Join Us For The 39th Annual NDSC Convention August 5 7, 2011 San Antonio, Texas JW Marriott Hill Country Resort
NDSC 2 General Convention The General Convention programming includes a mix of plenary sessions and breakout workshops. The convention kicks-off on Friday evening with the first of three plenary sessions where attendees gather to hear keynote presentations on topics of broad interest. Breakout workshops are offered on Saturday and Sunday over 5 separate cycles. There will be 14 workshops offered during each cycle, and registrants may attend whichever session they prefer. Detailed descriptions of all workshops will be included in each attendee s convention program, the Souvenir Journal. This will also be available on the NDSC website prior to your arrival and are organized by age groups to guide you in selecting workshops. Pre-Conference Sessions The first opportunity for learning is at our pre-conference sessions. From 8:15 am to 2:30 pm on Friday, the pre-conference sessions require a separate registration fee, and are meant to enhance the convention experience for those individuals who really want to go in-depth on a single topic with a nationally known expert. See pages 4 and 5 for more details about these valuable workshops. Sharing Sessions Marking the unofficial beginning of the General Convention, Sharing Sessions take place on Friday afternoon from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm. Sharing Sessions are designed to help people connect informally around a common age group or interest area, and to share common needs, joys, concerns, resources, and strategies. These sessions are facilitated ted by seasoned parents and are not recorded. About San Antonio Deep in the heart of Texas, San Antonio is a colorful, vibrant blend of Spanish, Mexican, German, and U.S. culture and history. The nation s seventh largest city hosts a variety of unique experiences for you and your family. Couples and families alike will enjoy a river taxi ride along San Antonio s famous River Walk. With its cool shade, twinkling lights and infectious rhythm, the River Walk is a must see for any visitor to San Antonio. A few steps away from the River Walk, history buffs will enjoy touring the world famous Alamo. This year marks the 175th anniversary of the battle which claimed the life of Davy Crockett and helped spur the fight for Texas independence. Nearby, you can tour the 1749 Spanish Governor s Palace, as well as the string of historic missions built along the San Antonio River. The world s first ultra-accessible family fun park, Morgan s Wonderland is just one of many great recreation venues for your family. San Antonio is also home to Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Sea World. Just outside of town, you ll find Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, rated the world s best water park by the Travel Channel. Whatever your passion, San Antonio is the place you ll want to be this August! Go to www.visitsanantonio.com for more information. Please keep in mind when planning your visit that these attractions are not accessible by public transit, so a car rental, shuttle service or taxi will be needed. Photos Courtesy of the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau / Al Rendon Youth and Adults Conference Attendees must be 15 years old by August 5, 2011 Registration for the Y&A Conference will close when capacity is reached or on June 24, whichever is first. The Y&A Conference is designed to be fun, empowering, enriching, and safe. Registration is open only to those individuals with Down syndrome ages 15 and older. To properly support everyone who attends, we gather information about each attendee e in advance, in order to help match volunteers appropriately. The Y&A Conference begins on Friday afternoon with a Kick-off Party, which runs simultaneously with the General Convention s Sharing Sessions. On Saturday, the Y&A Conference consists of workshops, general sessions and panel presentations (Lunch is not included). On Sunday, self-advocates have the opportunity to participate in the very popular Talent Show! With the support of NDSC s Y&A Convention Team, this conference is planned and presented by self-advocates. Y&A attendees will also elect one of their peers to serve on the NDSC Board of Directors. The Youth and Adults Conference really is the heart and soul of the weekend! We do not accept any on-site registrations for the Y&A Conference. It s also important to note that we typically reach our capacity for Y&A attendees prior to the registration deadline, and must close registration at that time. Don t delay and risk disappointing your self-advocate. Brothers and Sisters Conference For those entering 6th through 12th