July 31 - August 2, 2008. Renaissance Hotel, Houston, Texas.
One of the most frustrating aspects of EDS is the lack of knowledge about this devastating disorder, the lack of skilled physicians who have experience with it, and the lack of empathy from family and friends. Our 2008 Conference at the Renaissance Hotel in Houston , Texas , July 31-August 2, 2008 can change all that. That's right! We’re gearing up for another fabulous event with top-notch speakers, information-packed seminars, CEUs for nurses and physical therapists, vendors at your fingertips, and all your EDS friends. And the price of the entire conference is still only $200 (until December 31, 2007) and includes the opening reception, all meals––except Friday night––all medical and enrichment sessions, all CEU sessions, and the fabulous Awards Banquet.
For more information visit: http://www.ednf.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1475&Itemid=88889046 

Posted by: Maureen  Event category: specific disabilities   Event range: July 31 - August 2  

August 2-7, 2008. Montreal, Quebec.
This conference will bring together professionals and researchers from the fields of rehabilitation, education, government and industry, as well as AAC system users and their families, to explore the latest developments and improvements in augmentative and alternative communication.
For more information visit: www.isaac2008.org 

Posted by: Maureen  Event range: August 2 - August 7  

August 5-7, 2008. Best Western Regency Inn, Marshalltown, Iowa.
This conference is for: individuals with chronic mental illness, families of children with severe emotional disorders, and transition age youth.
For more information call Deb at (641)753-7414 or e-mail: dwilliams@adiis.net 

Posted by: Maureen  Event category: advocacy, awareness, inclusion   Event range: August 5 - August 7  

August 10-12, Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel, Baltimore, Maryland
This year's conference features numerous agencies that have implemented person-centered planning and individualized support structures to assist people in living the lives that they desire. Featured are agencies that have converted from congregate to individualized services, those specifically designed for individualized support, and those that have assisted individuals to experience true community membership. Find out how individuals have developed their own micro-enterprises. In addition, innovations in policies, systems issues, and quality assurance methodologies will be presented. This conference is for people with developmental disabilities, family members, direct support professionals, administrators of community support agencies, advocates, state and federal officials. Register online at www.reinventingquality.org.

Posted by: Mary  Event category: advocacy, awareness, inclusion   Event range: August 10 - August 12  

August 11-14, Iowa Memorial Union, Iowa City, Iowa
Classes for community, agency, and education practitioners working with individuals, groups, families, and organizations. Academic credit from the University of Iowa is available for all two day courses and all four day courses. CEUs awarded for attendance include: IBC, NBCC, Nursing, and Social Work credit in the amount of 6 hours or .6 CEUs per day. For information, see: www.education.uiowa.edu/asshp/general_info.html.

Posted by: Mary  Event category: education   Event range: August 11 - August 14  

August 11-12, 2008. Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Who should attend? This conference is for professionals and practicioners working in the field of autism: government officials, teachers, school administrators, school principals, guidance counselors, physicians, pediatricians, neurologists, public health nurses, RNs, psychologists, social workers, in-home therapists, and speech and language specialists. It is also appropriate for families living with autism and related syndromes.
Conference information: As a professional you are looked upon to recommend a course of action, assisting parents as they prepare for the journey of a lifetime - transitioning their autistic child through adolescence to adulthood. As a parent, you are looking for answers, guidance and support. While each case is as unique as the individual with autism, there are underlying themes that are prevalent in each situation; education, recreation and socialization, employment financial security, living arrangements and more.
For more information contact Mary Pick via e-mail: mpick@uwm.edu  or call (414)227-3312. Visit our website at www.sce-autism.uwm.edu 

Posted by: Maureen  Event category: specific disabilities   Event range: August 11 - August 12  

August 11-14, 2008. University of New Hampshire - Holloway Commons - Durham, New Hampshire.
New Perspectives on and Including Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Differences in Schools and Communities.
Supporting the successful inclusion of children and youth with ASD by:
Understanding the emotional experiences of living with ASD.
Interpreting the meaning of behavioral differences.
Addressing confusion by teaching the unwritten rules of the social world.
Featuring keynote presentations by individuals with ASD, practical strategies, breakout sessions on topical areas such as functional behavioral assessment, bullying, and the role of paraprofessionals, and opportunities to develop specific action plans.
For more information call: (603)228-2084

Posted by: Maureen  Event category: specific disabilities   Event range: August 11 - August 14  

August 11-13, 2008. Dole Ballrooms, Historic Dole Cannery, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Join your colleagues and friends as together we explore topics such as: dual diagnosis, direct support worker issues & solutions, supervision & management, clinical issues, international best practices, self-advocacy/independent living, autism/aspergers, employment, and caregiving.
For more information visit: www.lifelibertyandthepursuitof.com 

Posted by: Maureen  Event category: advocacy, awareness, inclusion   Event range: August 11 - August 13  

August 21-24, 2008. Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Join us for the annual event for arts and accessibility professionals working to ensure that people with disabilities and older adults can participate fully in the cultural arts!
This conference will provide opportunities to: Discuss issues ranging from physical and programmatic access to ticketing policies and marketing strategies; share ideas and learn what has been successful at other arts organizations and cultural institutions; engage in an open dialogue with representatives from the Disability Rights Section of the Department of Justice; Learn about best practices and how to develop sound policies; and participate in stimulating and enriching discussions with leaders in the field.
For more information visit: www.kennedy-center.org/text/accessibility/education/lead/conference.html 

Posted by: Maureen  Event category: education   Event range: August 21 - August 24  

August 21-24, 2008. Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The LEAD Conference, under the inspired leadership of the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, is a unique annual gathering that has created a lasting impact on many cultural institutions nationwide and the communities we serve. In bringing together speakers passionate about creating inclusive experiences for all, the conference is an opportunity to expand your knowledge and expertise in the area of accessibility through interactive workshops and dynamic presentations. You will have the chance to share your own experiences, learn about emerging tools and technologies, and identify new ways to build organizational capacity. Experience tells us that everyone who attends becomes part of a growing network of like-minded professionals, establishing relationships that last well beyond the conference. So whether you are new to the field of accessibility or a seasoned professional, you will find the LEAD conference informative and energizing.
For more information call: 202-416-8727 or 202-416-8728 (TTY). E-mail: access@kennedy-center.org  or visit: www.kennedy-center.org/lead 

Posted by: Maureen  Event category: advocacy, awareness, inclusion   Event range: August 21 - August 24  

August 24-27, 2008. Hyatt Regency, Garden Grove, California.
This annual event for dementia care professionals features the latest developments in Alzheimer care and support.
For more information visit: www.alz.org/news_and_events5297.asp 

Posted by: Maureen  Event category: specific disabilities   Event range: August 24 - August 27