Down Syndrome Conference Brochure 2009

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22nd National Conference The Delta Halifax | May 15-17, 2009

Register today! Online: www.cdss.ca Phone: 1-800-883-5608 Fax: 403-270-8291

Canadian Down Syndrome Society

22nd National Conference

Celebrating our 22nd year as the voice of Canadians with Down syndrome! The Canadian Down Syndrome Society, together with the Nova Scotia Down Syndrome Society, is excited to host our 22nd National Conference at the Delta Halifax, May 15-17, 2009.

www.cdss.ca to register

Schedule »» Please note that the conference schedule is subject to change. »» Presentations during Sessions A-D are concurent. Session selection will be offered at the conference. No need to pre-select sessions. »» Lunch on Saturday and Sunday is included in registration fees. Attendees are responsible for all other meal and snack arrangements.

Who should attend? We encourage all citizens with Down syndrome, their families, their friends, health care professionals, educational professionals, and representatives from parallel organizations within the disability community. The conference is a platform to share developments and information from specialists in their respective fields in the form of speakers, reviews, panel discussions and presentations featuring current medical, health, social, research, education and advocacy issues.

Conference Goals Create an opportunity for citizens with Down syndrome and their families to come together and develop relationships, learn and share, and connect with others from across the country. Celebrate the accomplishments Canadians with Down syndrome have achieved this year, contributions they’ve made to their communities, and their role as an integral part of the human family. Use this opportunity to work directly with our membership to ensure that the CDSS is Canada’s national voice, representing citizens with Down syndrome, working towards a Canada where all are welcome, we embrace diversity, and we value everyone’s genes equally.

Friday, May 16 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Pre-Conference Workshop - Advocacy in Action: Effective Advocacy in the areas of Education, Employment, Medical and Self Advocacy 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm Conference Registration 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Welcome Reception

Saturday, May 17 7:30 am - 12:00 pm Conference Registration 8:30 am - 9:30 am Welcome Address f. CDSS Executive Director & Board Chair 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Keynote Address f. Michael Bérubé 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm SESSION A 3:30 pm - 4:45 pm SESSION B 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Saturday Night Family Concert f. Razzmatazz for Kids 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm VATTA Movie Night (Self-Advocates and Teens only)

Sunday, May 18 8:30 am - 10:00 am SESSION C 10:30 am - 12:00 pm SESSION D 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch and CDSS Annual General Meeting (CDSS Members only) 1:30 pm - 3:45 pm Screening of the film Norm and followup panel 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Cocktails 7:00 pm - 1:00 am Sunday Night Dinner & Dance

Canadian Down Syndrome Society

22nd National Conference

www.cdss.ca to register

Pre-Conference Advocacy in Action: Effective Advocacy in the areas of Education, Employment, Medical and Self Advocacy

Friday, May 15, 2009 | 8:30 am - 4:00 pm | Bluenose Ballroom The CDSS is excited to facilitate a day designed for parents, professionals, service organizations and self-advocates prior to our 2009 National Conference in Halifax. Regardless of disability, race, sex, age or nationality, it is important for every person to have an influence on his/her own life or with the people they support. Being an effective advocate requires knowledge, skill and the confidence to make changes. This full day session is designed to help build capacity for leadership, creativity, skill and strength to create positive change in social issues. The training will be broken into four distinct advocacy areas including: educational advocacy; employment advocacy; medical advocacy; selfadvocacy. Experienced professionals from across Canada specializing in the four themes will facilitate the training, sharing best practices to support and encourage both systemic and individual advocacy. The workshop will assist in developing your visions and ideas to create affirmative change that improves the lives of people with disabilities. Cost: $70.00 for CDSS Members, $100 for Non-members (includes lunch)

