Largest Conference of its Kind in Canada Highlights Opportunities for People With Developmental Disabilities to Live Rich and Inclusive Lives

EDMONTON, April 13, 2012 /CNW/ - More than 600 parents, children, teenagers and adults with developmental disabilities in addition to teachers and professionals from across the province will gather at the Fantasyland Hotel April 13- 14, 2012 to attend the Alberta Association for Community Living (AACL) 20th Annual Family Conference.

Kicking off the conference on Friday morning are two internationally recognized speakers on the topic of inclusiveness in relation to people with disabilities. Hope Leet Dittmeier, based in Louisville, is the founder and Executive Director of Realizations, a small organization in Kentucky that partners with people with disabilities to plan, create and sustain custom supports to promote typical, socially valued lifestyles. The other renowned speaker is Patrick Schwarz from National-Louis University in Chicago where he is a dynamic and engaging professor, author, motivational speaker and leader in Education and Human Services. Also on Friday morning at 11:30 the prestigious National Inclusion Education Award winners will be announced.

The President's Reception on Friday evening (April 13) will include testimonials from families on the profound difference AACL has made to their lives. AACL will also acknowledge Albertans and organizations from across Alberta who have made an outstanding commitment to the inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities with the Community Inclusion Award, Community Living Award and the Cormack Memorial Award.

The Conference will feature some of the most prominent leaders in the field of developmental disabilities from across North America with workshop topics that include effective school/parent partnerships, advocacy, use of assistive technology, customized supports for adults with complex needs, inclusive education and family networking.

The conference features free childcare, a teen club and a youth forum. It wraps up Saturday evening with a dance and celebration for the entire family.

AACL is a family-based, registered charity supporting thousands of children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families across Alberta for more than 50 years.

regarding the AACL Family Conference, please contact:

Bruce Uditsky, CEO  
Cell: 780-940-4269
E-mail: [email protected]

Wendy McDonald, Director of Development
Cell: 780-974-1310
E-mail: [email protected]