The Association for Successful Parenting (TASP) proudly presents the
2019 Chance to Parent Conference
Turning the Tide : Improving Outcomes with Inclusive & Interdisciplinary Practices
October 28-29, 2019 in Seattle, WA
Over the past decade much has been discovered about parenting with learning differences and/or intellectual disabilities. As more has been learned through research and practice, policy and practice has shifted in positive ways.
The TASP 2019 Chance to Parent Conference offers social workers, legal professionals, policy makers, researchers, direct service providers, parents, and others, an opportunity to learn about new and innovative practice, policy and research taking place at local, state, national and international levels.
The conference will include plenary sessions highlighting inclusive and interdisciplinary practices to create positive outcomes for families. Sessions will focus on a wide range of topics, including the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in relation to child welfare cases.
Through a parent panel presentation, breakout sessions, keynote presentations, and a reception, attendees will be able to share knowledge and network among a broad scope of stakeholders, gaining knowledge and connections that can be applied across all disabilities.
Save the Date flier: TASP 2019 Conference
Schedule of Events
Monday 10/28/19 | Tuesday 10/29/19 | |
8:00 – 9:00 | Breakfast | Breakfast |
8:00 – 9:00 | Registration | Registration |
9:00 – 9:15 Keynote Address |
Welcome | Welcome |
9:15-10:00 | Monika Mitra, PhD Monkia is the director and associate professor at the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. |
Ivanova Smith Ivanova is a Self-Advocate leader in Washington State. They work as an activist advocate for Atwork! and University of Washington LEND program Self Advocacy Faculty. |
10:00 – 10:15 | Break | Break |
10:15-11:45 Breakout 1 |
Virginia Cruz and Julie Clockston Introducing TASP’s Nationwide Curriculum for Professionals Working with Parents with ID Carla Carter and Molly Burgdorf Tom Robinson |
Susan Yuan and Bernadette Irwin Successes & Challenges Working with Parents with ID and the Systems that Support Them Lisa Simmons, Lori Wathen and Janet Wilson
Nicole Brisson
|
12:00 – 1:30 | Lunch at Marriott | Lunch on your own |
1:30 – 3:15 Breakout 2 |
Deborah Bluestein, Janet Vogt, and Alicia Gonen Supporting Parents with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) – A Canadian Perspective Liz Lightfoot and Sharyn DeZelar
Leah Salerno |
Annie-Claude Villeneuve Exploring innovative practices to support parents with intellectual disabilities: what about using technological devices? Lise Schellman and Linzy Jones
Traci LaLiberte |
3:15 – 3:30 | Break | Break |
3:30-5:00 | Parent Panel: Nothing About Us Without Us Despite the popularization of the slogan, “Nothing about us without us!” as a reminder that people with disabilities know what is best for themselves, decisions are being made for parents with disabilities all the time without consideration of their thoughts, beliefs, wants, or needs. Parents on this panel will offer thoughtful, revealing, and sometimes heart wrenching descriptions of their personal journeys. Gain insight from their struggles and successes and leave with a new perspective on what it means to be a parent with a disability and how you can help. |
Breakout 3
Catherine Wade (video presentation) Coalition Building Workshop: Make Change Happen |
The schedule is still being finalized and is subject to change.
*Indicates the presentation is geared towards parents/self-advocates and professionals
The 2019 Alexander J. Tymchuk Awards Presented at the 2019 TASP International Conference
These awards were handed out at the TASP 2019 Conference in honor of Dr. Tymchuk, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, UCLA School of Medicine. Dr. Tymchuk was a pioneer in the field of supporting parents with intellectual disabilities. These awards honored individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their work in supporting parents with intellectual disabilities and other learning difficulties at the 2019 TASP International Conference – Turning the Tide: Improving Outcomes With Inclusive and Interdisciplinary Practices.
