9th Annual Utah County Special Needs Conference

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"Empowering the Caregiver" is both the title and the theme of the 9th Annual Utah County Special Needs Conference. The conference serves parents and caregivers of children with special medical needs and will be held Saturday, November 14th, at Mountain View High School, 645 W Center Street, in Orem, UT. The day begins with classes designed to help families cope with the challenges that special needs family members have. Class topics include stress relief, record keeping, strengthening the marriage, and emotional wellness. Conference Chairperson Jodi Hansen said that the classes have been planned by parents and caregivers for the benefit of the whole family. Terrell Dougan, author of "That Went Well, Adventures in Caring for my Sister," will close the conference with a keynote address. She'll be talking about her experiences helping her sister, Irene, who has an intellectual disability. In an interview with The Blogger News Network, She said that "..For far too long the plight of Special Needs people and their supportive families have been ignored. A subject that most people prefer to ignore or turn their heads away from. That Went Well is an attempt to bring the story into the lime light." Hansen explained that the conference will provide respite care for the children with disabilities, and special workshops for the siblings (ages 7-13) of the special needs kids (called "sibshops") to help them learn to adapt to their own unique challenges. Lunch will also be provided with each registration. Early registration, before November 6, is $10, or $15 per couple. Attendees may register by calling Kathy, of Kids on the Move, at (801) 221-9930. The conference is an annual event, and is planned and sponsored by many local service agencies, including Kids on the Move, Utah Family Voices, The Alpine School District, Easter Seals, Friday's Kids Respite, NAMI, Nebo School District, and Wasatch Mental Health. For more information, contact: Jodi Hansen 801-455-7369 Jodi [at] thehansens [dot] name
Attributions
Lana H. Hiskey - Public Information Officer - Nebo School District