Keynote Keynote Speaker: Michael Bérubé

Saturday, May 16, 2009 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm | Baronet Ballroom Michael Bérubé is the Paterno Family Professor in Literature at Pennsylvania State University. He is the author of six books, including Marginal Forces / Cultural Centers: Tolson, Pynchon, and the Politics of the Canon (Cornell University Press, 1992); Life As We Know It: A Father, A Family, and an Exceptional Child (Pantheon, 1996); and Rhetorical Occasions: Essays on Humans and the Humanities (University of North Carolina Press, 2006). He has written numerous essays on Down syndrome and disability, and edits “Cultural Front,” a book series published by NYU Press which includes works in disability studies by Simi Linton, Lennard Davis, and Robert McRuer. Life As We Know It was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year for 1996 and was chosen as one of the best books of the year (on a list of seven) by Maureen Corrigan of National Public Radio. SELF-ADVOCATE FRIENDLY

Closing Session Norm: A Documentary About Love, Family, and Survival

Sunday, May 17, 2009 | 1:30 pm – 3:45 pm | Baronet Ballroom This year’s closing session will be a screening of the film Norm (2008). Winner - Rex Tasker Documentary Award at the 2008 Atlantic Film Festival. Winner – Best Documentary Award – Silver Wave Film Festival. Norm is a love story, pure and simple. Norm begins with a grown sister who decides to step up to the plate and take care of her older brother with Down syndrome. Norm speaks to all of us through a story of hilarity and healing and the gathering up of all the frayed strands of a lost and guilt-ridden family. An exuberant celebration of life, Norm will leave you questioning yet hopeful. Following the showing, those featured in the film will discuss Norm’s inspiring journey, the depth of love from his family and community, and similar challenges faced by many families. SELF-ADVOCATE FRIENDLY

Canadian Down Syndrome Society

22nd National Conference

Concurrent Sessions »» Concurrent sessions will be taking place Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. A full schedule of sessions will be available at the conference check-in. No need to pre-register for specific sessions. »» Sessions are subject to change. Look for updates on www.cdss.ca

Sibling Forum Join the Charchuk family from PEI and several others from the region as they discuss sibling relationships. Plan to join in the conversation and share your stories.

Ring of Safety – David Hingsburger People with disabilities are the most victimized group in society. It is obvious that ‘protection’ is not a strategy that works well. This session will outline the skills that people with disabilities need to learn in order to provide for themselves a line of defense. By increasing skills and awareness it is possible to reduce the likelihood of abuse and increase an individual’s confidence in themselves. The ‘Ring of Safety’ will provide attendees with a variety of positive ways to approach abuse prevention. SELF-ADVOCATE FRIENDLY

Canadian Association for Community Living Learn more about the important work of the CACL. For 50 years, the Canadian Association for Community Living has been striving for the full inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.

Walking in Our Shoes – The Voices at the Table Advocacy Committee (VATTA) Hear it first hand on what it is like to be a self-advocate. Members of the CDSS VATTA Committee will share insight on important issues that affect their own lives. At this session you will be guaranteed to gain a better understanding of adults with Down syndrome. The committee will also share methods they have used to change their own communities. SELF-ADVOCATE FRIENDLY

www.cdss.ca to register

Show Business - Krystal Hope Nausbaum and Madeleine Greey Krystal Hope Nausbaum, star of the film, The Memory Keepers Daughter and her mother Madeline Greey will share their reflections of a devoted actress and stage mom. SELF-ADVOCATE FRIENDLY

The “R” Word The “R” word is a film that tells the stories of three generations of families and individuals, their incredible stories of courage, vulnerability and love. SELF-ADVOCATE FRIENDLY

Tanya Ponich and Family Join Tanya Ponich as she takes you through a journey of her life. She will share her views on life, her family, and on being a young woman with Down syndrome who is active within her community. SELF-ADVOCATE FRIENDLY

The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) – Ken Pike Learn the most up to date information regarding the newly created Registered Disability Savings Plan. (www.rdsp.com)

Psychology and Down Syndrome - Dr. Mary Tomlinson Join Dr. Tomlinson for an outline of the common emotional and psychiatric problems across the lifespan of people with Down syndrome: signs of trouble, what kind of help is available, and how to get it. Bring your questions and be ready for discussion.