The 2019 recipients of the 2019 Alexander J. Tymchuk Awards were:
SUSAN YUAN
LEADER for her vision, dedication, advocacy and leadership in the field of supporting parents with intellectual disabilities
BETSY MISCH
EMERGING LEADER for her vision, dedication, advocacy and leadership in the field of supporting parents with intellectual disabilities
AARON BISHOP
CHAMPION for his vision, leadership and guidance to the TASP Board of Directors as they explore the advancement of their Mission
NICOLE BRISSON
The Carrie Ann Lucas Disability Rights Legal Advocate Award for her vision, dedication, advocacy and leadership in on-going systems change and best practices for parents with disabilities
Below is a brief overview of the accomplishments of each Award Winner.
Dr. Susan Yuan (Susan) – LEADER AWARD
Dr. Yuan is retired Professor Emerita from the University of Vermont – many of those years as a member of Vermont’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Center on Disabilities and Community Inclusion.
Dr. Yuan is the owner of Yuan Associates, LLC. Contracts include external evaluations of Family Support projects in the state of Georgia and the territory of Guam; training for Saipan, South Dakota, Georgia, Oklahoma, Delaware, Michigan, Pennsylvania, preparing materials for Open Doors for Multicultural Families, Seattle, consulting and training with Vermont Child Welfare Training Partnership, 2009 to present.
She also serves as a member of the Parenting Assessment Team with Save Haven Associates to do Competency-Based Parenting Assessments for use in court hearings.
Dr. Yuan has 24 Professional Appointments that include:
- Invited Participant, White House Summit on the Rights of Parents with Disabilities, August 2016
- Consultant to US Department of Justice and the Office of Civil Rights, Health and Human Services, helping prepare technical assistance guidance for child welfare agencies around serving parents with intellectual disabilities, 2015
- External Evaluator, VI Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, 2016-present
Susan is current Peer Reviewer for the following Journals:
- Journal of Public Child Welfare
- Child and Youth Services Review
- Rural Special Education Quarterly
Susan has authored and co-authored numerous publications; she is active in several National and International Professional Organizations and lastly Susan serves on many organizations governing bodies for organizations that include the University of Vermont, the state of Vermont and National and International Boards and Committees.
Susan was one of the founders of THE ASSOCIATION FOR SUCCESSFUL PARENTING and served as President for the past three years.
Susan is definitely deserving of the ALEXANDER J TYMCHUK LEADERAwardfor her vision, dedication, advocacy and leadership in the field of supporting parents with intellectual disabilities.
BETSY MISCH – EMERGING LEADER AWARD
Betsy for the past two years has been the Program Manager for The United Arc’s Positive Parenting Program. She oversees the day to day operation of one of the agencies satellite offices in Holyoke MA. She supervises 7 staff and oversee and management’ services for 40 + parents through referrals from 3 different Department of Children and Families offices. Through her hard work referrals have increased allowing the program to be available to more families. Through her work with each of the offices she has increased the awareness of social workers of the needs of families headed by a parent with an intellectual disabilities or other learning difficulties.
Betsy as sister of an individual with I.D. has a strong commitment to all individuals living with a disability be given the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest and not be limited by their diagnoses. Regarding parents, Betsy has been involved in the early TASP conferences and facilitating parenting groups for parents with I.D. She was an integral member of the team for several conferences for professionals and parents held within MA.
Betsy day to day work is fulling the mission of TASP. She oversees in home parent education, supervised visitations, and parent education groups. Her offices is the first within our service area that is receiving funding from The Department of Developmental Disabilities funding an ongoing parenting group.
Betsy has given presentation throughout the state of MA. Presentations have included UMASS/Amherst, New Social Worker Training for Department of Children and Families, The Department of Disability Services and local community programs. She has recently been nominated to The Association for Successful Parenting Board.
Through her work with the DCF offices Betsy works tirelessly on ensuring the families she works with are given a chance to demonstrate their parenting abilities and not be judged on the assumption of incompetence.
Throughout her day to day work and training of her own staff, community staff, workshops across the State, Betsy is a strong voice for parents and their families.
Betsy’s role is changed over the years. She is now in a management role and is known throughout her service area as a strong champion for parents and families. She is emerging as a leader in the state of MA when working with parents with disabilities. She is also part of a committee in MA working with Department of Developmental Disabilities on developing a conference across agencies on how to best support parents.
