Share
At our 29th Annual International Conference on Developmental and Learning Disabilities, professionals from all over the world learned new skills and best practices to take back to their programs, as families and consumers gained essential knowledge on advocacy, future planning, navigating the system and much more.
Exciting Keynotes by Dr. Temple Grandin, Dr. Celine Saulnier and Diana Jones Ritter, Commissioner of the New York State O.M.R.D.D.
We were honored that several members of our Board of Trustees played significant roles at the International Conference. Marci Fava, Chair, joined us in presenting this year’s Profile in Excellence Awards to several individuals served by the YAI Network. Each year, the Profile in Excellence Awards mark an emotional highlight of the conference, and this year’s were no different. Board member Michael Block proudly joined us in the presentation of an award to Rafi, a consumer who is employed by Michael’s law firm, Sullivan Papain Block McGrath & Cannavo P.C.
Conference attendees gained an international perspective of the critical topics of disability rights and reform from board members Dr. Arie Rimmerman of the University of Haifa and Dr. Peter Blanck University Professor and Chair of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University, who presented on a panel during a special session titled “U.N. Disability Rights Convention: A Call for Global Reform.”
Inspired, informed and excited to share new ideas with colleagues and with people with disabilities, more than 3,000 professionals, consumers and family members attended the YAI Network’s 29th Annual International Conference.
Diana Jones Ritter, Commissioner of the New York State O.M.R.D.D., set the tone for distinction in her Keynote address. “YAI is a model of excellence, with quality supports and services,” she said.
What did conference attendees learn and how will it help improve services in our field?
“I learned positive behavioral supports to bring back with me,” said Cynthia Savara, a trainer from Network 180, an agency in Michigan.
“I work in a middle school where students learn functional and social skills. I got new ideas and information to bring back,” said Susan Brownstein of the Broward County Schools in Florida.
“I really enjoyed the session on using technology to enhance quality of services. The presenter gave great examples and Web sites that I can easily use in my classroom,” said Andrew Becker from The Children’s Workshop in New Jersey.
“You have a great spectrum of speakers,” said Roberta Rana from Bergen County Special Services. “I will present everything I learned here to my staff tomorrow.”
“We learned about transition programs for young adults with autism, many of whom can make it in college with supports for problem solving and social relationships,” said Beth Myers from the The Kelberman Center in upstate New York.
In written evaluations of various sessions, attendees shared more praise:
“I learned ways to handle behavioral patterns and to not be frustrated in the process. I’ll take back what I’ve learned to my team.”
“Dr. Temple Grandin - honest and speaks from the heart.”
“The consumers educating the staff were wonderful.”
“Great - it really showcased how to implement conflict resolution strategies.”
“Perfect timing as I embark on forming hobby and education groups at my program. This will definitely be useful in training staff.”
“Absolutely wonderful, timely, on target knowledge about many areas of autism. Experience shared with audience, invaluable.”
We’re pleased that the conference provided training to more than 1,300 YAI/NIPD Network staff and, as you can see from the comments above, also had a national impact.
Congratulations to Ben Nivin, Tina Sobel, the entire PID team, and all of the volunteers who helped to make the conference such a tremendous success!