Upcoming Events–2011

January 8 & 18, 2011–Oklahoma City, OK
OKSIBS will host two Adult Sibling Support Group meetings in January for adult siblings, age 18 and up, who are siblings of persons with
disabilities.
The informal support group will meet on Saturday, January 8th at 10:00am at the Child Study Center located at 1100 NE 13th Street in Oklahoma City.
Another meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 18th at 7:00pm at the same location.
The meetings will be to discuss what services and supports are
needed for adult siblings in Oklahoma and how best to deliver those
services.
For more information, please contact:
Lori Wathen, State Sibshop Coordinator
lori-wathen@ouhsc.edu
405-271-5700, extension 45180
Toll-free 877-441-0434

January 21 & 22, 2011–Houston, TX
The Arc of Greater Houston is hosting a Sibshop training on January 21 and 22. Those who want become first-generation Sibshop facilitators will be with us for both days. However if you are a parent, an adult sib, a grandparent or a service provider who would like to (for once!!) talk about typically-developing sibs unique joys and concerns you are welcome to join us for just the first day. Evaluations from past trainings indicate that those who attend are always glad they came, even those who said they weren't initially sure they wanted to come.
For more information visit http://www.thearcofgreaterhouston.com/

February 11 & 12, 2011–At a mall near you
VCFSEF 1st Annual Walk for Awareness in Malls across America Put on your tennis shoes, and walk to raise awareness of VCFS, and donations for VCFSEF on Friday 2/11 or Saturday 2/12. Find a mall in your area, gather friends and family. Most shopping malls open early for walkers (i.e. 8:00 or 8:30 am), meet with other parents, families and walk the mall. Prior to the walk, you can register at VCFSEF.org, for $22.11, you will receive a t-shirt and brochures for the walk. Or, you can fill in a "sponsor form". Ask friends and family to "sponsor" you or your child(ren) as they walk to raise awareness.
For more information or to register visit: vcfsef.org

March 7-9, 2011–New York, NY
New York State Department of Health annouces the Genetic Diseases of Children—Advancing Research and Care conference. This national conference brings together the worlds of health, science, government, and industry with the families who look to them for answers.
For more information go to:
http://www.wadsworth.org/events/genetics/index.php

March 27, 2011–Durham, NC
Happy New Year! We are pleased to announce the 2011 meeting for the NC 22q11 deletion syndrome support group will be held on Sunday, March 27 from 1pm - 5pm. The meeting will be held at Duke Medical Center in Durham, NC and directions and an itinerary will follow in the next few weeks. Please mark the date on your calendar and we hope to see you there! For more information contact:

Kelly Schoch, MS, CGC
Study Coordinator/Genetic Counselor
Department of Pediatrics
Duke University Medical Center
email: kelly.schoch@duke.edu
Phone: (919) 681-2772

March 31, April 1–2, 2011–Austin, TX
Hope and Help for Families of Children with Sensory Processing Disorder

University of Texas - Austin L.
Theo Bellmont Hall
2100 San Jacinto
Austin, TX 78712-1047

Key Reasons to Attend
• Renowned researchers presenting the latest studies on Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism and Brain Science
• Prominent clinicians sharing innovative treatment strategies for Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism and other developmental disorders
• Updates on progress toward attaining diagnostic recognition of Sensory Processing Disorder
• Two tracks covering introductory to advanced topics for professionals
• Pre-Symposium Institute for Parents - providing sensational strategies for home and school
• Evolution of the role of Occupational Therapists in schools

For more information visit:
SPD—Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation

April 5, 2011–Aurora, CO
"EFFECTIVE METHODS FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS OPTIONS AND DECISION STRATEGIES FOR MAXIMIZING POSITIVE OUTCOMES" Sponsored by JFK Partners and held in Aurora, CO. For more information go to and held in Aurora, CO. For more information go to: http://www.jfkpartners.org/workshops.asp

April 6-9, 2011–Atlanta, GA
HE NATIONAL SERVICE LEARNING CONFERENCE Sponsored by the National Youth Leadership Network and others and held in Atlanta, GA. For more information go to: http://nslc.nylc.org/registration/index.php

April 7, 2011–Oxford, OH
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REGIONAL ROUND TABLE
Sponsored by PEPNet-Midwest and Miami U of Ohio and held in Oxford, OH. For more information go to: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MiamiUniversityRRRegistration

April 13, 2011–Webinar
CUSTOMIZED EMPLOYMENT STRATEGIES FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE DEAF-BLIND WEBINAR, 10:00 - 11:30 AM PT
Sponsored by NCDB. For more information go to: http://nationaldb.org/ISFutureWebinars.php?rID=2169

April 25-28, 2011–National Harbor, MD
CEC 2011 CONVENTION AND EXPO Sponsored by CEC and held in National Harbor, MD. For more information go to:
http://www.cec.sped.org/Content/NavigationMenu/
ProfessionalDevelopment/ConventionExpo/default.htm

April 29, 30, 2011–Sibshop at Mayo Clinic
As those who have attended will tell you, Sibshop trainings are rich events! In the course of two days, you'll hear poignant stories, share laughs, meet courageous sibs, and learn practical advice. A big part of any Sibshop training is the demonstration Sibshop, where you will participate in great Sibshop games and discussion activities with remarkably cool and thoughtful 8-13 year old brothers and sisters of kids with special needs.

This training is open to parents, adult sibs, and any service provider concerned about families.

