It's My Life! RI's 2017 Statewide Self-Advocacy Conference!
It's My Life! is the name of RI's 22nd Annual Statewide Self-Advocacy Conference, which takes place Thursday, October 26th, 2017 at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick.
We are expecting more than 300 youth and adults who have an
intellectual/developmental disability, families, support staff and allies to come together at this year's event for a
day of listening, learning, sharing, and fun.
It's My Life! is about towards empowering people who have an intellectual/developmental disabilty label to be in charge of their own lives. This includes sharing information about the the DD service system works in Rhode Island so that individuals are able to manage and direct the supports they receive, and also helping individuals learn to think "outside the box".
Overall, this year's theme will embrace "Self-Determination" and "Person Centered Thinking" and help attendees understand what that means to each person on an individual level.
We're also pleased to offer a new Youth Track at this year's conference! The Youth Track is geared towards high school students. Break-out sessions will be led by Self-Advocates who are planning some awesome presentations, that are interactive and fun, to educate and empower their peers.
The Youth Track will run from the Opening Ceremony at 9:30 am to the end of the 2nd break-out session at 2:45 pm.
Conference Day Youth Track: No Charge
Yes, you read that correctly: We are inviting RI high school students and their support staff to attend the Youth Track at this year's conference FOR FREE! Seriously, no strings attached. We're excited to meet you and welcome you to the Rhode Island Self-Advocacy Movement!
The Youth Track will run from the Opening Ceremony at 9:30 am to the end of the 2nd break-out session at 2:45 pm.
Your FREE REGISTRATION includes lunch and conference materials.
We have extended the Early Bird deadline to Thursday, October 12th! To take advantage of this awesome opportunity and attend It's My Life! for free, Youth Track attendees must register on or before the October 12th. The cost to attend is $5 per student/support person after October 12th.
Also note that we require a separate registration form for each attendee. This includes students, teachers, and others who are attending in a support capacity. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE STUDENT REGISTRATION FORM
>>> SPACE FOR THE YOUTH TRACK IS LIMITED! DON'T DELAY ~ REGISTER TODAY! <<<
Students will have the opportunity to chose 2 break-out sessions based on the following 4 topic areas:
Engaging in the IEP, a Student Perspective
... a vehicle for success ... plan for life after high school … Individualized: it’s all about YOU! …
Social Skills and How to Make New Friends
… what to say, or not say ... personal introduction skills ... how to read social cues ...
Smart Decision-Making 101
… the difference between facts vs. feelings when making a decision … learn to say “no” to peer pressure … set goals that work for you … mistakes are good teachers ...
Community Includes “U” and “I”
… map your community … personal discovery … making connections based on common interests … paying it forward …
CLICK HERE to download the Presenter Proposal Form if you would to be a presenter during this year's Youth Track
CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The Statewide Self-Advocacy conference is made possible with the generous support of our sponsors. We are asking for your support again this year to help make It's My Life! a success. All of the donations received help to offset the registration costs for conference attendees, many of whom might not otherwise be able to attend. Conference sponsors will be listed here on our website, along with individual links back to sponsor websites if applicable.
Please note that, while donations are always accepted and welcome, ad copy for our conference program is due by
Thusday, October 12th. If you need help designing an ad, feel free to contact us and we'll be happy to help! Contact information is provided on the Conference Sponsors form which you can download by CLICKING HERE
Thank you!! Together we're making a difference!!
