Eighth Annual Tennessee Disability MegaConference
Thursday and Friday - June 3-4, 2010
- World-Class Speakers
- Interactive Workshops
- Educational Sessions
- Exhibits of Disability Products and Services
- Awards Banquet and Dance
- We are proud in 2010 to celebrate:
- Collaboration
- Innovation
- Resilience
Recap of the 2010 conference - By: Carrie Hobbs Guiden and Frank Meeuwis - Over 600 self-advocates, family members, direct support and other professionals celebrated the largest conference of its kind in Tennessee—for the eighth consecutive year! Something new—highlighted at the two-day event—video-interviews with self-advocates sharing their impressions of the conference. See who you recognize discussing some common themes by clicking the Highlights from Past Conferences link to the left.
The first theme centered on the social aspect of the conference. Self-advocates consistently brought up the fact that they enjoyed seeing their friends, enjoyed meeting new people, and experiencing the “togetherness” that only comes from a common bond—in this case—experiencing and living life with a disability. Many self-advocates mentioned that they wanted to see “more people like themselves” at the conference. This is a message we all need to take to heart—how do we make the conference more accessible to self-advocates?
The second theme centered on work. This year a record number of self-advocates had exhibit booths and were promoting their crafts—paintings, photos, hand-made blankets, baby clothes, jewelry, and much more. All are entrepreneurs, trying to find their place in the competitive world of self-employment. They were eager to talk about and share their work. Other conference-goers talked about getting a job—one person even said he wanted a job working for the Marriott Hotel! Work is an important piece of anyone’s identity. How do we use the MegaConference to further promote self-employment ventures like these? How do we continue to support these businesses once the conference is over?
The Disability MegaConference was packed with exciting plenary sessions, breakout sessions, and fun activities. Keynote speakers Greg Smith, Johnnie Tuitel and LeDerick Horne each shared their unique personal challenges and triumphs in living with a disability. Jan Moss, from the Oklahoma University Center of Excellence, expanded upon the traditional concept of “transition.” Breakout sessions included old favorites like Rhythmic Drumming and Taekwondo and new ones relating to education, employment, empowerment and more. People enjoyed the job lab and the assistive technology room. A fully catered exhibitor’s reception with great door prizes and camaraderie on Thursday was only outdone by the prestigious awards banquet and dance on Friday, making each evening’s event a memory for all!
It was a great sight to see so many people connecting with old friends, visiting exhibit booths, building connections and enjoying meals together. They were listening to great speakers, exploring innovations, relaxing in the moment and just all around having a good time. It makes all the hard work that goes into the conference worthwhile.
Thanks to all the people involved making MegaConference a success—everyone who chaired or worked on a committee; sponsored, exhibited, presented or attended the conference; provided respite, or had anything else to do with the conference—without your support, this could never take place.
We are already making plans for the 2011 Ninth Annual Tennessee Disability MegaConference. We have reviewed evaluations, collected interviews and received great input on how to improve it for next year. Keep those ideas coming our way and we will see you next year!
The winner of the art contest is Anne Ambrose!
Anne Ambrose has been painting most of her life. She has lived on the bayous of Louisiana and in Nashville; thus, is influenced by both cultures. Most of her paintings have psychological stories and include fairies, angels, spirits, and bright colors. Her style can best be described as a combination of expressionist and fantasy-based themes. She is also skilled in singing, acting and storytelling. Anne has been exposed to art instruction by the late Juanita Greene Parks, Hazel King, classes at Belmont College, and self-taught independent studies. The name of this piece is Magic Tea. Anne can be contacted at anneambrose@bellsouth.net
The temperature of meeting rooms throughout the conference center will be set at 72 degrees. Please dress accordingly and if you are cold-natured, dress in layers and bring a sweater or jacket.
Photographs and videos will be taken throughout the conference. Attendance constitutes permission to use images of those at the event on this website and in other promotional materials.
This conference is FRAGRANCE FREE! Please refrain from using perfumes, colognes, or scented personal products in consideration of people with chemical sensitivities.
