Students in Hall County and Gainesville with special needs will get the opportunity to prepare for life after high school this week.

The Gainesville-Hall County Interagency Transition Council will hold its fourth annual resource and transition fair Tuesday at The Oaks on the campus of Lanier Charter Career Academy.

"I just feel like this resource opens up opportunities, education and information for students so they can advocate for themselves and for families to know what resources are available to them," said Susan Wright, transition counselor for the Hall County School System Special Education Department.

The fair focuses on high school students but is open to all students with special needs, parents, educators and community members.

Scott Crain, parent mentor for Hall County Schools Special Education Department, said freshmen in high school could benefit from the fair.

"You need to start to prepare early. You need to be thinking about visiting the schools and thinking about applications," Crain said.

The fair will provide information on topics ranging from independent living to employment rights.

In addition to booths by 55 vendors from across the community, learning sessions for both parents and students will be offered.

Parents are invited to attend two learning sessions focusing on wills and trusts and Medicaid waiver programs.

While students browse the vendor booths they can stop in on any of the other learning sessions, which will begin every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The four sessions for students focus on college accommodations, work programs, equal employment opportunity and how to improve a resume and interview skills.

The fair has steadily grown every year. Crain said he expects to see about 300 people this year.

This will be the first year that the local faith community will attend as vendors.

"That's about pulling in those natural supports that you have in your community.

"It's important to know what is offered in your community that you can benefit from," Crain said.