READY to Shine 2026: Uniting Families and Providers for Autism Support

READY to Shine 2026

Come ready to hear impactful stories from families, get connected to valuable resources and learn practical ways to support students with autism and their families. The READY to Shine campaign invites families, professionals, educators, and community partners to attend a half-day conference focused on improving access, understanding, and collaboration in autism services across Minnesota, particularly for rural and underserved communities.

This free, ticketed conference brings together clinical expertise, systems navigation, innovative service delivery models, and lived family experience to address the real-world challenges faced by autistic individuals and their families across the lifespan. Spanish translation is available in-person during the event (please note this request when purchasing your ticket).

Expert presenters include (detailed information on presentations can be found below in the full schedule and agenda section of this Eventbrite invitation):

Dr. Adam Langenfeld, MD, PhD., Children's Minnesota

Ms. Nicole Berning, Clinical Lead, Department of Human Services

Dr. Jessica Simacek, PhD., Director of TeleOutreach, Institute on Community Integration

Ryann Beukema, Parent Advocate and Founder of Build the Blessing

The READY to Connect resource fair with 20 exhibitors will be held at the same location during the mid-conference break and open to the public with no ticket required immediately after the conference from 4:15-6:00PM.

Seat are limited, reserve your free ticket today!

Learn more about The READY Clinic's The READY to Shine campaign here: readyclinic/ready-to-shine

Info: Check in with ticketing and receive your brochure and nametag.

Info: Dr. Langenfeld of Children's Minnesota will explore the intersection of ASD and mental health across childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. He will discuss the risks of co-occurring mental health concerns and the significant barriers to accessing inclusive and timely mental health services - challenges that are frequently intensified in rural communities.

Info: Ms. Berning, Clinical Lead, Department of Human Services, will provide clear, practical guidance on determining eligibility for MA and TEFRA funding, completing applications and understanding timelines and documentation requirements. Participants will learn about services and waivers available for children with autism and related disorders through MA, and strategies for coordinating care and how to use the Minnesota Autism Resource Portal to locate programs and services.

Info: Families in Minnesota who are raising children on the autism spectrum often face significant challenges when trying to locate and access the services and supports for their children in need. The process can be overwhelming and fragmented, requiring families to contact multiple agencies, navigate different systems, and interpret complex eligibility requirements. Many people are unaware of the full range of available resources, including county social services, educational supports, and specialized therapies.
While resource fairs of this nature are more common in metro areas, greater Minnesota remains an underserved region that has yet to host autism-focused professionals and programs at the scope and magnitude needed. The complexity of these systems, combined with the importance of early intervention, highlights the need for a centralized, comprehensive event that brings providers, educators, and families together in one place.

Info: Dr. Simacek, Director of TeleOutreach Center, Institute on Community Integration, will address strategies for supporting families of children with autism who are awaiting evaluation or intervention. attendees will also learn hot providers serving greater Minnesota and surrounding communities can access consultation, collaboration and professional support through telehealth-based models. The presentation will outline ways families and providers can connect with appropriate resources when youth are experiencing acute care needs, helping to ensure safety and continuity of care while formal services are pending.

Info: Ryann shares one families journey raising a child with autism, navigating services, supports, and major transitions. Attendees will hear why they chose early intensive developmental and behavioral intervention. the presentation will also describe how their experience inspired the creation of Building a Blessing, a nonprofit in southwest Minnesota and advocacy group focused on supporting families and promoting informed, compassionate care.

Info: Dr. Bruns and Ms. Andree close the day, and continue the work by sharing how The READY Clinic provides diagnostic, early developmental and behavioral intervention, and caregiver support across their clinics in Marshall, Cosmos, and Montevideo to southwest Minnesota.

Info: NO TICKET REQUIRED, OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.Families in Minnesota who are raising children on the autism spectrum often face significant challenges when trying to locate and access the services and supports for their children in need. The process can be overwhelming and fragmented, requiring families to contact multiple agencies, navigate different systems, and interpret complex eligibility requirements. Many people are unaware of the full range of available resources, including county social services, educational supports, and specialized therapies.
While resource fairs of this nature are more common in metro areas, greater Minnesota remains an underserved region that has yet to host autism-focused professionals and programs at the scope and magnitude needed. The complexity of these systems, combined with the importance of early intervention, highlights the need for a centralized, comprehensive event that brings providers, educators, and families together in one place.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Upper Room, 100 West College Drive, Marshall, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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