grade this school year, as well as college-age siblings At the Brothers and Sisters Conference, siblings have a chance to have fun and feel connected; to learn more about Down syndrome and disability-related topics; and to make long-lasting friendships. The sibling connection is likely to be the longest family relationship that any of us have. It s important that brothers and sisters feel supported and know how to advocate for their sibling with Down syndrome! The B&S Conference begins on Friday afternoon with a Get Acquainted Session. This group will meet all day Saturday (including lunch) and break at the end of the day, concurrent with the General Convention and Y&A Conference. On Sunday, B&S attendees will go off-site to explore a local San Antonio attraction. Activities & Events Social In addition to educational programming, the NDSC Convention would not be complete without a dance or two! On Friday evening, we will hold our Just Dance! event for all attendees, following the Opening Session. At the same time, attendees can browse the Silent Auction and bid on one-of-a-kind items while supporting a great cause Youth & Adult programming! On Saturday ay evening, we will host our traditional awards banquet (a ticketed event), followed by another opportunity for all attendees to dance (no ticket required). There is also an Exhibit Area for vendors where you ll find the latest in books, toys, teaching aids, apparel, software and more. Our Film Festival provides an opportunity to view the best films, film clips and documentaries featuring someone with Down syndrome. The film festival is offered during the workshop cycles on Saturday and Sunday. Kids Camp NEW!!! Even More Fun! The Kids Camp will provide a means for parents to leave their children between the ages of 6 months 14 years for designated times during the convention weekend in a safe, structured, and fun environment. Camp activities will include arts and crafts, live entertainment, educational games and other activities. All children must be pre-registered by June 24 to attend. Space is limited so register early. More information about this exciting new program can be found on the NDSC website www.ndsccenter.org. 3
2011 NDSC Annual Conference Pre Conference Sessions A. Helping Children with DS Develop and Maintain Understandable Speech: Birth to Adulthood Libby Kumin, PhD, CCC-SLP, Professor of Speech-Language Pathology and Author, Loyola University, Baltimore, MD Attendees will learn what can be done at each stage infants, toddlers, children, adolescents and adults to help develop speech that is easy to understand. Methods and techniques to improve clarity as well as a framework to use for identifying and analyzing the factors that affect speech intelligibility will be presented. Attendees will learn how to develop a home-school communication plan and to use home activities to practice speech skills. Examples of IFSP, IEP and transitioning goals and objectives will be provided. (Con traducción simultánea al español.) Attending a pre-conference session gives you the chance to spend five hours with a nationally-known speaker and dig deep into one specific topic. The sessions are structured to share best practices, content that is research-based and proven how to strategies. All sessions will include time for Q&A. Pre-cons will be held on Friday, August 5 from 8:15 am to 2:30 pm. All pre-conference sessions break for lunch from 11:45 am 1:00 pm. Boxed lunches will be available to purchase when you register. 2011 NDSC B. Teaching Children with Down Syndrome to Read Dana Halle, JD, Executive Director, Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County/DownsEd USA, Developer of The Learning Program, mother of a son with DS, Newport Beach, CA The session will provide participants with evidence-based methods, activities and tools for effective home or classroom literacy instruction. Intended for children 2 through 5 years (or any child who is not yet reading), topics include vocabulary development, sight word acquisition, sentence building, basic comprehension and personalized materials. Illustrated with video examples from students in The Learning Program and with ample time for questions, this session aims to empower parents and professionals to build better readers. Instructional guides and sample materials will be provided. C. Count Me In: Best Practices for Building an Inclusive Classroom Community Michael Remus, MS, Director of Student Support Services, Deer Valley Unified School District, Phoenix, AZ The session will cover steps parents can take to have their children participate with typical peers to build an inclusive community within the general classroom and learning center. It will define what inclusive