Children’s Health – the IWK

Creating a Strong Future – Ask the CDSS

Join physicians from the IWK Hospital for Women and Children team for a session on current medical issues relating to children with Down syndrome.

Join the CDSS team, the CDSS Board of Directors and the VATTA Committee to discuss and share your voice on the future as we approach the next decade. SELF-ADVOCATE FRIENDLY

People First of Canada

Bilingualism in children with Down syndrome: What happens over time? - Elizabeth Kay Raining Bird This session will discuss the success children with Down syndrome have learning two languages. The research on bilingual development in children with and without Down syndrome will be reviewed. Three case studies of children with Down syndrome growing up bilingual will be presented; each followed for 6 years or more. Their development of both languages and their experiences with bilingualism will be discussed.

People First of Canada will share some of their current initiatives and strategies. People First of Canada is the national voice for people who have been labeled with an intellectual disability. They are about rights – human rights, citizenship rights, accommodations rights and language rights. The right to freedom, choice and equality for all. SELF-ADVOCATE FRIENDLY

Beyond the Box Basics – Barbara Laird Providing professional development for educators, professionals and parents that support all students with diverse learning needs.

Canadian Down Syndrome Society

22nd National Conference

www.cdss.ca to register

Self-Advocates

Additional Events

Self-Advocates (adults with Down syndrome) are welcome to attend any and all sessions offered during the conference. Sessions that would most appeal to the interests of SelfAdvocates are highlighted as SELF-ADVOCATE FRIENDLY in the sessions listing.

Welcome Reception

Other activities, workshops and outings will be offered for SelfAdvocates during the conference, including the Harbour Hopper and Brewery Tour, hosted by the Murphy’s on the Water tour company. (www.murphysonthewater.com) Supervision is limited. If a Self-Advocate is traveling with a paid support person, registration discounts are available. Please contact the CDSS directly to make arrangements for Support Person registration. [email protected] or 1-800-883-5608

Teen Program Teenagers aged 13-17 are invited to partake in the weekend Teen Program. Details are still being finalized, but we guarantee one thing: lots of fun! Activities will include an afternoon matinee of High School Musical live at the Neptune Theatre (www.neptunetheatre. com) and a trip to the Discovery Centre, Nova Scotia’s handson science centre. (www.discoverycentre.ns.ca) Afternoon snacks are provided both days and teens will be accompanied by volunteers during all activities.

Child Care Child care is located onsite at the Delta Halifax, divided into two groups for children 2-6 and children 7-12. Professional staff and volunteers will supervise children from 8:30 am - 4:45 pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Lunch and snacks will be provided. We are a family-first conference and encourage young families with infants to attend as well. If you have an infant under 2 years old, Snugglers will be on hand to hold your baby close by during sessions. Snugglers will be found at the CDSS booth. »» The Teen Program and Child Care have limited space. Register early to reserve your spot!

Friday, May 15, 2009 | 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm | Bluenose Ballroom Join us as the CDSS welcomes attendees to Halifax with a wine and cheese reception. Catch up with old friends and meet new families. Cost: $15.00 (children 6 and under free) Saturday Night Family Concert featuring Razzmatazz for Kids

Saturday, May 16, 2009 | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm | Baronet Ballroom An upbeat and engaging concert ideal for families with young children. Razzmatazz for Kids blends exciting music, participatory songs, and comedy in their highly energetic and interactive concerts of original and traditional songs, featuring vocals, guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, and percussion. Known for their wackiness, they introduce children to a wide range of “roots” music in styles such as Folk, Acadian, Celtic, Klezmer, Cajun/Zydeco and Blues. A broad cultural mix, their show includes songs in French and Hebrew. (www.razzmatazz.ns.ca) VATTA Movie Night

Saturday, May 16, 2009 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Harbourview Deck The Voices at the Table Advocacy Committee (VATTA) invite SelfAdvocates and Teens to join them for snacks, pop, prizes and fun! Movie to be announced. Sunday Night Dinner & Dance

