Largest conference of its kind in Canada highlights two internationally recognized speakers on Inclusive Education & Employment for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

EDMONTON, April 3, 2013 /CNW/ - More than 700 parents, children, teenagers and adults with developmental disabilities along with teachers and professionals from across the province will gather at the Fantasyland Hotel April 5 - 6, 2013 to attend the Alberta Association for Community Living (AACL) 21st Annual Family Conference.

Kicking off the conference on Friday morning are two internationally recognized speakers on the topics of inclusion in school and the workforce.  Dr. Paula Kluth is a consultant, teacher, author, advocate, and independent scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with Autism and other disabilities to create more responsive and engaging schooling for all learners. Dr. Kluth is a former special educator who has served as a classroom teacher and inclusion facilitator. Her professional interests include differentiating instruction and inclusive schooling. Dr. Kluth is the author or co-author of 12 books including: You're Going to Love This Kid: Teaching Students with Autism in Inclusive Classrooms.

Mr. Cary Griffin provides training to administrative and direct service level professionals in the rehabilitation field; consultation to businesses and rehabilitation agencies regarding the employment of individuals with significant disabilities and resource development. Mr. Griffin is one of only six subject matter experts hired by the Department of Labor to help implement Employment First across the U.S.

A key tenet of Employment First includes:

• Being the first and preferred outcome for working-age youth and adults with disabilities, including those with complex and significant disabilities, for whom working in the past has been limited, or has not traditionally occurred.

Background:

AACL is a family-based, registered charity supporting thousands of children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families across Alberta for more than 55 years.

SOURCE: Alberta Association for Community Living

For more information regarding the AACL Family Conference, please contact:

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