6th Annual Tools for Transformation Conference and Legislative Breakfast:
PATHWAYS TO EQUALITY

Presented by Special Needs Network, Inc., this comprehensive parent and professional conference focuses on issues related to autism, learning disabilities, ADHD, mental health, and other developmental disabilities. The largest conference of its kind in Los Angeles, Tools for Transformation brings the country’s most renowned experts in medicine, law, education, and advocacy to provide families with cutting edge information and resources through a full day of classes and workshops. This is a must-attend event for parents, advocates, and health care professionals. 

Activities also include book signings with special guest authors, an advanced advocates summit, plenary session, a networking luncheon, and an awards presentation for exemplary figures in the community, including awards to outstanding students who have beat the odds to achieve success in their education and or career despite a disability. Moreover, families are treated to a massive resource fair where they have the opportunity to connect with health service providers, disability rights attorneys, and other special needs professionals. 

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*IMPORTANT* Free childcare has reached capacity. We apologize for the inconvenience, but there are no more slots in our childcare to accommodate additional children.

*IMPORTANTE* La lista para la guarderia Infantil esta cerrada.

Legislative Breakfast

Friday, April 13, 2011
Check-in: 7:30 am
Breakfast: 8:30 am

Radisson Midtown at USC
3540 South Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90001

A discussion on critical issues related to health, education, and social justice. Meet prominent local and state elected officials and participate in a call-to-action to improve the health and wellness of children and families. Speakers include LA County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, LA City Controller Wendy Greuel, CA State Senator Curren D. Price, Jr., CA State Assemblymember Holly J. Mitchell, MALDEF President Thomas Saenz, Esq., and more!

Following the breakfast, there will be a meeting to launch Stepping Stones - Special Needs Network's new initiative to change the current licensing structure for childcare providers in order to improve quality of early care programs.

Tools for Transformation Conference

Saturday, April 14, 2011

Junior Blind of America
5300 Angeles Vista Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90043

Check-in and Breakfast: 7:30 am
Conference Begins: 8:00 am (Awards Luncheon at noon)
Wrap-Up & Giveaways: 2:30 pm
 

Spanish Interpreters Available / Interpretación al Español Disponibles 

Free Resources, Conference Bag and Materials Provided
Guest Authors and Book Signings
Expansive Health and Resource Fair Featuring Local and National Organizations and Service Providers

This year’s conference speakers include autism, education, legal, and advocacy experts Dr. BJ Freeman, Charles Lui, Esq., Soryl Markowitz, Dr. Evelin Garcia, Brian Capra, Esq., Bonnie Yates, Esq., Dr. Melinda Docter & Many More! (list is constantly updated.) 

Workshop Topics (categorized by themes in bold):

Seminar Series A: Family and Relationships 

It Takes a Village: Keeping Your Family Together When Caring for an Adult or Child with Special Needs 

Ease on Down the Road: Tips for Financial Planning and Student Aid for Your Special Needs Child or Young Adult

Special Programs, Housing, Jobs, Life Skills and Advocating for Young and Middle Aged Adults with Disabilities 

Getting Parents Back to Work: How to Create Your Own Stimulus Plan and Get the Job of Your Dreams 

Seminar Series B: The Diagnosis and Treatment 

First 100 Days Action Plan --2012 Edition: Getting the Proper Diagnosis and Treatment for Children 2 to 7  

iPads, iPods, Tablets, Computers and Smart Phones: Integrating Technology in the Classroom and Community 

ADHD, LD, ED, OHI: Unraveling the Acronyms andHelping children with ADHD, LD, Emotional Disturbances, and Behavioral Health Issues Thrive  

ABA, PRT, Floortime and Other Therapies for Kids on the Spectrum-- The Secrets Your Therapists Never Talk About

Seminar Series C: Advocacy, Education, & Empowerment

Know Your Legal Rights: Advocate with Authority and Master the IEP Maze: An Intimate Conversation with Leading Special Education Attorneys and Advocates 

The Regional Center System: Maintaining Critical Services in the Current Budget Climate 

Keeping Kids Safe in School: Lessons Learned from Miramonte Elementary School Sexual Abuse Scandal 

The Advanced Advocate: Accessing Services Beyond Regional Center and School Districts and Addressing Other Issues Affecting Children with Disabilities

*If you would like to register for the Advocates' Summit or the Legislators and Stakeholders VIP Reception, please contact us at the office at (213) 389-7100.

For information on how to become a conference or breakfast sponsor, resource vendor or presenter please contact Special Needs Network at 213-389-7100 or info@specialneedsnetwork.org.

Conference Sponsors include Toyota, First 5 LA, County of Los Angeles, ULTCW-SEIU, St. John's Well Child & Family Center, Empowerment Congress, Martin & Martin, LLP.