Sunday, May 17, 2009 | 6:00 pm – 1:00 am | Bluenose Ballroom The exciting culmination to the Conference. Cocktails will be served starting at 6:00 pm and dinner commences at 7:00 pm. Then it’s time to dance! Featuring a live cover band, prizes and a raffle. Single tickets for the Dinner & Dance are also available for attendees not taking part in the rest of the conference. Cost: $65.00 ($35.00 for children 12 and under)

Canadian Down Syndrome Society

22nd National Conference

CDSS Awards 2009 The Canadian Down Syndrome Society Awards are given annually at the CDSS National Conference. These awards recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations who support the vision and mission of the CDSS and work to enrich the lives of people with Down syndrome and the communities where they live and work.

Self-Advocate of the Year Award The award is given out to encourage and help promote self-advocacy in Canada. The CDSS wants to honor the work and accomplishments of one self-advocate with Down syndrome each year.

Print Media Award This award is presented to an individual or individuals, in the case where there is a shared byline, or a newspaper publisher who have shown Down syndrome in a positive fashion, demonstrating the vision of the CDSS.

Broadcast Media Award This award is presented to an individual or individuals, a company or a broadcast outlet, who has shown Down syndrome in a positive fashion and has therefore, demonstrated the vision of the CDSS.

How to Make a Nomination:

Inclusive Education Award This award is designed to recognize a local teacher, support worker, school, or school district who has shown outstanding support for the full inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

Employer of the Year Award This award is designed to recognize a local employer who has shown ongoing support of an employee with Down syndrome as well as supporting a local Down Syndrome Society.

Spirit of Inclusive Community of the Year Award This award is designed to recognize a local community group in Canada that has shown outstanding support for the full inclusion of people with Down syndrome through special projects, or group activities.

CDSS One Voice Award This award may be presented annually to an individual, family, group, or organization that best exemplifies and furthers the vision and/or mission of the CDSS.

»» Submit the full name, address, and phone number of the individual or organization that you believe meets the award criteria for the CDSS 2008 Awards. »» Provide a brief description as to why you feel the individual or organization is a worthy recipient of this award. »» Inform the individual or organization that you have nominated them for a CDSS award. All nominations will be considered by a committee made up of Canadian Down Syndrome Society board members, staff, and self-advocates. Deadline: April 15, 2009 Mail: CDSS Awards 811 14 st. NW Calgary, AB T2N 2A4

Jane Cameron Award 2009 Are you an artist with Down syndrome? Do you like to make art, like drawings, photos or paintings? Do you like to sing, dance or perform drama? Do you make videos, write stories or poems? Enter the Jane Cameron Award, an award for artists with Down syndrome!

»» The Jane Cameron Award 2008 winning peice titled, “The Warthog” by Louis O’Coffee of Edmonton, Alberta

www.cdss.ca to register

Jane Cameron was an artist with Down syndrome. She liked to make tapestries, paint and write poems. In 2001, the Canadian Down Syndrome Society and the Jane Cameron Archives at InDefinite Arts, decided to give an award in her honour. To be eligible for the award you must live in Canada and have Down syndrome.

Fax: (403) 270-8291 Email: [email protected]

You can learn more about the award or get a copy of the form on Jane’s website: www.janecameron. com or by calling 1-800-883-5608 The prize is $500 just for you, and a medal based on Jane Cameron’s art made by Jeff deBoer, a Canadian artist.

Send a sample of your art and a submission form before April 15, 2009 to: Jane Cameron Award c/o CDSS 811 14 St. NW Calgary, AB T2N 2A4

Canadian Down Syndrome Society

22nd National Conference

Accommodation

www.cdss.ca to register

Air Travel

If you are traveling to Halifax to attend this years conference, a preferred conference rate of $161+tax per night is being offered to attendees staying at the Delta Halifax. The Delta Halifax is ideal for families: it has an indoor pool, is handicap accessible, and takes away the stress of traveling within the city. Just come downstairs and join the conference! Located near the shore on historic Barrington Street, the hotel is just steps away from shopping, dining, pubs and prime Halifax site-seeing.

