Announcing Statewide Conference for parents, professionals, and students with disabilities
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The fifth annual Statewide Transition Conference for high school aged students and young adults with disabilities, their family members, teachers, vocational professionals, caregivers, health care professionals, college students, and community advocates will be held in Schaumburg, IL from November 8-10, 2009. The conference, "Mission Transition; Destination Success", will be held at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center and offers opportunities for participants to expand their visitors of the possibilities for students with disabilities for independent living, education and training, employment, community integration, health care, and self-advocacy.
The goals of this statewide transition conference include the promotion of: family involvement, student self-determination, interagency collaborations, effective program structures and student development. The conference kicks off on Sunday afternoon, November 8, 2009, with exhibits and pre-conference sessions from 1-4 p.m., allowing those who cannot attend on weekdays a chance to visit informational booths and to choose from among 10 sessions in the areas of health, community, education and employment issues. Monday, November 9th, will feature an inspirational keynote speaker, Jonathan Edison, as well as 44 different breakout sessions, exhibits and an internet cafe. On Tuesday, November 10th, the conference will begin with opening plenary speakers in each of 4 tracks including: education, employment, community and health, and will continue with choices for 11 more breakout sessions. Keynote speaker, Janice Flalka will provide food for thought during lunch, and the conference will conclude after a selection of 11 additional afternoon breakout sessions.
Participants have options to attend the Sunday afternoon pre-conference only, the full conference (Sunday through Tuesday), or the main conference only (Monday and Tuesday). Full descriptions of all the sessions offered, and registration materials are available at the conference website: www.illinoistransitionconference.org. Participants can register online or print the registration form to mail in. Individuals without access to the internet can call Family Matters, toll free at 866-436-7842 to have a registration packet mailed to them.
Some scholarships and financial assistance to attend the conference are available for parents of students with disabilities or students with disabilities from the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply, contact Tara Dunning at 217-744-7777. The Arc of Illinois and Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities Consumer Involvement Program also offer funds to enable people with developmental disabilities and their family members to attend conferences. Call 815-464-1832 to learn more about that assistance.
Professionals can earn continuing education or professional development credits for attending the conference and can check the conference website, www.illinoistransitionconference.org for information about the credits that are offered.
Early bird discounts are available were available until September 14, 2009. Late registrations can be made through October 16, 2009 and on-site registration will be accepted at a higher rate, depending on capacity. Register early for the best rates and to assure your choice of sessions.