The 21st Annual Families Conference

Posted: October 15, 2012

Information from the 21st Annual Families Conference brochure:

November 16, 17, 18, 2012
Stonewall Jackson Resort

Our theme for this conference is, “COURAGE”.

The 21st Annual Families Conference

Come sail away with us to the 21st Annual Families Conference Weekend Retreat. This year we will be taking a tour of the Islands, with special guest speaker, Dreama Denver, Co-Founder, of The Denver Foundation. This non-profit foundation was, inspired by Bob Denver; (You will remember him as Gilligan, of “Gilligan’s Island”), and wife Dreama’s passion to assist and enrich the lives of special needs individuals in the state of West Virginia. As a parent of a severely autistic son, Colin, Mrs. Denver will share her experiences as a wife of celebrity, mother of a son with autism, widow holding it all together and fellow West Virginian. Listen to her daily on , “Little Buddy Radio”,(www.bobdenver.com/the-denver-foundation).

Our Conference this year will again be held at the picturesque, Stonewall Jackson Resort. Tucked away in the beautiful mountains of Roanoke, West Virginia, it is the definition of relaxation and inspiration. Accommodations very family and ‘‘special needs’’ friendly.

Events

  • Friday, November 16, 2012
    Beach Fest (Beach games, limbo, volley ball)

  • Saturday, November 17th
    Workshops/Seminars

  • Saturday Night
    Don Ho Luau Dance

Conference Schedule

  • Friday, November 16, 2012
    • 2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
      Registration
    • 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.
      Vendor’s Reception
    • 7:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.
      Beach Fest
  • Saturday, November 17, 2012
    • 7:30 A.M. – 8:30 A.M.
      Breakfast
    • 9:00 A.M. – 10:20 A.M.
      Key Note Speaker DreamaDenver (www.bobdenver.com/the-denver-foundation)
    • 10:30 A.M. – 12:30
      • Session A1: Special needs Trust & PBS Forum
    • 12:30 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.
      Lunch
    • Sessions
      • 1:40 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
        B1: Waiver Manual Changes & Affordable Healthcare Act
      • 1:30 P.M. - 2:50 P.M.
        B2: Dealing with Conflict and Autism Overview
    • 2:50 P.M. - 3:10 P.M.
      Break
    • Sessions
      • 3:10 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
        B3: PBS Forum and Autism Insurance Bill
    • 5:00 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.
      Dinner
    • 7:30 P.M. - 10:00 P.M. Dance
  • Sunday, November 18, 2012
    • 7:30 A.M. – 10:30 AM
      Breakfast & Conference Closure

Note: The sessions have staggered times. You can attend one long or two short sessions. All sessions will end at the same time for the lunch and dinner time frame.

We will have assistance available for those individuals who are unable to attend sessions, regardless of age or disability. There will be various activities available in the family care room, such as crafts, and games. Childcare is also provided for family members of all ages. For more information please contact:

Cassandra Toliver
Program Manager I
Division of Developmental Disabilities
(304) 356–4776 or
email at: Cassandra.L.Toliver@WV.gov

The Family Conference Committee

  • Olivia Oklok – Chairperson
  • Brittney Given – WV Advocates
  • Susan Given – Parent
  • Tom Tuttle – Committee Member
  • Theresa Hoskins- Wetzel Co. Family Resource Network
  • Fredericka White – WV CACO
  • Arlene Howard – Community Committee Member
  • Cassandra Toliver – WV DHHR
  • Becki Buchanan – WV DHHR

Appreciation

Mrs. Denver,

Thank you for sharing your story with us. Your time and dedication to this cause have been such an inspiration to us. It is the desire of the committee and families that the dream Bob and you share will continue to grow and succeed.

Sincerely,
The Families Conference Committee
The Conference ‘Families’

Dear Families,

Thank you again, for making this year’s, Families Conference, a success. It is our hope that you leave us with a renewed strength and are encouraged as you continue to care for your family members. Every single person that attends our conference contributes a pebble to the ripple that flows beyond the walls of this conference, to reach out into the community.

Thank you for all that you do, every single day.

Sincerely,
The Family Conference Committee