WestJet has generously offered a 10% discount on standard flights to Halifax from anywhere in Canada for CDSS National Conference attendees. Taking advantage of this great offer is easy! Simply go to www.cdss. ca and download the WestJet Special Conference Fare form from our conference page. Email or fax the completed form to WestJet at conventions@westjet. com / fax 1-800-582-7072. If you have questions about this process, please contact WestJect directly at 1-888-493-7853.

To book, go to www.cdss.ca and follow the link from our conference page to the online booking form. Or call 1-888-890-3222 and request the CDSS group rate. Reduced rates are available from May 11-17, 2009.

Register Now

Online: www.cdss.ca Phone: 1-800-883-5608

»» Due to space restrictions for Child Care and the Teen Program, we encourage attendees to register online so that they are confirmed spots right away. Personal information will not be shared with any other organization.

Fax: 403-270-8291 Mail:

Contact Information: Primary Attendee

CDSS Member

Non-Member

First name:

Self-Advocate Last name:

Mailing address: City: Home phone: (

Province: )

Cell phone: (

Postal code: )

Email:

3rd Attendee

2nd Attendee

I am a Self-Advocate and would like to join the specialized Self-Advocate activities and tours

CDSS Member

Non-Member

First name:

Self-Advocate Last name:

I am a Self-Advocate and would like to join the specialized Self-Advocate activities and tours

CDSS Member First name:

Non-Member

Self-Advocate Last name:

I am a Self-Advocate and would like to join the specialized Self-Advocate activities and tours

811-14 St. NW Calgary, AB T2N 2A4

Teen (13-17) Teen (13-17) Child (2-12) Child (2-12)

First name:

Last name:

Age:

M/F:

I will attend sessions with my guardians

I will join the Teen Program

Emergency contact at conference: Emergency contact cell phone: (

)

First name:

Last name:

Age:

M/F:

I will attend sessions with my guardians

I will join the Teen Program

Emergency contact at conference: Emergency contact cell phone: (

) Last name:

First name: Age:

M/F:

I will require Child Care on Saturday and Sunday

Emergency contact at conference: Emergency contact cell phone: (

IMPORTANT: Please include a detailed list of any diagnosed medical conditions, food allergies, diaper/toileting issues, or other important behavioural information that our Child Care workers would need to know prior to your arrival.

)

First name:

Last name:

Age:

M/F:

I will require Child Care on Saturday and Sunday

Emergency contact at conference: Emergency contact cell phone: (

Fees:

IMPORTANT: Please include a detailed list of any diagnosed medical conditions, food allergies, diaper/toileting issues, or other important behavioural information that our Child Care workers would need to know prior to your arrival.

)

CDSS Members

Non-Members

Self-Advocates

Early Registration

$250

$300

$140

After March 31

$300

$350

$140

Conference Fees

Pre-Conference

Welcome Reception

Sat. Family Concert

»» Cancellation policy: Notice of cancellation must be made by March 30, 2009 to receive a full refund. No refunds will be given after this time. VATTA Movie Night

Sun. Dinner & Dance

Primary Attendee

$_____

$70/100

$15

included

included

$65

2nd Attendee

$_____

$70/100

$15

included

included

$65

3rd Attendee

$_____

$70/100

$15

included

included

$65

Teen (13-17)

$140

$15

included

included

$65

Teen (13-17)

$140

$15

included

included

$65

Child (2-12)

$140

Free

included

$35

Child (2-12)

$140

Free

included

$35

Subtotal

Total:

Payment:

Visa

Mastercard

Cheque (Make cheques payable to: Canadian Down Syndrome Society)

Card holder name: Expiry date:

Card number: /

Signature:

Mail to: Canadian Down Syndrome Society 811 14 St. NW Calgary, AB T2N 2A4

Please make a copy of this form to keep for your own records. If registering by mail or fax confirmation will be sent to you within three business days. If we do not receive payment by April 15, 2009, your registration will be canceled. Registration inquiries: [email protected] or 1-800-883-5608