practices are and the service delivery model to meet the continuum of services for each unique child. The participants will be provided questions they can ask at IEP meetings to hopefully secure a more inclusive environment and strategies to help them both in the academic and behavioral areas. Separate registration is required. For more information on these sessions and presenters, please go to www.ndsccenter.org. Pre-Conference Sessions G. Achieving an Adult Life (or Being Allowed to Become an Adult!) Sue Buckley, Chartered Psychologist, Professor, and Chief Scientist, Down Syndrome Education International, United Kingdom, mother of a daughter with DS This session is based on the premise that adults with DS have the same rights and needs as everyone else. It will enable parents to explore the challenges they face in enabling their son or daughter to achieve adulthood. How do we define adult life for a person with Down syndrome? What practical and personal obstacles do we need to overcome and how do we do so? Discussion on aging issues, independent living and relationships will also be facilitated. 4 D. College Options for Students with Intellectual Disabilities Debra Hart, PhD, Director and Meg Grigal, Co-Director, Department of Education & Transition, Institute for Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA College is an option for students with intellectual disabilities. Find out what new and exciting postsecondary education initiatives are available nationwide. And, learn how to include postsecondary education planning in transition planning for students with intellectual disabilities. A short DVD on postsecondary education in action will be shown. This will be an interactive session with ample time to ask questions and to interact with one another. E. Doing the Detective Work to Promote Positive Behavior Change Scott Shepard, MA Ed, Co-Director, Avenues Supported Living Services and professor, California State University, Northridge, North Los Angeles, CA In this session participants will receive an overview of functional behavior assessment and positive behavior support, learn how to identify behavioral motivations, how to identify and teach replacement behavior and skills as an alternative to challenging behavior, and will acquire a variety of tools to assist in identifying why behaviors are occurring. These principles can be applied with children and adults of all ages and abilities. F. Bodies, Boundaries, and Sexuality: Proactive Strategies for Addressing Sexuality in People with Down syndrome Terri Couwenhoven, MS, AASECT certified Sex Educator, Sexuality Consultant, TC Services, mother of a daughter with DS, Fort Washington, WI Parents are the primary sexuality educators of their children yet research indicates parents often want and need considerable help and support in this role. This workshop is designed to help parents and professionals understand the critical role they play in helping individuals with DS become sexually healthy adults. Participants will explore the concept of healthy sexuality and examine a range of sexuality issues commonly experienced throughout the life cycle. This session will emphasize the importance of sexuality education including teaching strategies (how to teach) and key foundational concepts (what to teach.) Resources for all ages will be shared. H. Promoting Health, Independence, Safety, and Community for Teens and Adults with DS Brian Chicoine, MD, Medical Director and Dennis McGuire, PhD, Director Psychosocial Services, Adult DS Center of Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL Find out how to help teens and adults become their own self advocates related to health care issues. This session will reiterate the association between mental and physical health and discuss treatment options such as the effective use of visual cues. Learn how to promote independence, how to promote success and adaptive skills and how to target specific community weaknesses. Finally participants will learn to differentiate autistic features from autism and why sex education is so important. The most recent health and psychosocial findings from the Adult Down Syndrome Center will also be shared. I. La formación para el dominio de las adecuadas habilidades de relación interpersonal en personas con síndrome de Down Emilio Ruiz Rodríguez, Psicólogo y Asesor Psicopedagógico de la Fundación Síndrome de Down de Cantabria. Director del Área de Educación-Psicología del Canal Down21, España Planteamiento teórico-práctico sobre la importancia de las habilidades sociales para el logro de un nivel aceptable de inclusión social de las personas con síndrome de Down. Presentación de una propuesta práctica de un programa de entrenamiento en