Finding Our Way
Thursday, December 9, 2004
at the Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center, Burlington
This date has passed; we had a great time, thank you all!!
(We'll retain this on-line brochure for reference only)

Format:This event brings together a community of families, health care professionals, social services professionals, educators, childcare providers, and policy makers from around the state for a collaborative day of learning, sharing, and celebration. The day-long conference includes interactive morning and afternoon workshops, which address different topics for professionals and families with children with special needs ages birth to three, school age, and including young adults making the transition into adulthood.  The conference also includes exhibits by for-profit and non-profit organizations, the Partners in Care Award, and lunch.

Theme, Keynotes, & Workshops: This year’s theme is "Finding Our Way"

Morning Keynote Address: "Journey of the Heart: A Path to Supporting Families"
Tanya Baker-McCue
    A new way of thinking has begun to influence social policy and dramatically change how we support families in the United States. Tanya Baker-McCue will share her perspective of the principles underlying a new approach to family support, and provide examples of model programs throughout the country. Her stories illustrate her own personal experiences as well as the experiences of the many families she has been privileged to walk with along the way. These stories build a path of love, hope, and resiliency. On this well-worn path we can all merge as fellow travelers who are there for a variety of reasons but with the same motivation.
    Tanya Baker-McCue is a Program Manager at the University of New Mexico, Center for Development and Disability where she directs multiple family support programs. She brings her personal experience as the parent of two children with complex health care needs to her work in shaping programs, policies and services for families. Tanya has been instrumental in infusing Family-Centered Care principles in training curriculums and has implemented them into diverse interdisciplinary fields. She brings extensive experience and commitment to mentoring other family members in community faculty and advisory roles.

Afternoon Keynote Address: "Finding Our Way in Community"
David Roche will tell us how he found his way from shame to strength to an international career as a speaker, humorist and performer.  He states: “I have always been carried on the shoulders of others, and my success was born and nurtured and grows in community.”  Expect warm humor rooted in an understanding of human frailty and the need for connection.
David Roche is an internationally known keynote speaker, humorist, and performer who is proud to be part of the culture of disability.  www.davidroche.com

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Morning Workshops: 10:45 - 12:15 1.    A New Lens for Promoting Friendship and Belonging Using models from Native American Lakota practices, from children’s literature, and from theatre, participants will learn to develop a working vocabulary that establishes class norms that promote friendship and belonging in the community.  Participants will be able to use the Circle of Courage to build EST, 504, and IEP Plans, learn how to use children’s stories and family stories to share what friendship looks like and sounds like, and build a classroom that promotes friendship and belonging.  Be prepared to enjoy a child’s story, share your own stories, and participate in improvisational play.  Wear comfortable clothes!  (Space is limited.) Janna Osman is the Learning Disabilities Consultant with the VT Department of Education.  She has practiced as a learning specialist for twenty years bringing her theatre background to support her.  She is a life space crisis intervention trainer and has developed a Friendship and Belonging Curriculum which brings together her professional training with her passion in theatre and literacy to create a community for children to explore and express friendship. 2.    Improving Care for Children with ADHD in Vermont: Families, Educational and Medical Professionals Working Together In March 2003, the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) and Vermont Child Health Improvement Program (VCHIP) convened a summit meeting on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to discuss the topic of ADHD as it applies to Vermont children. Following this summit meeting a working group comprised of 25 individuals representing 12 domains including the Vermont Department of Education (DOE) and parent groups met over the course of a year to develop an evidence based, standardized approach to the identification, assessment, and treatment of school-aged children with symptoms of ADHD. The groups work was based on the premise that it is crucial that families, educators and medical professionals work collaboratively in caring for children with ADHD.  The development of a Vermont multidisciplinary approach to assessing and treating school-aged children with symptoms of ADHD and plans for the implementation of this approach will be discussed in today’s presentation. Johana "Jody" Brakeley, MD – Pediatrician (VCHIP) Jeanne Greenblatt, MD, MPH – Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist (VCHIP) A panel consisting of parents, educational and medical professionals 3.   Putting Family Centered Care into Practice: Moving Beyond a Philosophical Commitment The concept of family centered care is now familiar to many of us. While there is growing commitment to this philosophy of care, and service delivery model, many still struggle with the actual implementation of family centered policies and practices. This interactive session will utilize small group activities, and a panel discussion to explore strategies for fostering positive change in all aspects of the planning, delivery and evaluation of health care services. Nancy Abernathey, MSW, Director of Family Faculty, Parent to Parent of Vermont Jean Beatson, Ed.D., RN, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing; Clinical Director and Nursing Faculty, VT-ILEHP, University of Vermont A panel consisting of families and health care professionals

