Discover the Possibilities: Statewide assistive technology conference and expo

For Release Immediately

June 18, 2019

Illinois Assistive Technology Program Statewide Conference and Expo: Discover the Possibilities - September 13-14, 2019

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR PARTICIPANTS AND EXHIBITORS

Springfield, IL- June 18, 2019 - The Illinois Assistive Technology Program's 2019 Statewide Conference and Expo will be held September 13-14, 2019 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel located at 3000 South Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62703. The conference, entitled "Discover the Possibilities," focuses on uses of assistive technology in education, employment and community living to enhance the success and independence of individuals of all ages with disabilities.

Who Should Attend This Conference

Workshops are designed for individuals with disabilities, their family members, advocates, professionals including but not limited to: general and special education teachers, school and clinical psychologists, speech and language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, administrators, behavior specialists, counselors, social workers, mental health therapists, assistive technology specialists, vocational rehabilitation counselors, orientation and mobility specialists, healthcare workers etc. Conference attendees will have over 50 workshop sessions to choose from.

Keynote and Endnote Speakers

"Discover the Possibilities" will feature keynote and endnote presentations from nationally known authors Patrick Schwarz, PhD and Barbara Doyle, MS.

Dr. Patrick Schwarz

Is a dynamic and engaging professor, author, motivational speaker and leader in Inclusive Education and Human Services. He is the CEO of Creative Culture Consulting LLC and Professor Emeritus at National Louis University, Chicago. He is the author of From Disability to Possibility®,You're Welcome (with Dr. Paula Kluth), Just Give Him the Whale (with Dr. Paula Kluth) and Pedro's Whale (with Dr. Paula Kluth). His latest book is From Possibility to Success.

Barbara T. Doyle, MS

Is a nationally known teacher, consultant, trainer, presenter and author. She is known for her passionate approach to presenting practical and realistic solutions for everyday issues at home, school, work and social situations. Ms. Doyle is the president and CEO of Barbara T. Doyle, MS, Inc. and is a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Assistive Technology Program. Her professional mission is to make the world a more inclusive place for everyone by increasing understanding, creating a truly accessible service delivery system and promoting effective teaching, adaptations and accommodations.

Conference Registration

Registration for this conference is open until August 15, 2019. Visit the IATP website at www.iltech.org to complete your registration and view the conference schedule, workshop descriptions and presenters, and find information on the Crowne Plaza hotel and room discounts available to conference attendees. All registrations include breakfast and lunch on both days plus access to all workshop sessions and the Expo. Individuals with disabilities, parents or family members of people with disabilities, and students can register for this conference for $100. Professional registration cost is $250 and includes additional access to all sessions with Continuing Education Units provided by the Institute on Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

The Expo

The "Discover the Possibilities" exhibit hall will be open to the public at the Springfield Crowne Plaza Hotel on Friday, September 13, 2019 from 11:30 AM-5:30 PM and Saturday, September 14, 2019 from 9 AM-3:30 PM. All of this year's exhibitors will focus on assistive technology products, software, and services for people with all types of disabilities. There is no charge to visit the Expo, but registration is required to attend any other part of the conference.

About IATP

The Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) is a statewide not-for-profit organization in its 30th year of operation. IATP is funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended. IATP's lead agency is the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services. IATP's mission is to increase access to and the acquisition of assistive technology (AT) devices and services for individuals of all ages with disabilities. IATP provides AT information and services in the areas of education, employment, community living, and IT/telecommunications. IATP's goal is to improve the quality of life of all Illinoisans with disabilities and enable them through greater access to assistive technology devices to fully participate in all aspects of life.

IATP's main office and assistive technology demonstration center is located at 1020 S. Spring St., Springfield, IL 62704, and can be reached by telephone at 217-522-7985, or toll-free at 800-852-5110 (IL only). IATP's website is www.iltech.org and general email inquiries can be sent to expo@iltech.org. IATP provides the following core programs: AT Demonstrations; AT Device Loans; AT State Financing; AT Reutilization. IATP also provides Information and Assistance, Training and Technical Assistance on a variety of AT topics, as well as, collaborates with state agencies and disability organizations statewide to improve and expand policies and practices to include greater access to and funding for AT.