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Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative

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Vol. 9, No. 1 Winter 2001

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Liberty and Independence for Everyone: The LIFE Conference

For the past three years, many of Delaware's disability-related organizations have come together to sponsor the LIFE Conference. LIFE stands for two things: 1) the conference goal "Liberty and Independence for Everyone," and the topics covered in the presentations-Legislation, Independence (through Assistive Technology), Families, and Education. The whole idea of the conference is that, by getting together, Delaware disability-related organizations could reach more people with a greater array of information. Consumers and others could get information on most of Delaware's disability organizations and services, all in one place.

Disability Agenda for New Administration

The Conference has been a huge success in prior years, and the organizers hope to reach even more people this time. This year's conference will feature Andrew Imparato, President and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities. His keynote address will focus on a disability agenda for the new administration and the new Congress. Imparato will discuss what the top policy priorities for the disability advocacy community should be to help achieve the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In a later breakout session, Imparato will address Patient Protections in Managed Care.

Sessions Address Many Topics

The 11 other sessions will address many areas of interest. Rounding out the legislation theme are sessions on Employment Incentives and Home Health Services. In "Employment Incentives: Striking Down Old Barriers," attendees will explore Delaware's implementation of new federal programs which promote employment of persons with disabilities. Home Health Services will provide information on eligibility, scope of services, funding, and accessing Delaware's programs for home health services. The information provides a foundation for a current Delaware legislative initiative on a state-mandated personal attendant service program.

In the area of Independence through Assistive Technology, sessions will focus on AT in the Workplace, AT in Early Development Activities, and Accessibility and AT in the Home. Tony Langton from South Carolina will be drawing on his 30 years of experience with AT to give attendees information about AT in the home and on the job.

In the Families theme, sessions offered will be "Early Brain Development: Nature and Nurture," "State Planning for Olmstead Implementation for Persons with Mental Retardation and Mental Illness," and "Leisure Activities: Many Interests, Many Choices." The Leisure session will offer information about activities in Delaware from the Delaware Theatre Company, State Parks and Recreation, the YMCA, Special Olympics and a unique horseback riding program.

In the Education theme, sessions will focus on Delaware Alternate Portfolio Assessment, psycho-educational records for the non-expert, and IEP development.

Advocacy Coalition Legislative Luncheon

Included in the conference price is the annual Delaware Advocacy Coalition Luncheon. The Advocacy Coalition presents its awards to people who have made a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Advocacy Coalition members also review critical legislative initiatives impacting Delawareans with disabilities.

Sponsors

Primary sponsors of the LIFE Conference include the Birth-to-Three Early Intervention System, Center for Disabilities Studies at the University of Delaware, Delaware Advocacy Coalition, Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative, Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council, Delaware Department of Education, Delaware's Division of Mental Retardation, and Kent-Sussex Industries. Supporting sponsors are The Arc of Delaware, Council for Exceptional Children, Coordinating Council for Children with DisAbilities, Delaware's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, DELARF, Disabilities Law Program, Governor's Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens, State Council for Persons with Disabilities, and United Cerebral Palsy.

Other Services

The LIFE Conference also houses a large exhibit space where you can browse among vendors. Vendors include local agencies and organizations as well as suppliers of technology and other aids for living. Free catalogs and information are available throughout the exhibit area.

Professionals in several fields can obtain contact hours and/or continuing education units for attendance at the conference.

For more information, contact DATI at 1-800-870-DATI (in state), 302-651-6790 (out of state) or 302-651-6794 (TDD).

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