This will be our 5th year and getting stronger every year! Last year almost 800 people came! More info can be found at www.tndisabilitymegaconference.org or feel free to email me [log in to unmask] or [log in to unmask] .
2007 Conference May 31-June 2 Nashville Airport Marriott
What is the Mega Conference?
A coalition of more than 50 disability related organizations in Tennessee have come together to plan our 5th annual statewide disability MegaConference, to be held in Nashville from May 31- June 2, 2007. Our shared purpose in creating this conference is to strengthen our bonds and promote understanding as we move forward together, united in our desire for independence, choice and dignity for all people.
What topic areas will the conference address?
· Academics (e.g., early intervention, preschool, elementary, secondary, higher education, and adult skills training, inclusionary practices, etc)
· Access (e.g., to services, to programs, to buildings and to the physical environment, etc)
· Administrative/Management (e.g., supervision, administration, risk management, board development, fiscal responsibility, advisor role in self-advocacy movement, etc)
· Assistive Technology (e.g., augmentative/alternative communication, computers and software, environmental controls, adaptive equipment, seating and mobility, etc)
· Disability Specific (focuses on one or more aspects of a particular diagnosis)
· Employment (e.g., services, programs, strategies, self-employment, competitive and supportive, micro-enterprises, etc)
· Empowerment (e.g., person-centered thinking, self-directed supports, self-determination, self-advocacy and advocating for others, etc)
· Housing (e.g., home ownership options, rental options, affordability and accessibility, etc)
· Interactive (e.g. sessions that get participants involved in the presentation/activity)
· Quality Supports (e.g., facilitating independence, health and safety, nutrition, conflict resolution, respite care, quality of life issues, dignity and respect, etc)
· Recreation and Leisure (e.g., athletics, exercise, social activities and events, etc)
· Relationships/Sexuality (e.g., friendship, dating, and appropriate relationship behavior)
· Systems Change (e.g., grassroots organizing, legislative affairs, group advocacy, self-directed supports, inclusionary practices, etc)
Who can apply to be a presenter at the conference?
The conference will bring together a wide range of people. We encourage applications from all those with knowledge and expertise in any or all of the topic areas listed above. In addition we are seeking presentations that address new and innovative ideas for this year’s conference. Applications will be welcomed from individuals with and without disabilities and family members, volunteers, professionals and providers.
How will presenters be selected?
The Program Committee will accept call-for-presenter applications until the close of business on November 15, 2006. Presentations that reflect a collaborative effort between groups or individuals are especially encouraged. Applications will be selected according to a point scale. Points will be awarded according to the following criteria:
A. Special preference will be given to sessions that are interactive and/or geared toward people with disabilities as the target audience.
B. PEOPLE FIRST LANGUAGE MUST BE UTILIZED (see attached PFL guide)
C. All sections of the application must be completed.
D. Subject matter adequately addresses one of the topic areas.
E. Presentation description is clearly written.
D. Learning objectives are clearly stated.
E. Session structure and organization are clearly defined.
F. Presenters have sufficient experience and knowledge of the subject matter.
What resources will be available to presenters?
· The program committee will consider proposals for 75-minute sessions. The program committee will select a limited number of proposals, so please make sure that you are available to present May 31, June 1, and June 2, 2007 and that you do not have a scheduling conflict if your proposal is selected.
· Presentation rooms will hold between 55-72 people, depending on space configuration.
· Presenters who are chosen will be granted complimentary admission to the conference for the day of their presentation(s), but will be responsible for their own meals, travel and lodging costs.
· Special stipends may be available.
How will I know if I’ve been selected?
The Program Committee will contact chosen presenters by e-mail (or by phone if no e-mail address is available) by January 31, 2007. It is expressly understood that the presentation may be scheduled at any time on any of the conference dates at the discretion of the conference organizers.
Note: All copies of handouts and materials will be the responsibility of the presenter. Please be prepared to send your materials in electronic format to accommodate attendees who require alternative formats.
