15th Annual Free Virtual Family Conference for Families of Children with Disabilities, “The Power of Families: Using Your Voice to Make a Difference”

A free, virtual conference providing inspiration, resiliency and resources for families of children with disabilities

Illinois Family Leaders Collaboration presents the 15th Annual Free Virtual Family Conference for Families of Children with Disabilities “The Power of Families: Using Your Voice to Make a Difference” on April 23 from 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Download the conference flyer in English or Spanish.

This free virtual conference is presented in three different sessions throughout the day. Mindfulness for Families will be presented in English and in Spanish.

• Resiliency is Also Contagious: How to Protect Our Families from the Impact of Adversity and Trauma
  9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
  Presenter: Dr. Matt Buckman, Stress & Trauma Treatment Center
  Description: An uplifting keynote speaker who will share research-based, proven strategies to create balance and promote resiliency within our families during the pandemic or other stressful life events.
  Visit Resiliency is Also Contagious: How to Protect Our Families from the Impact of Adversity and Trauma to register and read more about the speaker.

• Inclusive Education for Families of Young Children Presented by Tammy Wrobbel & Talin Tokat, Early CHOICES
  12:30-2:30 p.m.
  Presenters: Tammy Wrobbel and Talin Tokat, Project CHOICES
  Description: The concept of inclusive placement is often misunderstood. Participants will be guided through the Understanding Inclusion modules and cover key ideas about what makes inclusion work. Attendees will have unlimited access to the modules, topic guides and resources to reflect and apply what is learned.
  Visit Inclusive Education for Families of Young Children to register and read more about the speakers.

• Mindfulness for Families (Presented in English)
  6 – 7 p.m.
  Presenter: Karla Belzer, University of Illinois
  Description: Children reflect the nervous systems of adults around them – including parents, caregivers, teachers, and others. To create mindful environments and interactions, we must first focus on our own experiences. Participants will explore techniques, practices and activities to implement mindfulness for yourself and your children.
  Visit Mindfulness for Families (English) to register and read more about the speaker.
• Cuiando de Nosotros Mismo / Self-Care (Presented in Spanish)
  6 – 7 p.m.
  Presenters: Consuelo Puente, Multicultural Trainer, Family Matters & Lourdes Perez, Consultant
  Description: Participants will explore self-care techniques, practices and activities to implement to help you and your family.
  Visit Cuiando de Nosotros Mismo / Self-Care in Spanish to register.

Register separately for each session you would like to attend.

Registration with requests for participation accommodations must be made by April 8.  Accommodation requests received after that date cannot be guaranteed.