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<\/a><\/center>\nThe Coalition of Texans with Disabilities’ 34th Annual Convention<\/strong><\/p>\n
“iMake a Difference”<\/strong><\/p>\n Casa de Palmas Renaissance Hotel September 14 \u2014 15, 2012<\/p>\n http:\/\/www.cotwd.org\/convention.html<\/a><\/p>\n For the first time, CTD is headed to the Valley for this year’s annual Convention Hotel Information: To book your hotel at the conference rate The convention will kick off on Friday with the focus aimed toward Deaf Culture workshop<\/strong><\/p>\n Bridging the gaps between Deaf and hearing cultures is no small feat: For Professional Focus Friday, CTD presents Deaf Culture and On Saturday, Dr. Singleton and Ms. Powell will be back to run a In addition, ASL interpreters and\/or Real Time Captioning will be Friday’s Highlighted Speakers<\/strong><\/p>\n The Honorable Eddie Lucio Jr., (confirmed) Late afternoon, everyone’s invited. We are working on getting local and It Will Be A Jam Packed Day On Saturday Too!<\/strong><\/p>\n We invite self-advocates, consumers, and families to join us for a day Saturday’s Highlighted Speakers<\/strong><\/p>\n Representative Eddie Lucio III (confirmed) Host partners<\/strong><\/p>\n Down by the Border<\/strong>‘s mission is to enhance the quality of life and The Valley Association for Independent Living (VAIL)<\/strong>‘s goal is to
\n101 N Main St
\nMcAllen, Texas 78501<\/p>\n
\nconvention! Our annual conventions give self-advocates and our
\nmembership a chance to gather together to learn, network, prepare for
\nthe upcoming legislative session, and have fun! Click here for the
\ntentative convention agenda.<\/p>\n
\nof $99.00 a night at the Renaissance Casa De Palmas
\nKick Off Friday with Professionals and Consumers<\/p>\n
\nprofessionals in the healthcare industry such as Medicaid service
\ncoordinators, therapists, rehabilitation service providers, etc.
\nSeveral training opportunities will be offered throughout the day.
\nLearn “Effective Interactions with People with Disabilities” with tips
\non communication, using appropriate and correct language, respecting
\nspace, wheelchairs, service animals, and other unique issues. Check out
\n“Consumer Directed Services (CDS)”, which will teach you the ins and
\nouts of CDS and other community services and their importance in
\nsustaining independence for Texans with disabilities. Plus more to
\ncome! CEU’s offered! Of course, you do not have to be employed in the
\nbiz to participate, as all are welcome!<\/p>\n
\nbut CTD, in partnership with VAIL and Down by the Border, is taking one
\nsmall step in the direction at our annual convention this fall.<\/p>\n
\nInteractions, a workshop for professionals in almost any field. Dr.
\nPatti Singleton, Counselor and Professor at Austin Community College,
\nand Jennifer Powell, Deaf Services Specialist at VAIL will discuss how
\nto serve and communicate with deaf customers, members, patients, etc.
\nin effective, respectful ways. Is your business accessible to deaf
\npartons? Find out with us on Friday!<\/p>\n
\nworkshop on Advocacy for Person with Deafness. Learn about strategies
\nfor effective interactions between deaf constituents and their hearing
\nrepresentatives and what the Help Americans Vote Act (HAVA) has to say
\nabout the rights and responsibilities of deaf voters. Prepare for the
\n2012 Presidential Election and Texas’ 83rd Legislative Session with us
\non Saturday!<\/p>\n
\navailable at all iMake a Difference workshops and presentations.<\/em><\/p>\n
\nTrenell Walker (confirmed)
\nSpecial Friday reception!<\/p>\n
\ntop-of-the-ballot political candidates, so stay tuned on exactly which
\nof the denizens of the world of politics will demonstrate their
\ninterest in your vote. Plus, find out how Romney and Obama match up on
\ndisability issues -well, we don’t really expect Mitt and Barack to show
\nup in person, but their info will! Expect this to be less formal than a
\n“speech” event, with a little food and drink and opportunities to
\nactually visit with candidates.<\/p>\n
\nof learning and preparation for the 83rd legislature. Topics to be
\ncovered include “Advocacy for Children and Their Families,” “Advocacy
\nfor the Deaf Community,” and “Social Media and Digitial Advocacy.” We
\nwill also hear from organizers and experts of upcoming advocacy
\ncampaigns and changes in federal healthcare policy.<\/p>\n
\nLarry Johnson (confirmed)
\nKymberlie Quong Charles (confirmed)<\/p>\n
\nprovide support to persons with Down syndrome and their families
\nthrough promotion of public awareness, advocacy and information sharing
\nwith a distinct goal in mind to help individuals with Down syndrome
\nfulfull their dreams and life aspirations.<\/p>\n
\nstimulate and promote a growing sense of personal dignity and
\nempowerment through individualized programs designed to provide the
\ntools necessary for maximum independence and community participation.<\/p>\n