PROPOSAL DUE DATE: By the end of business day, November 15, 2006
Please send proposals (via e-mail, mail, or fax) and address all questions to:
Lori Israel
MegaConference Program Committee
c/o The Arc of Tennessee
151 Athens Way, Ste 100
Nashville Tennessee 37228
Phone: 615.248.5878 x18
Fax: 615.248.5879
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
2007 Conference May 31- June 2 at the Nashville Airport Marriott
Electronically submitted proposals are highly encouraged
Call for Presenters
Form and Instructions
Application Deadline: November 15th, 2006
PART 1: Presentation Information
Presentation Title:
Summary of Presentation: (The summary may be of any length, in narrative or outline form, and should provide clear explanation of what you will be talking about in your session. This information will be used by the program committee in the proposal selection process)
*People First Language Must Be Used*
(Please refer to guide on People First Language on Page 7)
Description of the Presentation:(Maximum 50 words. The description will appear in the convention brochure and will aid participants in choosing sessions. Please word this so that it is understandable by all)
Learning Objectives: (An explanation of what you want the participants to learn from your session. These need to be written in measurable and observable goals. For example: The participant will be able to…. You may have to list more than one goal to cover your session content)
Primary topic area that presentation addresses: (check only one area. If the presentation will address more than one area, select the area of primary importance )
q Administrative/Management
q Housing
q Access
q Interactive
q Assistive Technology
q Relationships/Sexuality
q Disability Specific:______________
q Recreation and Leisure
q Education
q Systems Change
q Employment
q Quality Supports
q Empowerment
Type of presentation:
q Lecture
q Demonstration
q Networking Session / Discussion
q Interactive/ Hands-On Workshop
Intended Audience: (check all that apply)
q Self-Advocate /Persons with Disabilities
q Family Member
q Advocate
q Direct Support Professional
q Educator
q Clinical Professional
q Administrator/Manager
q All of the above
PART II: Presenter Information (If more than one presenter, designate lead presenter and provide complete contact information for each presenter. List only those persons who will actually attend and present at the conference.)
Presenter 1 Name: Degree (if any):
Institution / Company:
Address:
City: State: Zip / Postal code:
Daytime Phone: Evening Phone: Fax:
E-mail address: Web site:
Presenter 2 Name: Degree(if any):
Institution / Company:
Address:
City: State: Zip / Postal code:
Daytime Phone: Evening Phone: Fax:
E-mail address: Web site:
Presenter 3 Name: Degree (if any):
Institution / Company:
Address:
City: State: Zip / Postal code:
Daytime Phone: Evening Phone: Fax:
E-mail address: Web site:
Biographical information for each presenter: (Maximum 30 words. Include institution/company position/title, and related experience).
Have you or any co-presenter(s) presented this proposal before? YES NO
If yes, who was the presenter(s)?
Are you or any co-presenters affiliated in any manner with a company or organization whose commercial products you will be presenting or demonstrating? YES NO
If yes, please explain affiliation:
Important note Re: AV requests
The Mega Conference has limited funds to supply audio-visual equipment in presentation rooms. Each room is set up theater style and supplied with projection screen, power strip, and equipment table. We are more than happy to fulfill your individual presentation needs, but would also appreciate each presenter bringing his or her own equipment, if available. The MegaConference cannot provide laptop computers. If your equipment needs to be changed before the conference, please let us know immediately. Please note: We will not be able to fill last minute requests at the conference.
Please respond to the following:
q I will be bringing my own equipment. Please List:
q I will need the following equipment:
q I do not need any AV equipment
PART III: Accommodations
Do you need any accessibility accommodations for your presentation? YES NO
If yes, please list
Submission deadline: November 15, 2006
Confirmation dates: The Program Committee will contact chosen presenters by e-mail (or by phone if no email address is available) by January 31, 2007. Proposal acceptance notification will include date, time and room assignment for presentation.
Examples of People First Language
The difference between the right word and the almost right word
is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug. --Mark Twain
Say
Instead of
people with disabilities
the handicapped or disabled
he has an intellectual disability
he’s mentally retarded
she has autism
she’s autistic
he has Down syndrome
he’s Downs
she has a learning disability
she’s learning disabled
he has a physical disability
he’s a quadriplegic/crippled
she’s of short stature
she’s a dwarf (or midget)
he has an emotional disability
he’s emotionally disturbed
she uses a wheelchair or mobility chair
she’s wheelchair bound
she’s confined to a wheelchair
he receives special education services
he’s in special education
typical kids
kids without disabilities
normal or healthy kids
congenital disability
birth defect
brain injury
brain damaged
accessible parking
handicapped parking
she needs . . . or she uses . . .
she has a problem with . . .
“Disability is a natural part of the human experience...”
U.S. Developmental Disabilities Act & The Bill of Rights Act, 1993
If you have questions about People First Language, you should ask a person with a disability for advice or contact People First of Tennessee at (615)898-0075 or (800)264-7773 outside the Murfreesboro area.
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