2010 Canadian Down Syndrome Conference Sessions

The Canadian Down Syndrome Society is proud to announce the speakers for our Keynote and Endnote Sessions. Break-Out Session topics have also been announced.

Opening Keynote Session

	As Mayor of her town, Rosario used her political power to lobby the Californian Government for disability rights and eventually helped pass a disability rights act in California. As a significant player in the political field, Rosario eventually became the first immigrant to become the United States Treasurer and eventually had her signature appear on the US dollar bill.

Karen will instill renewed hope for a full productive and inclusive life in the hearts and minds of parents, professionals and advocates with Down syndrome or other learning disabilities. She has the ability to motivate parents to new thinking and positive action so they will begin immediately building the potential of their child day by day; to heighten awareness and raise expectations of students, counselors, educators and those in the medical profession of the capabilities of children with Down syndrome to learn, grow and contribute in an inclusive setting. Come and be inspired and motivated to be the change in your community.

Closing Keynote Session

	Originally from Yorkton Saskatchewan, Alvin was born without arms as a result of his birth mother taking Thalidomide while pregnant. With an inability to believe that her son was capable of living a “normal” life, Alvin was given up for adoption and eventually ended up being taken in by a family who advocated for him to be included in all aspects of society.

Break-Out Sessions

	Brian, a clinical fellow in genetics at Children’s Hospital Boston, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham & Women’s Hospital, has dedicated his professional energies toward children with cognitive and developmental disabilities. ( SA )

Many more International and local speakers will cover these topics and more:

• IDEAL-WAY.ca and Aid to Persons with Intellectual Disabilities ( SA )
• Inclusive Education Strategies in the Classroom
• Pre-natal Testing and Informed Decision Making
• Down Syndrome Clinic in Regina Professional Panel
• Transitions to Work for Young Self-Advocates ( SA )
• Cued English Communication to Develop Language
• Pre-school Social Stories and Best Practices in Early Intervention
  
• Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome ( SA )
• VATTA Committe and Supporting Abilities of Self-Advocates ( SA )
• Benefits of Yoga for Self-Advocates and their Families ( SA )
• Building an Adaptive Physical Education Program
• Successful Self-Advoacte Entrepreneurship ( SA )
• Best Buddies Regina and their Inclusive Music Program
• Hope's Home and Inclusive Daycare Respite Homes
• Extraordinary Journey of a Self-Advocate and his Family ( SA )
• Dolphins Swim Club: Inclusive Swim Program ( SA )
• Saskatoon's Holy Cross High School and its Inclusion Efforts

( SA ) Denotes a break-out session that is Self-Advocate Friendly

Please remember that all sessions and times are subject to change. Upon arriving at the Conference in May, please check your program for the final session information.