Largest Family Conference in the World

EDMONTON, March 18 /CNW/ - Over 650 parents, children, teenagers and adults with developmental disabilities from across the province and as far away as England and Ireland, will gather at the Fantasyland Hotel March 19 - 20, 2010 to attend the Alberta Association for Community Living (AACL) 18th Annual Family Conference. There is no other comparable event in the world where close to 200 children and teenagers attend along with their families.

The Honourable Mary Anne Jablonski, Minister, Alberta Seniors and Community Supports, will be addressing families who have sons and daughters with developmental disabilities at the President's Reception on Friday evening March 19, 2010. The evening will include testimonials from families about the profound difference AACL has made to their lives and acknowledgment of community members and organizations from across Alberta who have made an outstanding commitment to the inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities.

AACL is recognized globally for its leadership in developing innovative and cutting edge strategies that enable individuals with developmental disabilities to learn, find employment, develop friendships and contribute to community. AACL has developed more inclusive post-secondary educational opportunities in Alberta than anywhere else in the world. AACL was the first organization to develop a partnership with Rotary Clubs to create employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities and the first to develop to regional family advocacy networks.

The Conference will feature some of the prominent leaders in the field of developmental disabilities from across North America addressing topics for inclusive education to creating hope and possibility in an era of fiscal restraint and limited resources. Participants in the closing plenary will share how families with AACL's support and through their vision and passion are changing lives and changing communities locally, nationally and internationally. One parent will describe how AACL through its family connections literally saved their daughter's life when they were under constant pressure from medical authorities to implement "do not resuscitate" orders.

The Conference features free childcare, a teen club, and youth forum and wraps up Saturday evening with a dinner 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 over 50 years.

For further information: regarding AACL Family Conference, please contact: Bruce Uditsky, Cell: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Wendy McDonald, Cell: [phone], Email:[email protected]