NICOLE BRISSON (Nikki) – The Carrie Ann Lucas Disability Rights Legal Advocate Award
Nikki has become the recognized “national expert” on parenting assessment for parents with intellectual and other disabilities. She first became interested in the early 2000’s when she requested an assessment for a family she served in her role as case manager with a developmental service agency. She then participated in training with Maurice Feldman and partnered with me in the creation of the Vermont Parenting Assessment Team. She formed her own company, Sagehaven LLC, and the quality and fairness of her assessments has resulted in her leadership in the field, training several others to conduct these assessments. Her work on the Sara Gordon case, resulted in that case extending the application of the ADA further over parenting. She worked with Carla Carter to give input into the 2015 guidance to child welfare agencies from the Office of Civil Rights of Health and Human Services.
Nikki was instrumental in the resolution of the ground-breaking Sara Gordon case in MA, was i was invited and participated in the President’s Summit on the Rights of Parents with Disabilities under President Obama, and this year, 2019, was chosen to be a Fellow of AAIDD in recognition of her service to people with intellectual disabilities and to parents with disabilities.
In addition to her assessment work, Nikki served as Clinical Director of NCSS, her local Developmental Service agency, and provided counseling services for individuals and families. Nikki also has served on the Human Rights Committee for Developmental Services in Vermont, where she upholds the ethical treatment of people with disabilities.
In addition to advancing the field for the protection of rights of parents with disabilities, Nikki has served on the board of directors of TASP, where she chairs the Education Committee. She is chairing the Conference Committee and is largely responsible for the quality of the 2019 conference held in Seattle.
Nicole has also served people with intellectual disabilities who have co-occuring mental health concerns. Her advocacy for their rights is both effective and unending!
AARON BISHOP – CHAMPION
Aaron met with the TASP Board of Directors and stakeholders in the summer of 2017 to facilitate the exploration of how TASP could best serve parents with disabilities.
The TASP Board of Directors once again come together for a one-day retreat before the 2019 TASP International Conference and Aaron graciously agreed to facilitate this TASP Futures Action Planning Day.
We are very pleased that we have Aaron’s experience, skills and knowledge to lead us in this important endeavor.
Aaron’s professional experience includes:
- Association of University Centers on Developmental Disabilities.
- Executive Director of the National Council on Disabilities — Aaron was the Executive Director of the National Council on Disabilities when the ground-breaking report ROCKING THE CRADLE; ENSURING THE RIGHTS OF PARENTS WITH DISABILITIES AND THEIR CHILDREN was written and submitted to the President and Congress (2012)
- Commissioner — Administration on Disabilities within the Administration for Community Living (ACL) at the U.S. DHHS
Currently, Aaron is Associate Executive Director, Public Interest Government Relations at American Psychological Association
Aaron is certainly TASP CHAMPION for his vision, leadership and guidance to the TASP Board of Directors as they explore the advancement of their Mission.
THANK YOU AARON!
“A Promising Practice for Parents with Disabilities” by Susan Yuan and Bernadette Irwin
“Advocating with Parents When the State is Involved” by Leah Salerno
“Pearl Buck Preschool & Family Support Services” by Lise Schellman and Linzy Jones
“Supporting Oklahoma Parents with Disabilities: The Oklahoma Model”
“Promoting the Rights of Parents with Disabilities” by Carla Carter and Molly Burgdorf
The Association for Successful Parenting (TASP) proudly presents the
2019 Chance to Parent Conference
Turning the Tide : Improving Outcomes with Inclusive & Interdisciplinary Practices
October 28-29, 2019 in Seattle, WA
Over the past decade much has been discovered about parenting with learning differences and/or intellectual disabilities. As more has been learned through research and practice, policy and practice has shifted in positive ways.
The TASP 2019 Chance to Parent Conference offers social workers, legal professionals, policy makers, researchers, direct service providers, parents, and others, an opportunity to learn about new and innovative practice, policy and research taking place at local, state, national and international levels.
The conference will include plenary sessions highlighting inclusive and interdisciplinary practices to create positive outcomes for families. Sessions will focus on a wide range of topics, including the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in relation to child welfare cases.
