The Coalition of Texans with Disabilities’ 34th Annual Convention
“iMake a Difference”
Casa de Palmas Renaissance Hotel
101 N Main St
McAllen, Texas 78501
September 14 — 15, 2012
http://www.cotwd.org/convention.html
For the first time, CTD is headed to the Valley for this year’s annual
convention! Our annual conventions give self-advocates and our
membership a chance to gather together to learn, network, prepare for
the upcoming legislative session, and have fun! Click here for the
tentative convention agenda.
Convention Hotel Information: To book your hotel at the conference rate
of $99.00 a night at the Renaissance Casa De Palmas
Kick Off Friday with Professionals and Consumers
The convention will kick off on Friday with the focus aimed toward
professionals in the healthcare industry such as Medicaid service
coordinators, therapists, rehabilitation service providers, etc.
Several training opportunities will be offered throughout the day.
Learn “Effective Interactions with People with Disabilities” with tips
on communication, using appropriate and correct language, respecting
space, wheelchairs, service animals, and other unique issues. Check out
“Consumer Directed Services (CDS)”, which will teach you the ins and
outs of CDS and other community services and their importance in
sustaining independence for Texans with disabilities. Plus more to
come! CEU’s offered! Of course, you do not have to be employed in the
biz to participate, as all are welcome!
Deaf Culture workshop
Bridging the gaps between Deaf and hearing cultures is no small feat:
but CTD, in partnership with VAIL and Down by the Border, is taking one
small step in the direction at our annual convention this fall.
For Professional Focus Friday, CTD presents Deaf Culture and
Interactions, a workshop for professionals in almost any field. Dr.
Patti Singleton, Counselor and Professor at Austin Community College,
and Jennifer Powell, Deaf Services Specialist at VAIL will discuss how
to serve and communicate with deaf customers, members, patients, etc.
in effective, respectful ways. Is your business accessible to deaf
partons? Find out with us on Friday!
On Saturday, Dr. Singleton and Ms. Powell will be back to run a
workshop on Advocacy for Person with Deafness. Learn about strategies
for effective interactions between deaf constituents and their hearing
representatives and what the Help Americans Vote Act (HAVA) has to say
about the rights and responsibilities of deaf voters. Prepare for the
2012 Presidential Election and Texas’ 83rd Legislative Session with us
on Saturday!
In addition, ASL interpreters and/or Real Time Captioning will be
available at all iMake a Difference workshops and presentations.
Friday’s Highlighted Speakers
The Honorable Eddie Lucio Jr., (confirmed)
Trenell Walker (confirmed)
Special Friday reception!
Late afternoon, everyone’s invited. We are working on getting local and
top-of-the-ballot political candidates, so stay tuned on exactly which
of the denizens of the world of politics will demonstrate their
interest in your vote. Plus, find out how Romney and Obama match up on
disability issues -well, we don’t really expect Mitt and Barack to show
up in person, but their info will! Expect this to be less formal than a
“speech” event, with a little food and drink and opportunities to
actually visit with candidates.
It Will Be A Jam Packed Day On Saturday Too!
We invite self-advocates, consumers, and families to join us for a day
of learning and preparation for the 83rd legislature. Topics to be
covered include “Advocacy for Children and Their Families,” “Advocacy
for the Deaf Community,” and “Social Media and Digitial Advocacy.” We
will also hear from organizers and experts of upcoming advocacy
campaigns and changes in federal healthcare policy.
Saturday’s Highlighted Speakers
Representative Eddie Lucio III (confirmed)
Larry Johnson (confirmed)
Kymberlie Quong Charles (confirmed)
Host partners
Down by the Border‘s mission is to enhance the quality of life and
provide support to persons with Down syndrome and their families
through promotion of public awareness, advocacy and information sharing
with a distinct goal in mind to help individuals with Down syndrome
fulfull their dreams and life aspirations.
The Valley Association for Independent Living (VAIL)‘s goal is to
stimulate and promote a growing sense of personal dignity and
empowerment through individualized programs designed to provide the
tools necessary for maximum independence and community participation.