habilidades sociales aplicable tanto en la escuela como en casa. J. Affiliates LEAD: A Workshop for Leadership, Education, Advancement and Direction Sue Joe, Affiliate Relations Director, NDSC, Atlanta, GA and Lori McKee, NDSC Board Member, Dallas, TX, both mothers of sons with DS This session is designed specifically for leaders (both volunteer and staff) of Down syndrome parent organizations. Facilitated by members of the NDSC s Partnership Alliance, we will be sharing the expertise, ideas and experiences of those who lead local and regional Down syndrome organizations. Specific topics will be determined by surveying registrants prior to the conference. The day will be divided into both interactive large group presentations and small discussion groups. There will also be an opportunity to continue discussions over the lunch break. 5
Important Registration Information! 2011 REGISTRATION FEES BY JUNE 24 BY JULY 15 ON-SITE Membership is required for registration. The annual membership fee is $35 ($45 for International addresses.) To determine membership status, see mailing label from the convention brochure with expiration date, or contact the NDSC office at 800-232-6372. General Convention Individual $135 $185 $235 General Convention Family (Up to 3 family members residing in the same $225 $275 $325 household attending the General Convention. One additional adult family member can be added for $50. After 4 adults, a new registration must be completed.) Youth & Adults w/ds Conference $85 closed closed Brothers & Sisters Conference $85 closed closed Kids Camp $25 per session closed closed Pre-Conference $75 $85 $100 Pre-Conference with Boxed Lunch $94 $104 $119 OPTIONS BY JULY 15 ON-SITE POST CONVENTION Extra compendium $20 $25 (not guaranteed) not guaranteed Adult Banquet Ticket $45 not guaranteed N/A Child Banquet Ticket (12 and under) $19 not guaranteed N/A Conference DVD-ROM - US address $43 $48 $53 Conference DVD-ROM - international $45 $50 $55 Convention T-Shirt $10 $15 (not guaranteed) N/A Meal Plan (4 meals) $65 closed N/A 2011 NDSC CONVENTION AT-A-GLANCE Friday, August 5 8:15 am Pre-conference Sessions 3:00 pm Kids Camp Session 1 (5 hrs) 3:15 pm Y&A and B&S Kick-Off 3:30 pm Sharing Sessions 6:30 pm Opening General Session 8:00 pm Opening Reception, Silent Auction and Mixer Saturday, August 6 8:00 am Kids Camp Session 2 (4 hrs) 8:00 am Y&A and B&S Conferences 8:30 am General Convention 1:30 pm Kids Camp Session 3 (4 hrs) 6:30 pm Reception/Awards Banquet 9:00 pm Dance Sunday, August 7 7:30 am Kids Camp Session 4 (4 hrs) 8:00 am Y&A Talent Show 8:15 am B&S Off-site Trip 8:30 am General Convention 1:30 pm Convention Closes 6 BEST VALUE REGISTER NOW! There are two ways to register. Pick the one that works best for you. Register Online Visit www.ndsccenter.org; Click on 2011 Convention; Click on Register. Register by Mail Download registration forms from the NDSC website, call (800) 232-6372 or email us at info@ndsccenter.org to request a set of hard copy registration forms that you can complete and return with payment by mail. MEAL PLAN NEW! You asked and we answered. After listening to you, the NDSC has made arrangements to offer attendees a meal plan. The optional meal plan will include 4 meals: dinner Friday evening, breakfast and lunch on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday. The plan will offer a variety of hot and cold items to be selected by the attendee at meal time. The cost is $65 per person. This is a four meal package; meals cannot be ordered separately. The meal plan may not be available on-site, please order at time of registration to guarantee availability. HOTEL & TRANSPORTATION HOTEL: The convention will be held at the JW Marriott Hill Country, 23808 Resort Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78261. Visit the NDSC website for a list of all hotels offering convention discounts. AIRLINES: AirTran Airways is the official air carrier for the 2011 NDSC Convention. Receive a 20% discount for your flight to San Antonio. Discount only available by calling (866) 68EVENT (866-683-8368) and use event code SAT080511. TAXIS: Taxi companies are available outside baggage claim. Fares range from $30 -$35 to the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort from the Airport. GROUND TRANSPORTATION: Avis Rental Car is pleased to provide a convention discount. The AWD code is J944711, call (800) 933-1600 or visit: https://www.avis.com/avisweb/reser vation/reservationsinitializer?