Other News: Independence Expo 2008: Sponsored by United Spinal Association

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)

Saturday, August 9th 11:15am – 12:15pm

“Let’s Get Away – Travel & You”

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, Micro Inn & Suites

Russell Haynes, Training Specialist, Greyhound Lines, Inc.

Ed Kelly, Director of Sales and Marketing, Vega Transportation

Skip Scribner, Advanced Medical

Saturday, August 9th 12:20pm – 1:10pm

Therapeutic Sports “Getting Wet and Loving It! 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

Saturday, August 9th – 1:15pm to 2:15pm

“Let’s Talk About Sex” Sexuality & Relationships

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)

Saturday, August 9th 2:30pm – 3:30pm

“What to Do? Where to Go?” Entertainment for Persons with Disabilities

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

Saturday, August 9th 3:45pm – 4:45pm

“I’m Every Woman II”

Women with disabilities are making their mark in today’s society. This workshop will present one of today’s leaders in the disability community 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.

Sunday, August 10th

Sunday, August 10th 10:00am – 11:00am

“Why Me?” Coping With a Disability

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

Sunday, August 10th 11:10am – 12:10pm

“Off to Work” - Finding Work with a Disability

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

Sunday, August 10th 12:15pm – 1:15pm

What’s the Buzz in Washington on Disabilities Issues

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

Sunday, August 10th 1:30pm – 2:30pm

“For the Love (and Knowledge) of Money”

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

Sunday, August 10th 2:40pm – 3:40pm

“Home Sweet Home”

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

Sunday, August 10th 3:50pm – 4:50pm

“New in Research”

High Intensity Physical Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury: 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