For more information contact:
Don Meyer
Director, Sibling Support Project
A Kindering Center program
6512 23rd Ave NW, #322
Seattle, WA 98117 USA
206-297-6368

May 8-11, 2011–Las Vegas, NV
NATIONAL ADA SYMPOSIUMHosted by the National ADA Network and held in Las Vegas, NV. For more information go to http://www.adasymposium.org

May 9-10, 2011–Wisconsin Dells, WI
23RD ANNUAL WISCONSIN CONFERENCE ON BRAIN INJURY Sponsored by the BIAW and held in Wisconsin Dells, WI.
For more information go to: http://www.biaw.org/AnnouncementRetrieve.aspx?ID=66742

May 24-25, 2011–Aurora, CO
NATIONAL BRAIN INJURY EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE: STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS Sponsored by CTAT and Denver Options and held in Aurora, CO. For more information go to:
http://ctat-training.com/node/1920

June 5-8, 2011–National Harbor, MD
"LEADING CULTURES OF INNOVATION AND ADVOCACY" ANCOR 2011 CONFERENCE Sponsored by ANCOR and held in National Harbor, MD. For more information go to: http://www.ancor.org/news/2010/12/ancors-2011-conference-leading-cultures-of-innovation-and-advocacy

June6-9, 2011–Twin Cities, MN
"INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES: PATHWAYS TO REALIZING THE VISION" AAIDD NATIONAL CONFERENCE Sponsored by AAIDD and held in the Twin Cities, MN. For more information go to: http://www.aaidd.org/content_223.cfm?navID=75

June 7-10, 2011–Portland, ME
23RD ANNUAL POST SECONDARY DISABILITY TRAINING INSTITUTE Sponsored by the U of CT and held Portland, ME. For more information go to:
http://www.cped.uconn.edu/11pti.html

June 9-11, 2011–Washington, DC
JUNE 9 - 11, 2011 MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA'S 2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCE Sponsored by MHA and held in Washington, DC. For more information go to: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/conference

June 13-15, 2011–Washington, DC
FEDERAL INTER AGENCY CONFERENCE ON BRAIN INJURY Sponsored by many federal agencies and advocacy groups and held in Washington, DC. For more information go to:
http://tbi-interagency-conference.org/

July 11-15, 2011–Minneapolis, MN
PROJECT SEARCH'S FIFTH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE & GALA Sponsored by Project SEARCH and held in Minneapolis, MN. For more information go to: http://www.projectsearch.us/events/fifthannual.php

July 13-16, 2011–Edinboro, PA
"KEEPING OUR EYES ON THE PRIZE: INDEPENDENCE! 2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON INDEPENDENT LIVING" Sponsored by NCIL and held in Washington, DC. For more information go to: http://www.ncil.org/conference/conference2011.html

July 31-August 5, 2011–Storrs, CT

UCPREP - University College Preparation, Rights & Responsibilities,
Empowerment, Planning
Storrs, Connecticut
(Summer Program)

The University of Connecticut will hold a transition-focused summer
program, UCPREP - University College Preparation, Rights &
Responsibilities, Empowerment, Planning, now open for admission, for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities, giving participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in the college setting. Participants in UCPREP will acquire a broader knowledge of college life, expectations and responsibilities; gain better
understanding of their academic and personal strengths and needs,
their rights and responsibilities as a student with a disability, and the skills to become an effective self-advocate; and create an individualized college transition plan that will assist with planning,
preparation and adjustment.
http://www.ncil.org/conference/conference2011.html

Preparing for College: The Online Guide for Students with Disabilities

This website offers guidance to students with disabilities in choosing and preparing for college.
http://www.accredited-online-college-degrees.com/students-with-disabilities.html

August

August 3-9, 2011–Washington, DC
"TRANSITION, INDEPENDENCE AND EMPOWERMENT" Sponsored by Edinboro University and held in Edinboro, PA. For more information go to:
http://www.edinboro.edu/empowerment/

September 23-24, 2011–Washington, DC
FIRST EMERGING SCHOLARS CONFERENCE Sponsored by Chapman University and held in Orange, CA.
For more information contact:
Dr. Philip Ferguson at pferguson@chapman.edu or
Marisa Cianciarulo at cianciar@chapman.edu

October

October 5-7, 2011–Durban, South Africa
"INCLUSION: HOW WE ALL FIT TOGETHER" SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE ON DISABILITY Sponsored by the U of NM and held in Albuquerque, NM. For more information go to: http://cdd.unm.edu/swconf

October 10-13, 2011–Albuquerque, NM
8TH WORLD ASSEMBLY OF DISABLED PEOPLES' INTERNATIONAL Sponsored by DPI and held in Durban, South Africa.
For more information go to:
http://www.dpi2011.co.za/

October 13-15, 2011–Alberta, Canada
CELEBRATING THE CHALLENGES 2011—Special Ed Conference
Celebrating the Challenges typically draws delegates from all groups of professionals that interact with students - teachers, support staff, school and district administration, psychologists, specialists and others.
For more information go to:
http://www.celebratethechallenges.ca/index.html

November 17-18, 2011–National Harbor, MD
NOV 17 - 18, 2011 ALLIANCE FOR FULL PARTICIPATION 2011 SUMMIT Sponsored by the AFP and held in National Harbor, MD. For more information go to: http://www.allianceforfullparticipation.org/summit-2011-b