Published May 29, 2025 by News Center Maine.
AUBURN, Maine — For many individuals, deciding what to do after high school is a significant choice. However, opportunities beyond graduation can often be limited for those living with disabilities.
Thursday at the 'I Belong' Youth Summit at Central Maine Community College, students of all abilities explored potential career paths, connected with various resources, and learned new skills.
From pulling a lobster out of a trap to practicing knife skills under the watchful eyes of a chef, students with disabilities are getting hands-on experience. They are getting their hands dirty planting vegetables and learning essential life-saving techniques.
The second annual event, held on the grounds of Maine Community College, featured students from across Maine engaging in a variety of activities spanning career paths in trades, agriculture, medical fields, automotive, culinary arts, retail, and more. Sophomore Abagail Giles, who attends Stearns High School in Millinocket, aspires to help her community by pursuing a career in the medical field after graduation.
"I want to become an EMT. If that doesn't work out, I want to work in a mortuary," Abagail said.
Randi Lee Bishop, Abagail's special education teacher, emphasizes the importance of providing students with opportunities to explore career options beyond high school as they transition into adulthood.
"There needs to be more that we do for our students, so it's nice to see all the connections we can make," Bishop added.
Students interacted with a variety of businesses, organizations, and colleges. A spark plug-changing challenge attracted many students, including South Portland High School Senior Eric Loftin, who wants to work with cars.
"I got family, family members who are mechanics, so I want to be a mechanic," Eric explained.
Businesses here recognize that people of all abilities have a great deal to offer.
"There is a ton of value, skill, and brainpower, and I think it's essential not to exclude a segment of the population," Kim Cotta, the Talent Development Manager of Darling's Auto Group, said.
The event is sponsored by the Department of Education's Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education’s Transition Maine program.
'They belong in every single career pathway, and it's important for students to understand what is available to them," explained Titus O'Rourke, Transition Specialist with the Maine DOE.
Co-chair Connor Archer says that, as a person on the autism spectrum himself, providing opportunities for the next generation is transformational.
"Every opportunity we provide just gives students more of that ability, their interests, what their passions are," Connor said.
The goal -- to help this special population turn their dreams into reality so they can aim high and live more independently.