SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
Family TIES of Nevada is collaborating with the Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, Nevada State Health Division, Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities, People First of Nevada, Nevada Disability Advocacy & Law Center and The Arc in Nevada to present the Nevada Disabilities Conference 2013.
This first-time conference will provide a one-stop platform for connecting to the resources, trainings, best practices and support for creating healthier lives for individuals with disabilities of all ages. The conference is for people with special healthcare needs including developmental disabilities or other disabilities and for their families, caregivers, self-advocates and the professionals who serve them.
The conference will be held March 19-22 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno.  The conference will feature an outstanding agenda featuring expert speakers and special sessions on topics like healthcare, transitions, independence, self-determination and advocacy. Special features include a resource and vendor fair and a visit to Nevada State legislators in Carson City.
A limited number of scholarships are available to those who do not have the means to pay registration and travel costs. Please visit www.nvdisabilitiesconference.org.
Planning for the Nevada Disabilities Conference began in 2011 when interested stakeholders from across the state initially gathered to determine the viability of holding one larger conference on disabilities which would ensure the best outcomes, attract a broader audience within the disability arena, avoid duplication of effort among providers, share in a more efficient use of funds and strengthen community partnerships.  In the past smaller conferences were held on different disability-specific topics. Family TIES of Nevada – the state affiliate of Family Voices, a national network that speaks on behalf of all children and youth with special healthcare needs, and the Nevada Family-to-Family Health Information Center, was selected as the coordinating agency. Please visit www.familytiesnv.org.
If you would like more information or your business or agency is interested in participating as a conference sponsor, please contact Mary Kay Altenburg, Family TIES program director and conference chair, at 775-823-9500, ext. 228, or [email protected].