Through a parent panel presentation, breakout sessions, keynote presentations, and a reception, attendees will be able to share knowledge and network among a broad scope of stakeholders, gaining knowledge and connections that can be applied across all disabilities.
Save the Date flier: TASP 2019 Conference
Registration
Schedule of Events
Monday 10/28/19 | Tuesday 10/29/19 | |
8:00 – 9:00 | Breakfast | Breakfast |
8:00 – 9:00 | Registration | Registration |
9:00 – 9:15 Keynote Address |
Welcome | Welcome |
9:15-10:00 | Monika Mitra, PhD Monkia is the director and associate professor at the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. |
Ivanova Smith Ivanova is a Self-Advocate leader in Washington State. They work as an activist advocate for Atwork! and University of Washington LEND program Self Advocacy Faculty. |
10:00 – 10:15 | Break | Break |
10:15-11:45 Breakout 1 |
Virginia Cruz and Julie Clockston Introducing TASP’s Nationwide Curriculum for Professionals Working with Parents with ID Carla Carter and Molly Burgdorf Tom Robinson |
Susan Yuan and Bernadette Irwin Successes & Challenges Working with Parents with ID and the Systems that Support Them Lisa Simmons, Lori Wathen and Janet Wilson
Nicole Brisson
|
12:00 – 1:30 | Lunch at Marriott | Lunch on your own |
1:30 – 3:15 Breakout 2 |
Deborah Bluestein, Janet Vogt, and Alicia Gonen Supporting Parents with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) – A Canadian Perspective Liz Lightfoot and Sharyn DeZelar
Leah Salerno |
Annie-Claude Villeneuve Exploring innovative practices to support parents with intellectual disabilities: what about using technological devices? Lise Schellman and Linzy Jones
Traci LaLiberte |
3:15 – 3:30 | Break | Break |
3:30-5:00 | Parent Panel: Nothing About Us Without Us Despite the popularization of the slogan, “Nothing about us without us!” as a reminder that people with disabilities know what is best for themselves, decisions are being made for parents with disabilities all the time without consideration of their thoughts, beliefs, wants, or needs. Parents on this panel will offer thoughtful, revealing, and sometimes heart wrenching descriptions of their personal journeys. Gain insight from their struggles and successes and leave with a new perspective on what it means to be a parent with a disability and how you can help. |
Breakout 3
Catherine Wade (video presentation) Coalition Building Workshop: Make Change Happen |
The schedule is still being finalized and is subject to change.
*Indicates the presentation is geared towards parents/self-advocates and professionals
Conference FAQs for website
- When will conference registration open?
Registration is now open! Visit the Registration” tab on this page and take advantage of the reduced early bird rate of $299 for the full conference, but only until August 1. After that the rate will increase to $325. - Can I attend the conference for just one day?
Yes! We’re pleased to offer a limited number of one-day tickets for both Monday and Tuesday for those who cannot attend both days. Single-day tickets are limited, so register early! - Do you offer discounted rates for students and parents/self-advocates?
Yes! We’re pleased to offer a reduced conference rate for students, as well as parents/self-advocates. - What if I’m a parent with a disability and cannot afford to attend the conference?
We want you there! We encourage all parents/self-advocates to reach out to their local Disability Councils and/or Arcs to see if they’re able to provide financial assistance. If you’ve done that, and still need help with the cost, please reach out to us at info@achancetoparent.net to find out about scholarship opportunities. - What kind of information can I expect to get at the conference?
We’re pleased to offer a panel of international speakers from the United States, Canada, Iceland, and Australia. There will be a keynote speaker each day, as well as morning and afternoon break-out sessions, and a parent panel, with a wide range of topics, from direct services/supports, to how different states/communities are supporting parents with intellectual disabilities, to the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in relation to child welfare cases, and current research in the field. - Who should attend the conference?
The TASP 2019 International Chance to Parent Conference offers social workers, legal professionals, policy makers, researchers, direct service providers, parents, and others, an opportunity to learn about new and innovative practice, policy and research taking place at local, state, national and international levels. The conference can benefit anyone working with and/or supporting a parent with an intellectual disability, as well as parents themselves! - How many speakers will you have at the conference?
