Reflections of the 2010 CDSS National Conference in Regina
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As the annual CDSS 2010 National Conference concluded in Regina, Saskatchewan, a few things where clearly evident;
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On Friday May 14th the conference began with over 200 professionals and stakeholders attending the preconference sessions. The two full day workshops featured experts from across Canada presenting on Inclusive Education and Supportive Employment. Those that attended walked away with practical solutions and long term strategies to support full community inclusion.
Later on Friday evening the Saskatchewan Down Syndrome Society (SDSS) hosted the Welcome Night Prairie Fair. The family night featured activities and performances from the Best Buddies Blues Band, members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders Football Team and world renowned hoop dancing. What a great celebration and way to kick off our weekend together. We are not sure who enjoyed the ice cream, popcorn and snow cones the most, but a good time was had by all.
Saturday morning started with welcomes from the City of Regina councilor John Findura and the President of the University of Regina Dr. Vianne Timmons. Keynote presenters were the amazing Karen Gaffney and Rosario Marin, the 41st Treasurer of the United States of America (Her signature is on US currency). She spoke to the over 350 delegates about her life with her son Eric, and how having a son with Down syndrome has been rewarding. The day followed with fifteen concurrent workshop sessions featuring professionals, families, self-advocates from across North America. Some of the workshops featured information on children’s health issues, adult mental health, siblings, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and inclusive education, just to name a few.
Later that evening CDSS hosted the conference dinner and dance. Once everyone enjoyed a terrific buffet and a brief program, it was time to get out on the dance floor. If you have never been to a CDSS dinner and dance you know that it is the best “party” in town. From the first song the band played until the last song, the dance floor was bursting with gyrating bodies. Later that evening the new CDSS Executive Director Kirk Crowther got a chance to sit behind the drums and play a song with the band. Who knew he was once a rocker with a mullet hair cut and leather pants!
Sunday morning began with six concurrent sessions featuring the abilities of self-advocates and included individual success stories from coast to coast. At the completion of the workshops many delegates remarked that they felt inspired and had left feeling optimistic about their ability to improve their communities. Closing the 2010 conference was Yorkton, Saskatchewan native Alvin Law. His encouraging and entertaining presentation touched all those who attended, and in particular he discussed the strength of a mothers love in advocating on behalf of their children. Be sure to check out our Photo Gallery for some great pictures of a fantastic weekend.
CDSS would like to thanks SDSS for their amazing vision and support at the conference. In particular Kevan McBeth, the chairperson of the local organizing committee for all his hard work and dedication over the past year. We could not have done it without you! We also wish to acknowledge the tremendous hard work of the Delta Regina Hotel staff and management. Their hospitality and professionalism only added to the enjoyment of the delegates.
Lastly, a big thank you to everyone that attended the event and the CDSS membership. We continue to believe that the outcomes for those attending our annual conference can not be understated .Thank you for letting the CDSS Staff Team, the Board of Directors and the VATTA committee be part of your team. We are here for you and share the journey. To old friends and many that we have just met in Regina, we hope to see everyone at the 2011 CDSS conference May 20-22 in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia.
