Wednesday, October 08, 2008

2008 DD Council Family Resource Fairs

Each borough's Develomental Disability Council holds a family resource fair, with expo tables for agencies and trainings for parents and professionals. If you aren't plugged into needed services, this is a great place to start. If you are entering a new phase of services, this is a good place to get a sense of what is out there.

Friday, November 7th -- 8:30 a.m. -3:00 p.m.
Queens Family Support Conference and Resource Fair
Sheraton La Guardia East Hotel 135-20 39th Avenue, Flushing
More info: www.qcdd.org


Thursday, November 20th -- 10 AM to 2 PM
Manhattan Family Support Conference and Resource Fair
St. Paul the Apostle, Amsterdam Avenue between 59th & 60th Streets

Workshops, 10:30 - 11:45:
Community Resources for Children Gary Shulman, Program Director, Resources for Children with Special Needs
Becoming an Effective Self-Advocate! A Session for People with Developmental Disabilities Cathy James, Co-Director, Life Coaching Project, Job Path, & members of Life Coaching Project
Autism: What's New in the Field Charles Cartwright, MD, Director, YAI Autism Center
Medicaid Waivers: What They’re All About Larry Domenech, Development Representative, OMRDD; Jane Salchli, Director of Programs, SKIP of NY
Residential Services: What Parents Need to Know Howard Wasserman, Development Representative, OMRDD; parent to be announced

Workshops, 12:30 - 1:45
12 Tips for Successful Educational Advocacy Christopher Treiber, Director of Advocacy Services, AHRC NYC; Yesenia Estrella, Educational Advocate, Sinergia; Miguel Salazar, Program Director for Public Education, Resources for Children with Special Needs
Future Planning: Guardianship, Wills, Health Care Proxies, Special Needs Trusts Randi Rosenstein, Esq., Director of Legal Services, AHRC NYC
Technology: New Developments for People with Developmental Disabilities Darinka Vlahek, Director of Community Services; Andrija Sekulic, Director of Technology; Justin Russo, Director of Travel Training; Lorraine Cohen, Director of Augmentative Communication; AHRC NYC
Preparing for Puberty & Beyond: Addressing Physical Changes and Sexuality Issues Kristi Hickey-Vigilante, LMSW, YAI Center for Specialty Therapy; Juliet Hawkins, MA, YAI Clinical and Family Services

For more information about the Manhattan Family Support Fair:
AMY BITTINGER at 212-979-9700, EXT. 707/708 or JENNIFER SHAOUL at 212-273-6289

These events are free to families, and some offer a cash raffle or gift bag. A great place to find out about residences, day programs, waiver and non-waiver recreation, respite, and family reimbursement services. Medicaid Service Coordinators can get training credits.

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