Attending a conference is a great way to meet and connect with people who have the same interests and similar experiences. It’s also an excellent way to gain new information and new perspectives. A disability specific conference can provide the opportunity to hear people speak and share their stories, network and advocate. Some of the conferences listed below have a technology focus where one can learn about innovations that can dramatically improve quality of life, others talk about legislative initiatives and many offer a wide variety of topics. No matter what the focus, conferences are opportunities to devote a block of time, whether it a partial day or a number of days, just to learning. Here is a list of some that are coming up.
2014 TASH Conference
When: December 3-5, 2014
Where: Washington, DC
This is a conference for connecting attendees to innovative information and resources, facilitating connections between stakeholders in the disability movement, and helping attendees reignite their passion for the full inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life. This year’s theme is “Be The Future”.
For more information and to register.
Abilities Expo
When: 2015
Where: Six U.S. cities (Bay Area and Los Angeles CA, New York, Boston, Chicago, Houston)
This a huge multi-city conference that takes place in U.S. cities starting in November and going through 2015. It features lots of disability products and services from huge providers to local mom-and-pop companies, all with the common goal of improving lives. Educational items, technology, assistive animals and medical equipment are just a few of the many categories of exhibitors. The conference also features workshops, sports and dance demos and entertainment. The actors from the hit show Handicap This will even be performing at the Los Angeles Expo.
For more info and to register.
30th Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference
When: March 2-7, 2015
Where: San Diego, CA
This conferences is the largest of its kind and provides an inclusive setting for researchers, practitioners, exhibitors, end users, speakers and other participants to share knowledge and best practices in the field of assistive technology. It’s known as a forum that showcases cutting edge technology and practical solutions that can be utilized to remove the barriers that prevent the full participation of persons with disabilities in educational, workplace and social settings.
2015 Disability Matters North America Conference
When: April 14-16, 2015
Where: Boston, MA
This conference includes a number of speakers and presentations on relevant disability topics, including panels, roundtable discussions, and entertainment. More details will be available as the conference date gets nearer.
For more info and to register
Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity
When: May 15-16, 2015
Where: Honolulu, HI
This conference encourages and respects voices from a “diverse” perspective across numerous areas, including: voices from persons representing all disability and diversity areas; experiences of family members and supporters across all disability and diversity areas; responsiveness to diverse cultural and language differences; evidence of researchers and academics studying diversity and disability; stories of persons providing powerful lessons; examples of program providers, and; action plans to meet human and social needs in a globalized world. New topic areas in 2015 include: education integration, technology, advocacy, activism and interdisciplinary research.
For more info and to register
M-Enabling Summit
When: June 1-2, 2015
Where: Washington, DC
This event was created to promote mobile accessible and assistive applications and services for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Information is given on how to best leverage the latest mobile operating systems, handset and tablet technologies, creating life changing applications and services for seniors and users of all abilities. Attendees will learn about the latest products, developments, assistive and technology solutions and be able to network with people all around the world.
For more information or to register.
Claiming Full Citizenship: Self Determination, Personalization and Individualized Funding
When: October 15-17, 2015
Where: Vancouver, BC
This conference is an international gathering of researchers, policy makers, government representatives, service providers, agency administrators and advocates. It’s an opportunity to hear stories about how recent initiatives have had on the lives of people with disabilities, share research, examine policies and implementation strategies and discuss the successful models of planning, facilitation, and supported decision making.
For more information or to register.
Have you attended any other great conferences that you would like to share? Send us an e-mail with the link to the conferences here and we will post those as well.
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