Autism NOW Regional Summit: Midwest
A Free Event, hosted by the Autism NOW Center and The Arc of Indiana
Download the Word Doc registration form.
Download the Word Doc childcare application.
Date: June 25-26, 2011
Cost: Registration is FREE, but you must register to attend.
Location: Westin Indianapolis, Indiana in the heart of downtown Indianapolis
Rooms: Rooms are $91 per night. Reservations may be made directly with the hotel.
Address: 50 South Capitol Ave.Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Parking: is available at the Westin Hotel for $15 per day
Food: Saturday, June 25 – 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Includes continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack. Sunday, June 26 – 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Includes breakfast.
Other Info: There are a limited number of FREE Childcare spots. Please include the Childcare Form in your registration. Childcare spots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Join us for the Autism NOW Center’s Midwest Regional Summit in Indianapolis, Indiana!
The Midwest Regional Summit is a two-day event that is designed:
- promote relationship-building between families, people who identify as being on the autism spectrum, self-advocates, key stakeholders, and professionals in the areas of autism or developmental disability studies.
- share information and resources related to autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- celebrate the local and regional autism and intellectual and developmental disability community.
To accomplish this, this regional summit will include:
- interactive discussions and town hall meetings for families, people on the spectrum, and professionals to discuss the meaning of and the future of the autism community;
- mini-breakout sessions by several local and regional experts in topics relating to autism, including employment, safety, disclosure, military family issues, self-advocacy tools, aging issues and long-term supports, environmental health, transition planning, and family support;
- cultural/art displays by local organizations that celebrate the autism and intellectual and developmental disability community;
- presentations from parents and self-advocates about their Vision of the Future for themselves and their loved ones; and
- keynote speeches from federal stakeholders, including Administration on Developmental Disabilities Commission Sharon Lewis;
- real-time chat options for people who cannot attend in person in the region as well as for people at the conference who feel more comfortable using Internet-based communication; and
- real-time closed captioning of all summit events and sensory-friendly spaces, lighting, and sound systems for people who may have sensory or auditory processing challenges.
Conference Highlights
Saturday, June 25: Participants will have the opportunity to engage in sessions discussing topics that include:
- Behavior Supports for Families
- Education
- Employment
- Importance of Social Skills/Social Media
- Attendees will participate in an Informational Gathering Session where thoughts and opinions may be recorded and sent back to the Administration on Developmental Disabilities.
Saturday’s Summit will feature a “Vision of the Future,” featuring professionals and individuals on the spectrum. Saturday will wrap up with an Art Reception featuring sensory-friendly exhibits from local and regional artists.
Sunday, June 26
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) and Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) will present a Panel Discussion on Core Values.
ASAN and SABE will also present a series of session discussion topics that include:
- Education
- Self-Advocacy
- Community Based Employment
- Relationship
Complete a registration form for the Midwest Regional Summit. Registration will be determined on a first-come-first-served basis. If you have any difficulties registering, please contact Jennifer at [email protected].
