AACL FAMILY CONFERENCE is ccurring at a time when services and funding to children and adults with developmental disabilities is once again seriously threatened, inclusion and individualization are at risk and the future looks bleak rather than bright.

The need for hope, inspiration and sustained collective family action and leadership has never been greater. It is a time for families to gather.

This year's conference will feature a number of the most respected and thoughtful leaders in the field of developmental disabilities. We are very pleased that John and Connie Lyly O'Brien, Michael Kendrick and Darcy Elks will together present a one day workshop on what families and their allies need to consider the continue to pursue an inclusive life irrespective of the difficult times ahead. Each of these speakers will also offer sessions on such topics as the natural authority of families, creating a family vision for an inclusive life, and community engagement and capacity.

 

Tim Loreman, noted authority on inclusive education, will also provide a practical one-day workshop on inclusive education, which will be of particular importance to parents and teachers as Alberta reviews the future of inclusive education. The conference will also provide an opportunity to hear directly from Alberta Education's about its plans for the future.

 

Other sessions will address such topics as: transition to adulthood; inclusive post-secondary education; advocacy strategies and how an inclusive life begins in pre-school.

 

 

Registration information, grant applications, child & teen programming registration forms and detailed session information will be available on our website, http://www.aacl.org, early in the new year and will be distributed via email and regular mail during the same time frame.

 

To guarantee your accommodations you may wish to book your room in advance. You can book online by visiting The Fantasy Land Hotel's website at http://www.fantasylandhotel.com/reservations. You may also contact them toll-free at 1.800.RESERVE (737.3783) or by email at rooms@fantasylandhotel.com. For group rates, please advise the booking agent that you are with AACL.

 

Alternative options for accommodations include the Executive Royal Inn (PH:1.800.661.4879, quote AACL, or group #4973), The West Harvest Inn (1.800.661.6993, quote AACL, or group #1545), The Sandman Inn (1.800.SANDMAN, quote AACL, or group #222451), or the Comfort Inn and Suites (780.484.4415, quote AACL). To take advantage of the special rates we have secured for, please book rooms one month in advance.

Who Should Attend?
Anyone who is concerned about the exclusionary practices in our society and service system that surround people with disabilities. Anyone who desires to, or is working to bring about inclusive communities. Anyone who is perplexed about the idea of integration and struggling to understand what it is and how to create conditions that are favorable for true integration to happen. Anyone who has gotten discouraged about integration and desires to renew their vision and passion.

 

For a number of years, people with disabilities, families, advocates and human service workers have been aware of the importance of social integration and inclusion. For the past 30 years, people have worked to bring integration about in the lives of people who have been marginalized and excluded by society. However, we find that, despite our best efforts many people with disabilities are still excluded from the societal mainstream and lead a segregated and congregated life. As a result, some people have become disheartened about integration and have abandoned a vision of inclusive schools, neighborhoods, communities and society. We are seeing new programs and supports that are designed to segregate and congregate rather than to foster and nurture integration. We will identify and reflect upon the challenges facing us today as we try to move forward toward a vision of full personal social integration and valued social participation for citizens who are marginalized and excluded.

Presenter: Darcy Elks has been a human service provider, trainer and consultant, evaluator and advocate on behalf of people who are devalued by society for over 25 years. Darcy has three children, one of whom has a disability. Her passion and focus has been and continues to be working toward a vision of full and meaningful inclusion for persons with disabilities and other people who are marginalized by our society.