The Institute for Human Development (IHD) at Northern Arizona University is inviting interested members of the community to the 2023 IHD Evidence for Success Disability Conference on June 21-22 at the We-Ko-Pa Resort and Conference Center in Fort McDowell, Arizona, a short drive from downtown Phoenix. It is the 24th year for this disability-focused conference.
The programming will focus on assistive technology services and devices, American Indian vocational rehabilitation and innovative practices in disability disciplines. The conference includes an exhibit hall with more than 45 exhibitors and offers more than 70 breakout sessions on a wide range of disability-related topics, including several taught by faculty and staff from the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the College of Education and IHD’s American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Training and Technical Assistance Center (AIVRTTAC).
Tawara Goode, the new director of the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development, is the conference’s opening speaker, sharing her wealth of knowledge and expertise in cultural competence. Workshops will delve into a wide range of topics, including augmentative communication, education, health and recreation, neurodiversity, community living, employment, mental health and transition. Musician, educator and autism advocate Laura Nadine Dooely will close the conference with a captivating and multi-faceted exploration of disability through the medium of music.
IHD collaborated with Midwestern University to offer a guided exhibit hall experience from 1:30-5 p.m. on June 21. This will include a short video presentation and student-focused handout materials. Students can get a special registration rate of $50 a day.
In addition to the general conference, three preconference sessions are available on June 20, covering topics such as assistive technology supports for play and learning; making accessible content with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint; and self-employment and subsistence living, which is aimed at American Indian vocational rehabilitation professionals.
To foster networking opportunities and showcase our commitment to disabilities studies, all participants can attend a complimentary networking event from 5:15-6:30 p.m. on June 21. This event, sponsored by the Vital Projects Fund, will highlight IHD’s minor in disability studies program and will include a performance by magician and autism self-advocate Cody Clark.
Visit the conference webpage for more information and to register for the conference.