Link to pdf of Expo program
 
 
 

Independence Expo Workshops

Attendee friendly sessions, designed by professionals and your peers to help you make the choices that promote independence.

Saturday August 9

Registrationfrom 9:00am to 4pm
Expo Hall is open from 9:30am to 5:00pm
Workshops are conducted from 10:00am to 4:45pm

Sunday August 10

Registration from 9:30am to 3:00pm
Expo Hall is open from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Workshops are conducted from 10:00am to 4:45pm

What About Me? Care Giver Issues
10:00am – 11:00am
This session will explore an array of issues that caregivers face when caring for a loved one with a disability. A panel of caregivers who have experience dealing with issues such as stress management, balancing roles as a caregiver and family member or friend, and the affect of care giving on relationships will discuss these issues.
Presenter: Robin Kohn, MSW;
Program Coordinator UCF School of Social Work & Greater Orlando SCI Network Coordinator (Moderator)

“Let’s Get Away – Travel & You”
11:15am – 12:15pm
Persons with disabilities enjoy traveling just as everyone else does. Participants for this workshop will learn about issues that a traveler with a disability may encounter during his or her trip, including accessible transportation to and from the airport, stowage of wheelchairs or other mobility equipment on board an aircraft, accessible hotel accommodations, and access to medical equipment.
Presenters:
Kleo King, United Spinal Association (Moderator)
Sandra Cammaroto, Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
Rachel Tyler, Hawthorn Suites Microtel Inn & Suites
Russell Haynes, Training Specialist, Greyhound Lines, Inc.
Ed Kelly, Director of Sales and Marketing, Vega Transportation
Skip Scribner, Advanced Medical

Therapeutic Sports “Getting Wet and Loving It!
12:20pm – 1:10pm
Adaptive Water Skiing” Water skiing is a great way to have fun. The first half of this session will show how people with various disabilities can learn to water ski. Explore the different types of adaptive water ski equipment available for many different types of disabilities including quads, paras, vision impaired or blind and amputees.

Take a Quantum Leap! Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Every horseman knows the relationship with a horse is special. But for those with mental or physical disabilities, this relationship can open the door to an entirely new realm of possibilities. Learn how horse and human become partners in a therapeutic relationship and discover a multitude of opportunities to focus on and explore abilities, rather than disabilities.
Presenters:
Ann O’Brine-Satterfield, U CanSki 2, is a wheelchair user and a 5 time National and 2 time World Champion.
Edie Dopking, PhD, Quantum Leap Farm, is the Founder and current Executive Director

“Let’s Talk About Sex” Sexuality & Relationships
1:15pm – 2:15pm
Participate in an open discussion about sexuality and relationships with a panel of persons with disabilities who can speak candidly and with experience on this important topic. Find out everything you always wanted to know about sexuality and relationships for people with a disability, but were afraid to ask.
Presenter:
Dr. Stanley Ducharme, Clinical Psychologist and Diplomat in Sex Therapy; Boston University Medical (Moderator)

“What to Do? Where to Go?” Entertainment for Persons with Disabilities
2:30pm – 3:30pm
People with disabilities should enjoy entertainment opportunities just as everyone else. Hear about the latest and greatest entertainment venues and events that are accessible to persons with disabilities.
Presenters:
Susan Armstrong, Corporate Safety Manager; Anheuser Busch Companies (Moderator)
Jay Cardinali, Disney
Kevin Huff, Universal Studios / Orlando

“I’m Every Woman II”
3:45pm – 4:45pm
Women with disabilities are making their mark in today’s society, whether it’s on the national level or the local scene. This workshop will present two of today’s leaders in the disability community from the national and local perspective and the mark that women with disabilities are making.

Also, get information & tips on fashion and dressing for success, whether it’s for business or pleasure from one of the nation’s leading retailers.
Presenters:
Nancy Starnes, Senior Vice President; National Organization on Disability (NOD)
Marie Johnson, Fashion Coordinator; Stein Mart, Inc.

