Brownwood Independent School District (BISD) is thrilled to announce its first-ever Ability Expo, an event dedicated to showcasing the talents and achievements of students in BISD Life Academics programs, as well as providing planning support and resources for families. The event will take place on May 6, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at BISD Central Support Center (2707 Southside Drive).

Under the theme “Reaching for the Stars,” the Ability Expo will feature a variety of activities, including a student project showcase, community resources for families, Special Olympics information, and guidance on planning for a child’s long-term goals. The event aims to foster connections among families, students, and community partners while celebrating the diverse abilities of these BISD students.

“Students across Brownwood ISD come with a variety of needs and abilities. The Ability Expo is an opportunity to highlight our students who receive services through our Life Academics programs,” said Rebecca Faulkner, BISD Director of Special Populations. “This is an opportunity for families to connect with not only each other, but also community resources.”

BISD’s Office of Special Populations is committed to strengthening family involvement in education. “We work to focus on continuing to build on our family foundation and ensure that parents are partners in their child’s education,” Faulkner added. “The Ability Expo is our opportunity to continue to engage our students and families as a community and highlight and focus on our students’ abilities.”

The showcase will also feature a variety of work created by students. “Students have been working on class projects focusing on planning for their transition from the classroom to the community,” Faulkner explained. “Each of our Life Academics classrooms have focused on career development and independence in the community. For example, one classroom has been learning about community helpers, such as firefighters and police officers, and created art projects with these helpers in mind. Our high school has focused on each student’s career goals for life after graduation.”

The Ability Expo also serves as a platform to celebrate individuality and community collaboration. “We are excited for the opportunity to highlight our students and focus on what our students’ abilities are as not only a group, but as individuals,” Faulkner said. “Our goal is to continue to build on student and family access to our community partners and offer an opportunity to celebrate all of our students across Brownwood.”