**REGISTER HERE**

 2013 Parents as Presenters Brochure

WHERE: Drury Inn & Suites
              5505 Mills Civic Parkway
              West Des Moines, IA
               Drury Hotel Website

WHEN: September 27--28, 2013

TIME:  9/27/2013--8:30 am to 5:00 pm
           9/28/2013--8:00 am to 3:00 pm

YOU HAVE A STORY TO TELL

Did you know when college students hear directly from families they become better teachers, social workers and health professionals?

You are invited to apply for "Parents as presenters."  The workshop will teach and demonstrate the skills you need to effectively share your story with college students and community providers.  You will be learning and working with other parents who have children with disabilities during the workshop.

There will be no registration costs for attending the workshop.  Participants will be selected through an application process.  The applicants selected to attend the workshop will receive a stipend of $365.00 per family to assist with some of the expenses incurred by attending the workshop.  For example: hotel, meals, costs for travel or childcare.  Apply by June 30, 2012

TELLING YOUR FAMILY STORY

Because of the workshop, you will understand the multiple purposes of being able to tell your family story to an audience in a positive way.  We will work together to understand presentation strategies and you will formulate creative ideas for your personal presentations.  During the workshop, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate and receive feedback from other participants as you present a sample "Telling Your Story" presentation.  The workship will also provide an opportunity to network with other families-and help establish a network of family.

PROMOTE SENSITIVITY AND AWARENESS

Your story is a way to let current and future service providers know how they can be sensitive to families.  Most service providers have little or no opportunity to interact with families of children with disabilities before they begin working in the field.  Your story will contribute to their education preparation to work with families and to include children with disabilities with other children.

ABOUT FAMILY CENTERED SERVICES

Children with disabilities are a part of a family.  As you speak about you family, they will see that you focus on other family members, as well as your child with disabilities.  Service providers will understand that their own expertise is enhanced when they consider the family as a valuable resource.

OUR KIDS ARE KIDS FIRST

By telling your stories, you can show children with disabilities are kids first and have the same hopes and dreams as other children.  Our stories help teach others about the importance and the benefit of children with disabilities having their place in our communities now and as adults.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Deb Samson, Consultant
Department of Education
Grimes State Office Building
400 E 14th Street
Des Moines, IA  50319-0146
(515) 281-7144
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Paula Connolly
ASK Family Resource Center
5665 Greendale Rd., Suite D
Johnston, IA  50131
(515) 243-1713
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Michelle Ray, Secretary
Department of Education
Grimes State Office Building
400 E 14th Street
Des Moines, IA  50319-0146
(515) 281-5494
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Julie Carmer  (Contact--help with registration page)
Department of Education
Grimes State Office Building
400 E 14th Street
Des Moines, IA  50319-0146
(515) 281-7144
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APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 30, 2013