Idaho Parents Unlimited, Inc.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Mark your calendars for Idaho Parents Unlimited Conference March 15th and 16th 2007
Idaho Parents Unlimited Conference 2007
Idaho Parents Unlimited and Idaho Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
Empowering Families through Knowledge
“Empowering Families through Knowledge” was this year’s theme for the Idaho Parents Unlimited, Inc./ Idaho Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health Conference. With this theme in mind, conference sponsors tried to provide as much opportunity as possible for attendees to enrich their knowledge of disability related issues as they apply to children.
This year the conference was co-sponsored by The Idaho Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health. This co-sponsorship brought a broader range of subjects that touched on children’s mental health topics as well as areas for which IPUL has historically been known. It opened the conference to a broader range of families with differing disabilities.
On Thursday, the conference began with a continental breakfast and a welcome from Idaho’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Luna. Mr. Luna spoke about the department’s intention to improve educational opportunities for Idaho’s children with disabilities. Additionally, Mr. Luna outlined his thoughts about the future of the Department of Education.
After this opening, the conference welcomed the first national keynote speaker, John D. Kemp. His topic was “Living with a Disability: Considerations for Parents.” Mr. Kemp mixed humor and personal experiences to give parents the boost they needed to prepare them for the work ahead at the conference and beyond. After a morning of breakout sessions, lunch was provided and the second of the national keynote speakers, Chris Burke with John and Joe DeMasi, provided a chance for the audience to interact with the speakers, and their live band. Mr. Burke addressed matters of self-determination. More breakout sessions were in store for attendees after lunch. An awards banquet and silent auction fund raiser followed the day’s activities. Included at the banquet were the annual IPUL awards. The winners were in three categories and were awarded as follows:
- Outstanding Individual – Robin Greenfield
- Outstanding Parent – Heather Grever
- Outstanding Professional – Randy Smith
On Friday a continental breakfast greeted the parents and professionals along with an opening keynote session by Jackie Marquette. Ms. Marquette’s topic was transition and how her son is now able to live and work independently. Once again, breakout sessions, and lunch followed. The keynote speaker for this meal was Conni Wells. This keynote session focused on helping families gain confidence, strength, and energy to be a part of a national movement to improve the system of care for their child and family. The last set of breakout sessions rounded out the full two day conference of 27 breakout sessions for both parents and professionals.
At the conference a vendor room and an assistive technology lab were provided. Approximately 25 tables were full of excellent resource material for parents and professionals. We used the room we reserved and the whole lobby area of the hotel.
Also at the conference we held the Parent Advocacy Summit. This was one day for organizations to come together and discuss important topics for children with disabilities. It was an opportunity for stakeholders to express views regarding the future of children and family issues and the best on-going course of action. Some consensus was reached and there is still much work to do to protect and promote the health and welfare of children and families with disability issues.
Conference scholarships are awarded every year. This year 89 conference scholarships were awarded to parents from all over the state of Idaho. Included in this scholarship were 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, afternoon snacks, dinner, handout materials and conference activities. We had 143 participants and about 46 professionals and staff in attendance. If the conference evaluations are an indication of how this went, then the conference was a success. As one parent put it “I am new to this and felt my 4 1/2 hour drive was time well spent. Thank you so much for all you do.”
Overall, the conference met the needs of many parents in our state. It provided an opportunity for parents to access information regarding the rights and laws that affect their children with disabilities. The conference also provided professionals the opportunity to reach out to a greater number of parents that could benefit from their expertise. The conference was an opportunity for parents to relate to others in similar circumstances and learn from their shared experiences.
Past Conference Brochures