TASP has pulled together over 20 speakers from across the world to share information and ideas on current services and supports, legal perspectives, research, and direct life experience with attendees. - Where is the conference being held?
The conference will take place at the beautiful Marriott Waterfront in downtown Seattle, located at 2100 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121. You can also stay there for easy conference access every day, and convenient exploring opportunities in the evenings! The world-famous Pike Place Market is an elevator ride away, and the hotel is near downtown attractions like the Seattle Waterfront, Cruise Port Terminal, Seattle Aquarium, Westlake Center and Olympic Sculpture Park. - Is there a special hotel room rate for conference attendees?
We’re pleased to offer a conference room rate of $179/night for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights to allow you the benefit of the full conference. When booking via phone (800.228.9290), tell them you’re with the Association for Successful Parenting Conference to get the special rate. You can also use this link to book directly online: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1552405300161&key=GRP&app=resvlink.Don’t delay on booking your room! There are a limited number at the reduced rate, and the absolute last to book is October 7, 2019. - What if I want to stay longer or come earlier? Can I stay at the same hotel?
Yes! The Marriott is happy to work with you around dates and rates. If you are coming early or staying later please call them at 800.228.9290 to speak to a reservation agent. Make sure to tell them you’re with The Association for Successful Parenting Conference to get the discounted rate for Sunday-Wednesday. - How close is the downtown to the airport/train station?
The hotel/conference center is 14.1 miles from Seattle/Tacoma International Airport. It is a short taxi/subway/Uber ride away. - How do I get from the airport to the conference center/hotel?
There are many options for getting to the hotel. You can take a taxi, take the subway, or call an Uber! Details on transportation options and directions can be found here: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/maps/travel/seawf-seattle-marriott-waterfront/ - When will I know if my presentation proposal was accepted?
Everyone who submitted a proposal was notified via email on May 17, 2019. This email included presentation dates/times for accepted proposals. If you’re not sure if you received an email, or have any questions, please reach out to us at info@achancetoparent.net. - How do I sponsor the conference?
We’re so glad you asked! We have lots of great opportunities and benefits for sponsors. Check the “Sponsor” tab on this page for more information, or click HERE - How do I get a vendor table at the conference?
We are pleased to offer a limited number of vendor tables. If interested in becoming a vendor, you can find information on this page under the “Vendors” tab, or click HERE - Will there be a chance to network at the conference and meet other people?
Yes! We recognize the importance of meeting like-minded people doing similar work. There will be chances during meals, as well as between sessions, and before and after the conference sessions to meet others and network together. We’re also please to offer a “Coalition Building” breakout session to give specific time for people to network and learn form each other. - What meals are included it with my registration fee?
The fee includes a continental breakfast on Monday and Tuesday, lunch on Monday, and snacks/coffee throughout the day both days. Lunch on Tuesday will be on your own. - I just want to attend or present at one session; do I still have to register?
Yes, even if you are only coming to attend or present at just one session, you still need to pay the registration fee. We do have a limited number of one-day registration tickets for your convenience. - I’m a speaker, do you have a discount for speakers?
No, we only have a discount for students and parents/self-advocates. - What is the conference attire?
The attire for our conference is business or business casual. - Where do I pick up my registration materials?
You’ll need to pick up your name badge along with conference materials starting on Monday, October 28 at 8am PST. - What are the hours of the conference on both days?
While we’re still finalizing the schedule, the conference day will run roughly 8am-5pm PST both Monday and Tuesday. - What if your refund policy?
Due to limited time and resources, any tickets purchased after August 22nd, 2019 are non-refundable. Your support for TASP and the conference are appreciated.
Hotel and Travel
“With everything from unrivaled natural beauty and world-class attractions to major sports teams, a thriving arts and culture scene, and beyond, there’s always something to do in Seattle.”
Learn more about the city at Visit Seattle
Conference Center/Hotel
The conference will take place at the beautiful Marriott Waterfront in downtown Seattle, located at 2100 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121. You can also stay there for easy conference access every day, and convenient exploring opportunities in the evenings! The world-famous Pike Place Market is an elevator ride away, and the hotel is near downtown attractions like the Seattle Waterfront, Cruise Port Terminal, Seattle Aquarium, Westlake Center and Olympic Sculpture Park.