&awd_ NUMBER=J944711. AIRPORT EXPRESS SHUTTLE: Advance reservations recommended but not required. Tickets are $35 one way, per person or $65 roundtrip. You can purchase tickets at the baggage claim counter or call (210) 281-9900 or visit www.saairportshuttle.com. Convención General El programa comprende de 3 sesiones plenarias y 5 talleres. Se lleva a cabo los días sábado y domingo. La convención arranca el viernes por la noche con la primera de las sesiones plenarias. El programa completo con la información correspondiente a los 70 talleres estará disponible previo a la convención en el sitio web de NDSC www.ndsccenter.org. Todas las sesiones plenarias serán ofrecidas con interpretación simultánea al español. Convención de Jóvenes/Adultos Con Síndrome de Down Todos los participantes y ponentes son individuos con síndrome de Down mayores de 15 años. Esta conferencia está diseñada para la diversión de los jóvenes y para que estos adquieran nuevos conocimientos ocimientos en un ambiente seguro. El cupo para este evento es limitado por espacio y la capacidad para proveer apoyo a los participantes. Convención Hermanos/ Hermanas Esta convención es para aquellos que asisten a la escuela secundaria (sexto doceavo grado) y la universidad. Los participantes tienen la oportunidad de divertirse, aprender sobre el síndrome de Down y de compartir vivencias con otros chicos de suedad. Además aprenderán sobre como abogar por sus hermanos. Pre Conferencias Son diez sesiones de 5 horas de duración con ponentes reconocidos internacionalmente. Todas se presentan al mismo tiempo por lo que solo puede seleccionar una de ellas. Se llevan a cabo el viernes de 8:15-2:30 y tienen un costo adicional. Una de ellas será presentada en español y otra tendrá traducción simultánea. Si desea, en el momento de inscripción puede ordenar un almuerzo sencillo. Reunión Latina Se lleva a cabo el viernes de 3:30-5:00 pm. El objetivo de la reunión es abrir las puertas para que familias hispanas provenientes de diversas ciudades de Estados Unidos y Latinoamérica se conozcan e intercambien experiencias. Este evento es parte de la convención general y no tiene costo. Talleres o Ponencias Se presentarán 5 ciclos de 1.5 hrs durante los días sábado y domingo. Habrá 14 talleres disponibles durante el mismo ciclo. Sin embargo, sólo uno de estos tendrá interpretación simultánea y otro será presentado en español. sociales y otras actividades Eventos sociales y otras actividades JUST DANCE. El tradicional baile para todos los participantes del viernes por la noche SUBASTA. Compre artículos de colección y apoye el programa de jóvenes y adultos con síndrome de Down DESAYUNO LATINO. Desayune en familia el domingo por la mañana y conozca los directivos de NDSC CENA DE GALA. La ceremonia de reconocimiento y cena de gala se celebra el sábado por la noche. Se requiere de inscripción y un pago adicional. A la cena, le sigue el tradicional baile para todos los asistentes a la convención general EXPOSITORES. Más de 60 vendedores que presentan lo último en libros, juegos, artículos de enseñanza, ropa y programas de computación FESTIVAL DE CINE. Se presenta durante los ciclos de los talleres de sábado y domingo y proporciona la oportunidad de mostrar las mejores películas y documentales que incluyen personas que tienen síndrome de Down. Kids Camp Disponible para niños de 6 meses a 14 años, diseñado en un ambiente seguro, estructurado y divertido. Algunas de las actividades incluyen: arte, manualidades y juegos educacionales. Se requiere de inscripción y pago adicional por cada niño. Plan de Comidas Eventos El plan de alimentación es opcional e incluye cuatro comidas: cena del viernes por la noche, desayuno y almuerzo del sábado y desayuno del domingo. Este es un paquete previamente definido y no se pueden ordenar alimentos por separado. El costo es de $65 7
Special thanks to the Down Syndrome Association of San Antonio for their assistance in providing local support and coordination for the convention. This August, Our Annual Convention Will Be... In San Antonio, Texas And is Sponsored By: Join Us For The 39th Annual NDSC Convention Registration Deadlines Best value deadline: June 24 Youth & Adults, Brothers & Sisters and Kids' Camp: When capacity is reached or June 24 General Convention can register until: July 15 Pre-conference Sessions deadline: July 15 After July 15, registration will be available on-site for the General Convention and Pre-conference Sessions only, based on available space. Design of this brochure donated by www.bourncreative.com NDSC 39th Annual Convention August 5 7, 2011 NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. XXXXXX The 2011 NDSC Convention is filling up fast and registration for the Youth & Adults Conference may close well ahead of the deadline. Don t Delay Register Today! 1370 Center Drive, Suite 102 Atlanta, GA 30338 Toll Free: (800) 232-NDSC (6372) Local: (770) 604-9500 Fax: (770) 604-9898 E-Mail: info@ndsccenter.org www. NDSCcenter.org