“Learning From Each Other – Things We Share”

Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council

Call for Presentations

Breakout Session Application

The Developmental Disabilities Council of Colorado is sponsoring a conference on Cultural Competence and Responsiveness.  The conference will be October 3 & 4, 2008 at the Radisson Hotel, 3333 Quebec Street, Denver.

We are looking for presentations to address the issues of cultural & linguistic competence. Because the Council believes people with developmental disabilities are valuable participants in their communities we want to be sure that people with disabilities are included in discussions related to cultural competence and responsiveness.  The Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council is guided by its Five-Year Plan for 2007-2011 (http://www.coddc.org/5_year-plan.asp) The Council’s goal in the Area of Emphasis of Quality Assurance is to promote and support the development of leadership and self-advocacy capacity among people with disabilities and their family members.  Objective 3 states: Serve as a representative voice of the cultural competence and cultural diversity interests and concerns among Colorado citizens with developmental disabilities.

The purpose of the conference is to provide families and professionals with an opportunity to learn, share and support all people in Colorado, including individuals with disabilities. At this time we are asking that individuals, groups and/or communities submit the following application describing their proposed break-out session.

Suggested Topics – Presentations are encouraged in a wide range of topics related to cultural competence and responsiveness which may include,  but are not limited to: health disparities, over-identification of students of color in special education, factors that contribute to homelessness, and disincentives for employment.  These are to be directed towards professionals or family members with a focus on learning and sharing.

Session Format and Length

Sessions may use a variety of formats, including lecture with questions and answers, panel discussion, and open discussion.  We encourage thinking broadly and hope that sessions actively engage participants. Presentation guidelines and tips will be provided with session acceptance letters. Sessions are scheduled to be 75 minutes in length, or can be lengthened by combining two sessions into one three-hour session.

Submission Instructions

To submit a presentation proposal, please complete the Call for Presentations application and submit the form online, by email or U.S. mail. Information to be included in the response:

1.      Session title, presenters, target audience, session format, length.

2.      Abstract for conference program (150 word limit). Please remember this is your marketing piece, and should be worded in a way that generates interest in attending your session.

3.      A list of 3 to 5 learning objectives. Examples of wording for learning objectives:

• Increase knowledge of approaches to encourage family centered practice.
• Identify effective strategies for__________________________________…
•  Enhance strategies for ensuring _________________________________…

4.      A session description (maximum 500 words) that expands the information in the session description. This description may include an outline of the information to be presented, ways the presentation supports cultural responsiveness, strategies for engaging the audience, and any other information you feel may be useful in evaluating your proposal.

5.      A resume, CV or a short biography – maximum 200 words, for each presenter.

If you have questions or need assistance in preparing your response to the Call for Presentations, please contact: Marna Ares (720-941-0176 x 16)

The submission deadline is June 10, 2008.

Proposals will be evaluated based on the quality of the proposed presentation, and the presentations support for the mission and values of the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council. The conference program committee will review all proposals and notify lead presenters by mid- July 2008.

Call for Presentation Application

If you choose to email or mail your proposal, please send it to:

cddpc.email@state.co.us

Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council

Cultural Competence and Responsiveness Conference

3401 Quebec St., Suite 6009

Denver, CO 80207