Visions of Community
Saturday, March 14, 2009
World Trade Center - Boston
The Federation for Children with Special Needs, along with co-sponsors the Early Intervention Parent Leadership Project, Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change, Massachusetts Family TIES, Massachusetts Family Voices and the Family-to-Family Health Information Center, Massachusetts Parent Information and Resource Center, the Parent Training and Information Project, and the Parent/Professional Advocacy League, is excited to announce next year’s Visions of Community conference will be held Saturday March 14th at the Seaport/World Trade Center-Boston.
The conference features over 35 break-out sessions (many presented and/or translated into Spanish, Portuguese, and Cantonese) with topical strands and information covering Early Childhood, Special Education, No Child Left Behind (NCLB), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Health Care for Children with Special Needs, Transition, Social/Recreation Opportunities and more. Network with other parents and families and pick up free resources in our exhibit hall packed with more than 50 vendors.
Keynote Speakers
The Federation is pleased to announce our
keynote speakers for this year's conference: |
Mitchell D. Chester,
Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Dr. Chester has presented nationally on accountability, assessment and teacher induction and retention. He has served as a consultant to states and school districts regarding curriculum and instruction, teacher evaluation, student achievement, and assessment and accountability. Dr. Chester holds a doctorate in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy from Harvard University, as well as advanced degrees from the University of Connecticut and the University of Hartford. He and his wife Angela live with their son Nicholas in Winchester.
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Sarah Vazquez,
A Journey of Self-Discovery
Travel with Sarah from the unpaved roads of Puerto Rico to the bustling
streets of Newark, New Jersey, and learn why she is a nationally-known
motivational speaker, facilitator and consultant.
Sarah's story speaks to how, in owning her dreams, she defines
her life by what she could do and not what others told her she
could not do.
Since her days at Eastside High School in Newark, NJ, Sarah Vazquez has been
touching the hearts of thousands of students, parents and professionals
through her presentations.
"I was once a girl who stood out like a sore thumb on playgrounds and the school cafeteria. I wondered if I had something magical to offer the world; a special something that would inspire others to search for their inner magic. Nowadays, I tell my story for one specific reason. I hope that someone can relate to it and begin to think about the inner magic they have. If I help one person who has doubts and fears like I once had, then I have truly discovered the meaning of my life!" - Sarah V.
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Community Partnership Award Nominations
The Federation is pleased to provide an opportunity
to recognize individuals in Massachusetts who have demonstrated outstanding efforts in support of opportunities for inclusion of people with disabilities in the community.
Individuals will be considered for their efforts in areas such as Community Outreach, Inclusive Recreation, Educators (Inclusive and Special Education classrooms), Parent Advocacy, Self-Advocacy, and more. The Community Partnership Awards will be announced at the Federation’s annual Visions of Community Conference, to be held on March 14, 2009 at the World Trade Center, Boston.
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Conference Schedule
7:30AM Registration Opens
8:30-9:15AM Welcome, Commissioners Greetings, Community Partnership Awards
9:15-10:15AM Keynote
10:15-10:45AM Exhibits/Networking/Break
10:45AM-12:15PM Workshop Session #1
12:15-1:30PM Lunch/Exhibits/Networking
1:30-3PM Workshop Session #2
3-3:30PM Exhibits/Networking/Break
3:30-5PM Workshop Session #3
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Registration Information
Registration fee is $70 per person if you register on or before February 13, 2009; fee is $85 per person after February 13. Last day to register is March 6, if space remains available. Continental Breakfast and Lunch will be provided at no cost.
Registration can be made online using a credit card or through mail by downloading the registration form and sending with a check made payable to the Federation for Children with Special Needs.
Registration Form in PDF:
English
Interpreters will be available for the most requested workshops with advance notice. If requesting an interpreter, the registration MUST be postmarked by February 13, 2009.
Child Care is available for children ages 3 to 14 on a limited basis. Please indicate on the registration form if child care is needed and please note that your registration MUST be postmarked by February 13, 2009. A conference staff person will contact you to confirm your needs.
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Scholarship Information
A limited number of partial scholarships are available upon request.
Please call 617-236-7210 ext. 198 (English), 197 (Portuguese), or 199 (Spanish) or email to conf2009@fcsn.org and leave your name, telephone number, and times you can be reached. Please allow several days for a conference staff person to respond to your message.
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Directions and Transportation
The Federation has made arrangements for free round-trip transportation to and from the conference from various sites across the state. Seating will be limited, will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis and participants MUST pre-register.
If you are interested in accessing transportation from any of the locations listed below, please contact the Federation at (800) 331-0688 ext. 196, leave a message, and a staff person will return your call. You can also email us at conf2009@fcsn.org and provide your contact information. Please allow several days for a staff person to get back to you.
The following sites will have bus transportation:
Western Region: Departs from Holyoke
Central Region: Departs from Worcester
Cape Cod Region: Departs from Hyannis
Northeastern Region: Departs from Lawrence
DIRECTIONS to World Trade Center - Boston
Please visit the World Trade Center-Seaport Hotel Web site for directions.
By the MBTA: The MBTA's Silver Line stops at the World Trade Center. For more information call the MBTA at 617-222-3200 or visit the MBTA Silver Line site for schedule times.
Parking: Parking is available at the Seaport Hotel, across from the World Trade Center. Parking is also available at public lots along Northern Ave.
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