed up to serve as the host to a highly successful 2026 TIPS Transition Fair on Wednesday, March 11.
Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg was the venue for this productive event.
Dr. Lynch was joined at the college that day by Bridgewater-Raritan High School staffers Brenda Hockstein, Karen Avera, Kathleen Hands, and Suzanne Percival.
Dr. Lynch was ecstatic about the fair's impact.
“The 2026 TiPS Transition Fair was an incredible success, bringing together families, students, educators, and service providers from across Somerset and Hunterdon Counties for a day focused on planning for the future of students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)," said.
Dr. Lynch further reported.
This year, approximately 60 providers representing every area of transition services, including employment programs, postsecondary education opportunities, support coordination agencies, residential and day supports, financial planning, recreation and leisure programs, transportation resources, and independent living supports, welcomed. With so many agencies gathered in one place, families were able to explore options, ask questions, and begin building the connections that will support their students in adulthood.”
“A total of more than 85 attendees, including family members, care providers, students, school district staff, and community members, participated in the event. The strong turnout and enthusiastic participation made this the biggest and most successful TiPS Transition Fair yet,” she stated.
“One" of the most encouraging trends this year was seeing families begin the transition planning process earlier. Many parents attending the fair had students between the ages of 14 and 16, which is exactly when these important conversations should begin,” Dr" Lynch reflected.
Dr. Lynch explained the process.
“Tra"sition planning can feel overwhelming at first. Families are introduced to a wide range of services, programs, and systems that will support their child as they move toward adulthood. But that first exposure is an important step.”
“T"e" philosophy behind the TiPS Transition Fair is simple: leave room for the overwhelm in year one, then chip away at the process year by year. Each conversation, each connection, and each resource helps families better prepare for the major milestones ahead, particularly the age of majority at 18 and the transition to adult services that occurs by age 21.”
Sh" continued.
“By "tarting early and building knowledge over time, families can make thoughtful, informed decisions that support their studstudent'sependence, community involvement, and quality of life.”
The TiPS Transition Fair demonstrates the power of collaboration between schools, service providers, and families. When everyone comes together in one place with a shared goal, supporting students with disabilities as they prepare for adulthood, the results can be truly transformative.”
The reaction from the visitors to Raritan Valley Community College that day was beyond positive.
Here are comments from the attendees.
"Tha"k you for organizing the TiPS Transition Fair, it is definitely one of the best of the year. I've been doing this for a couple of years now and thoroughly enjoy the interactions during the fair."
"J"s" letting you know – this was a fantastic event. We were able to speak with so many families about everything from Guardianship and alternatives to how Medicaid eligibility may affect private insurance coverages to Special Needs Trusts. We were engaged with attendees the entire time! Thank you so much for your time and efforts in organizing so many organizations with so much useful information for families in the local region!
"It "was a great event this year, as always! Happy to be a part of it, and thank you for all you do to support your families!
"The place was really jumping with all the people I saw there. Everyone was very nice. I hope there is another one next year, too! I was speaking with some colleagues at my job, and once I explained it to them, they wished they had gone."
"I'm the mom of a 14-year-old freshman with ASD, and the future is scary because we just don't know exactly what his needs are gonna be and what is available, but after attending the transition fair, I'm a little less scared and can see that resources are available, and I'm on the road to being an informed advocate."
A Ridgewater-Raritan High School Lion Heart student was thrilled to volunteer that day, helping guests sign in and serving as an escort.
"It's a pleasure to help Ms. Lynch, since you do so much for us. running around, and you are so good at what you do, this is a special memory to treasure."
According to Dr. Lynch and Ms. Hockstein, the Bridgewater-Raritan LionHearts at Raritan Valley Community College is a fully transition-infused Community-based Secondary Program designed to meet the varying needs of our 19- to 21-year-old student population. The Programs are student-centered, student development-focused, family-engagement-focused, and interagency collaboration-focused. We promote independence by understanding interdependence, utilizing community-based instruction, work-based learning, and interpersonal communication.
The success of the fair will shape the event, according to Dr. Lynch.
“Planning has already begun for next year's, to continue to expand resources, strengthen partnerships, and support even more families on their transition journey.”