We’re pleased to offer a conference room rate of $179/night for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights to allow you the benefit of the full conference. When booking via phone (800.228.9290), tell them you’re with the Association for Successful Parenting Conference to get the special rate. You can also use this link to book directly online: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1552405300161&key=GRP&app=resvlink. Don’t delay on booking your room! There are a limited number at the reduced rate, and the absolute last to book is October 7, 2019.
In the event you’d like to stay longer or come earlier, the Marriott is happy to work with you around dates and rates. If you are coming early or staying later please call them at 800.228.9290 to speak to a reservation agent. Make sure to tell them you’re with The Association for Successful Parenting Conference to get the discounted rate for Sunday-Wednesday.
Airport
The closest Airport is the Seattle/Tacoma International Airport. The hotel/conference center is 14.1 miles from Seattle/Tacoma International Airport and is a short taxi/subway/Uber ride away.
Transportation to/from the hotel
There are many options for getting to the hotel. You can take a taxi, take the subway, or call an Uber! Details on transportation options and directions can be found here: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/maps/travel/seawf-seattle-marriott-waterfront/
Sponsors
Sponsorship Opportunities
Fill out the form below to contact us regarding sponsorship opportunities!
Vendors
Thank you for your interest in being an exhibitor at TASP’s 2019 International Chance to Parent Conference! The vendor displays are a prominent piece of the conference. We have space for 10 Vendors/Exhibitors on Monday, October 28, 2019 and 10 Vendors/Exhibitors on Tuesday, October 29, 2019.
The Vendor Fair is divided into 6 foot and 30” clothed tables and two chairs. You may reserve one space for your organization, or you may share one space with another vendor.
Monday, October 28th
Set-up from 7am-8am, Vendor Exhibits Open: 8am – 3:30 m
Tuesday, October 20th
Set-up from 7 m-8am, Vendor Exhibits Open: 8am – 3:30 m, Takedown: 3:30pm to 4:30pm Tuesday.
Prices
$100/1 day, $150/2 days
Please complete the information below and the TASP Conference Committee will review your information and send the application form and request for payment:
Alexander J. Tymchuk Award for Excellence:
The nomination period has closed. Thank you to all who submitted a nominee! Winners will be announced at the conference and posted on our website.
Awards will be given in three categories: Leader, Emerging Leader and Disability Rights Legal
Advocate in the field of supporting parents with intellectual disabilities and other learning difficulties.
Dr. Tymchuk, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, UCLA School of Medicine and a pioneer in the field of supporting parents with intellectual disabilities continues to honor individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their work in supporting parents with intellectual disabilities and other learning difficulties.
TASP has added a new award this year – Disability Rights Legal Advocate. This award will be given to someone who demonstrates the philosophy of TASP’s late friend, Carrie Ann Lucas, who was a disability rights attorney who pioneered representation for parents with disabilities and who worked tirelessly for the rights of parents with disabilities.
Award Information & How to Nominate
Awards will be given at the 2019 TASP International Conference – Turning the Tide: Improving Outcomes with Inclusive and Interdisciplinary Practices. Please visit our website (www.achancetoparent.net/conference) to register for the conference and to get additional information. The award winners will be offered free registration to the 2019 TASP Conference in Seattle, Washington on October 28 and 29, 2019. You do not need to attend the conference in order to nominate yourself or someone else, and you do not need to attend to win.
Self-Nominations are encouraged!
All nominees must submit the form below no later than September 15, 2019. If you prefer to complete a paper form please download and submit to info@achancetoparent.net or mail to:
TASP
PO Box 3502
Baltimore, MD 21214.
Award recipients will be notified by late September to allow for travel plans.
TASP Mission: “We are dedicated to enhancing the well-being of at-risk parents with learning difficulties and their children. This primarily includes parents who may be identified as persons with intellectual disabilities or borderline intellectual functioning.”
Fill out the form below to submit a nomination for the 2019 Alexander J. Tymchuk Award for Excellence: