TRC’s fourth annual Educational Conference coming September 13-14

The Resource Center’s fourth annual Educational Conference will be held September 13 and 14, with a number of speakers addressing a variety of topics pertaining to the concept of disabilities.

The conference is titled “Times Are Changing” and will be held at the Chautauqua Suites Meeting and Expo Center on Route 394 in Mayville.  The goal is to provide food for thought on the changing times and opportunities for practical application of theories and therapeutic practices for individuals with disabilities.  The conference is geared toward professionals in the human service field as well as individuals with disabilities and their families.

The first day’s keynote speaker will be Yvonne Conte, an author who will give a talk titled “The Positive Power of Humor.”  Ms. Conte’s fast-paced, humorous presentation is peppered with personal anecdotes and real-life experience.  She will provide insights into the trials and triumphs people face at home and in the workplace.

Al Condeluci

Back by popular demand as the keynote speaker on the conference’s second day will be Al Condeluci, the chief executive officer of UCP/CLASS of Pittsburgh.  Condeluci, the keynote speaker at last year’s conference, will give a talk titled “Cultural Shifting: Understanding Community and Social Capital.”  His presentation will explore the elements of culture and community in thinking about change and leadership.  Designed for all levels of staff, family members and advocates, this presentation introduces the element of culture, focuses on potency for change, and then offers strategies for implementing cultural shifting in one’s own organization or life.

The rest of the conference will feature some 20 other local and regional experts in a variety of areas.

The Resource Center began holding an annual educational conference to give people in Western New York the opportunity to attend a high-quality conference without having to travel outside the region.  The Educational Conference was begun in 2008 as a way to examine issues pertaining to Autism Spectrum Disorder.  It has evolved into a comprehensive conference geared at addressing a variety of disability-related issues.

Yvonne Conte

"The main focus of the Educational Conference is to learn more about treatment practices, best practices, when supporting people with disabilities," said Nancy Ingram, TRC's Assistant Executive Director for Service Operations.  Toward that end, the conference presenters will include TRC staff members as well as external experts.  TRC presenters and their topics include:
Heather Brown, Director of Individualized Services — "Creating a `Life' Not a Program"

Michelle Williams, Director of Mental Health Services — "Engagement: An Interactional Approach"

Dr. Robert Ellis, Senior Psychologist — "Dancing with Autism: Teaching Imitation"

Tess Kerzner, Children's Services Coordinator — "Yoga for the ADHD/Autistic Child"

Terri Johnson, Individualized Services Administrator, and Shannon Prince, Applied Behavioral Science Specialist — "Social Skills for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder"

Kristy Lauer, Gateways Program Manager — "Stress Management and Compassion Fatigue"

Leanna Luka-Conley, Children's Services Social Work Specialist — "Workshops for Siblings of Children with Special Needs"

Katie Knaak, Person-Centered Planning Consultant — "Person-Centered Planning: Helping People Create a Life with Meaning"

Dr. Kathleen Gradel, Board of Directors member — "Amping Up Group Discussion for Students with Disabilities"

The cost to attend the educational conference is $179, which includes continental breakfast and lunch both days.  A one-day registration costs $139.  To register for the conference, click here or phone The Resource Center at 485-7219. 

In addition to The Resource Center, sponsoring organizations for the conference are TRC Foundation and the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council.  Through the DDPC’s sponsorship, a limited number of scholarships are available for family members to attend free.  To inquire about a scholarship, phone 485-7219.