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Statewide Communication Conference
Save the Date Making Communication Happen Worldwide Statewide Communication Conference October 26, 2010 Hilton Burlington Hotel Burlington, Vermont Making Communication Happen Worldwide is a one-day conference to provide practical and in-depth information to people who support adults and transition age youth with communication challenges to communicate. Featuring:Special premiere showing of a new feature length documentary about adults with autism around the world. The centerpiece of the story is the friendship of two Vermonters, Larry Bissonnette and Tracy Thresher, and their work to advocate for others with autism. The two men venture out on a trip around the work determined to put a new face on autism. With stops in Sri Lanka, Japan and Finland, their narrative, not of tragedy but of humor and poignancy, uses their travels and ensuing encounters to demonstrate how people with even the most complex and disabling forms of autism can find rich, rewarding lives in the world. Conference Highlights:
- Keynote by Douglas Biklen, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Education, Syracuse University and co-producer of the film
- Panel discussion with Larry and Tracy and others from the film
- 14 breakout sessions on supporting communication for social interaction, personal connection, development of friendships and community inclusion
- Assistive technology vendors
- Art exhibition with works by Larry Bissonnette and other Vermont artists
Sponsors:
- Vermont Communication Task Force
- Vermont Division of Disability and Aging Services
- Vermont Assistive Technology Program
- Center on Disability and Communication Inclusion/University of Vermont
- Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council
- Green Mountain Self Advocates
- Syracuse University School of Education
- Hussman Foundation
For more information: June Bascom Division of Disability and Aging Services (DAIL) 103 South Main Street, Weeks Building Waterbury, VT 05671-1601 Phone: (802) 241-2644 Fax: (802) 241-4224