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Save the Date! May 30 - 31, 2008 Riverhouse in Bend Oregon
Oregon Disability MEGACONFERENCE educating ~ empowering ~ inspiring ~ connecting
What is the MegaConference?
A Coalition of disability related organizations coming together in Oregon to
plan the first statewide disability MegaConference. Our shared purpose in
creating this conference is to provide a forum to educate, empower, inspire
and connect all people involved in the field of disabilities.
A vast array of topics will be provided throughout the MegaConference.
National and local presenters will provide information on a variety of topics
such as: Education, Employment, Transition, Housing, Self-Determination,
Systems Change, Public Policy, Inclusion, Assistive Technology, Self-
Advocacy, and many more! www.orpti.org
Check out the ORPTI meetings scheduled for your area by looking at our Upcoming Events Page or through their website. www.orpti.org
Mt Hood Kiwanis Camp
Sessions start in June and runs through August
M Hood Kiwanis Camp offers children, ages 9 and up, and adults with disabilities an opportunity to leave behind their routine lives and taste the freedom of the outdoors - to go beyond limits that they, and others, have set for them.
They provide a caring, welcoming environment where campers are challenged to do their best, yet their special and personal needs are met. Registration is now open. Link to Mt Hood Kiwanis Camp Website
Challenge Air for Kids and Friends
Challenge Air for Kids and Friends is a not-for-profit organization that offers motivational, inspirational and life-changing experiences to physically challenged children and youth through aviation. Registration is now open for their event scheduled at the airfield in Aurora, on August 9, 2008. Link to Challenge Air
2008 Buddy Cruise
FRIENDS-Support Inc. will be teaming up with Cruise Planners to host the first of its kind Down syndrome awareness cruise aboard Royal Caribbean. The event is designed to provide an opportunity for families from across America to come together and bring awareness to one of the most frequently occurring chromosomal variations, as well as to promote inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome.
The Buddy Cruise will feature the talent of Sujeet Desai a 26-year-old accomplished musician born with Down syndrome. He and his wife Carrie have been featured in Wall Street Journal, Time magazine, and have aired on national TV shows such as The View, 20/20, and The Oprah Winfrey show.
Emily Perl Kingsley, a writer and activist for children with special needs, will also be joining us to keynote this historic voyage. Her experiences with her son Jason (an actor with Down syndrome) inspired her to include people with disabilities into the Sesame Street cast. She has received 17 Emmy Awards and 13 Emmy nominations for her work on SESAME STREET and is the author of "Welcome to Holland".
Also joining us will be Nikole Whitehead, co-founder of the STatewide Advocacy Network on Disabilities, Inc. (STAND), an organization dedicated to assisting parents in navigating the special education system. Mrs. Whitehead has presented at conferences across Florida such as The Family CAFÉ, Partners in Policymaking, as well as serving as a resource member to the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council. She is a past Board member of the national Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA).
One of FRIENDS goals is to open a center devoted to providing care, support, and educational resources to individuals with Down syndrome and their families. All funds raised during the Buddy Cruise event will be used towards the organizations vision.
Sail date: October 17, 2008
Ship: Royal Caribbean's ~Sovereign of the Seas
Itinerary: Port Canaveral Fl , Nassau, Bahamas, Coco Cay (private island), Port Canaveral
Questions e-mail: joinus@buddycruise.com
To reserve: Sherry Leybovich ECCS, CTA 888-464-1827or sherry@cruisesforu.com
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