Afternoon Workshops: 2:45 - 4:15 4.  Stepping Stones Come to this workshop and learn almost everything you wanted to know about planning the transition from Family, Infant and Toddler services.  Geared for parents, this workshop will provide helpful information for anyone working with infants and toddlers. Connie Curtin, Director, Vermont Parent Information Center Karen Fierer, Family, Infant and Toddler Program Mark Sustic, Consultant, Department of Education, Essential Early Education 5.  Navigating the Medicaid Eligibility Maze This workshop will focus on the children’s EPSDT benefit package and the most common ways for children to become eligible for these benefits and services. In addition, we will address the process for applying for Medicaid coverage through the Katie Beckett program.  The Katie Beckett program allows children with disabilities to apply for Medicaid coverage without regard to family income.  We will discuss tips and resources to overcome barriers that families often face in the application process.  This will be a hands-on workshop for families and providers to assist them in Finding Our Way through the Medicaid eligibility maze. Hilde Hyde, Health Care Financing Coordinator, Parent to Parent of Vermont 6.  Welcome to Holland/Schmolland Whether you landed in Holland or Schmolland, this is not the destination you envisioned. You were preparing for parenting by reading the books, talking with family and friends about babies and children... now your life is different. Family members will share their perspectives on the unexpected detours that occur with the birth and parenting of a child with special needs. Parent panel participants will describe the supports they have found and the challenges they face.   Deb O'Rourke, Ph.D., PT, Facilitator of the Panel, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at UVM, 2002 Recipient of the Partners in Care Award, and a parent. Parent Panel with: Gina Carrera, the parent of two children under three Louise May, the parent of a son in Middle School and a college student Nancy Osborne, the parent of four young adults David Wechsler, the parent of two sons in early elementary school  Top of page

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Conference Fee (includes lunch)
 $80 – Between Nov 18 - Dec 9, 2004
 $70 – Early Registration fee; before Nov 18th
 $35 – Parent/Guardian registration fee
          (Scholarships available for Parents and family members; please call Parent to Parent 1-800-800-4005)
 $35 – Student rate.
                  (Non-refundable)

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The Family-Centered Care Philosophy:
Family-Centered Care is a holistic philosophy that redefines the roles of families, health care professionals, educators, and communities. Family-Centered Care appreciates families as families and children as children, recognizing that they possess a wide range of strengths, concerns, emotions, and aspirations beyond their need for specialized services.
For a more detailed description of Family Centered Care click here

Nursing Contact Hours, Mental Health and Social Work Continuing Education Certificates, and CMEs have been applied for.

Special Accommodations: If you need a sign language interpreter, have dietary restrictions, or require other accommodations, please contact the Parent to Parent office at 1-800-800-4005, (802)764-5290, (802)764-5297 (FAX), or email Fran immediately.  Special accommodations cannot be guaranteed after November 9, 2004.

1996 - Debra Lisi Baker and David Baker - Inspiration and leadership in disability movement in Vermont and nationally: starting the Vermont Independent Living Center; state and national advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities; and administrative support of family-centered care, promoting opportunities to incorporate the ideals in planning and evaluation at the state level.

1997 - Mark Sustic - Modeling leadership in family-centered care in early childhood programs and partnerships at the local and state level.

1998 - Don Swartz, MD and David Stifler, MD - For their partnership with Parent to Parent in creating the Medical Education Project.

2000 - Senator James Jeffords and Maureen Mitchell - For significantly influencing family-centered policies and practices on local, state, and national levels.

2001 – Peter Youngbear and Kim Keiser - For their vision, leadership, and voice in effectively promoting the principles of family-centered care at the local, state, and national level.

2002 – Debbie O’Rourke and Tracey Wagner – Two outstanding women who reflect the essence of family-centered care and who, through their passion and commitment, have enhanced the quality of life for many families and children in Vermont.

2003 -  Phyl Macomber and Connie Curtin - These honorees epitomize the philosophy that families possess a wide range of strengths and aspirations beyond their need for specialized services for their child.

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