“Why Me?” Coping With a Disability
10:00am – 11:00am
The onset of a disability can be devastating and emotionally and physically draining. People are faced with challenges in adjusting to their disability and re-integrating into the community. Participants who attend this workshop will been given an overview of the challenges persons encounter such as social isolation, lack of encouragement and support, a loss of independence, a lack of self confidence, limited self advocacy skills, and limited or no access to successful role models, and how to overcome these challenges.
Presenter:
Gary Karp, Author, Trainer, Consultant

“Off to Work” - Finding Work with a Disability
11:10am – 12:10pm
Finding and getting the right job is a job in itself. This workshop will explore and provide information on what you need to know before starting your job search, such as work incentives and Ticket to Work. Also featured is information on a new initiative to connect people with disabilities with real job opportunities.
Presenters:
Marlene Ulisky, North Florida Area Work Incentives Coordinator; Social Security Administration
Nancy Holland, Director, Business Development - Direct Employers

What’s the Buzz in Washington on Disabilities Issues
12:15pm – 1:15pm
Come hear the latest on what is – and is not – happening in Washington, D.C. on issues affecting people with spinal cord injuries and disorders and other disabilities, including:
• Restoring the protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act that have been eroded by the courts
• How the Competitive Bidding program and other federal policies are likely to limit the ability to obtain the wheelchair – and services and repairs — you need.
• Social Security disability programs – including reducing the shameful backlog in letting people know whether or not they will receive cash benefits and health care
• Medicare and Medicaid developments that affect people’s ability to get the health care, services and supports they need
• Incentives to work rather than be dependent on government programs
• Disabled veterans issues
• What the Presidential candidates are saying about the issues we care about.
Presenters:
Peggy Hathaway, Vice-President for Public Policy, United Spinal Association
Andrew Morris, Director of Legislation, United Spinal Association

“For the Love (and Knowledge) of Money”
1:30pm – 2:30pm
Managing and understanding one’s financial situation can be a daunting task, especially during these trying economic times. This workshop will provide insight, tools and resources to improve your life through financial education, training and counseling. Hear about what’s available to you such as earned income tax credits and other financial resources to enhance one’s financial future.
Presenters:
Richard Keeling, Senior Tax Analyst; Internal Revenue Service (IRS – Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communication)
Dr. Johnette Hartnett, National Institute on Disability

“Home Sweet Home”
2:40pm – 3:40pm
Accessible housing is something that on everyone’s radar screen. From making modifications to paying for them, housing is one of the most important issues that we face. This workshop will present information on ways to make (and pay for) your accessible housing needs as well as demonstrations of some of the most creative and innovative ways to incorporate accessibility into your living space.
Presenters:
Jennifer Beekman and Judi Pennella, Ability Awareness
Christinne Sherman, Center for Independent Living – Central Florida

“New in Research” High Intensity Physical Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury
3:45 – 4:45pm
A Recovery-Focused Approach to Rehabilitation” Traditional rehabilitation programs for spinal cord injury focus on strengthening muscles above the level of the injury and on adapting to the disability. A recovery-focused approach focuses on techniques, equipment and treatment parameters that might promote recovery from the injury, either functional or neurological. Included will be the scientific basis for a recovery-focused program (in layperson’s terms), the proposed parameters of treatment (timeframes), equipment, treatment techniques and a discussion of outcomes. Videos of clients in a high intensity program will be included. Overall, this concept is a new idea in rehabilitation for SCI. It does not take the place of traditional rehabilitation, but continues the journey.
Presenter:
Paula Denison, PT, OMPT; Administrative Director, Specialty Services; Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan

   
   
 
Link to free admission with pre registration
 
Sign up for email updates on the conference
Link to Able To Travel, travel arrangements.
Link to information on Orlando area transportation
Information for people with special needs