Free 1st Annual African-American Outreach Conference on Disabilities

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

7:30 am – 4:00 pm

Where: Disability Empowerment Center (DEC) of Arizona, Nina Mason Pulliam Conference Center

5025 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034

7:30 - 8:30 Registration  

8:30 - 8:50 Opening Panel discussion 

            DEC agencies informational tables will be available throughout the day  

9:00 - 10:15 Session 1 Workshops
(Select One Workshop Only) 

Employment – This workshop provides info relating to employment integration, reintegration and vocational rehab services. 

Cultural – This workshop examines the unique aspect of culture and disabilities within the African-American community.  

Evaluation – Discussion of impact of culture on the evaluation process and services for African-American students with special needs.  

10:15 - 10:30 Break 

10:30 - 11:45 Session 2 Workshops

(Select One Workshop Only) 

Financial 101 – What you need to know about managing your money! 

Legislative Advocacy – Participants will learn about the legislative process and the importance of citizen participation. 

IEP/504 Evaluation – This workshop will provide info on the educational laws relating to students with special needs and the unique challenges faced by African-American students with special needs.

12:00 – 12:25 – Disabilities Empowerment Center Agencies Presentation 

12:30 – 1:00 Lunch - Guest Speaker – Hon. Leah Landrum Taylor
Arizona State Senator

1:15 – 2:30 Session 3 Workshops
(Select One Workshop Only) 

ADA Employment – Presentation of recent changes to the ADA including Amendments Act of 2008, reasonable accommodations, confidentiality, and rights of a job applicant or employee with a disability. 

Corrections – This workshop will give interesting statistics about the incarceration of individuals with disabilities. Participants will learn how to have their rights restored upon release from incarceration including employment and voting rights. 

Mental Health – This workshop examines some of the unique cultural aspects and challenges providing mental health services in the African-American community.

2:30 - 2:45 Break

2:45 – 4:00 Session 4 Workshops
(Select One Workshop Only) 

Wellness Issues – Addresses diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, breast cancer, and others impacting the African-American community. 

Work Incentives – How employment affects Social Security beneficiaries’ cash and medical benefits. 

Legal Options – An overview of various legal options available when individuals with disabilities need the assistance of someone else in legal matters. Training includes such examples as powers of attorney, guardianships, and conservatorships.  

Housing Counseling - Owning your own home is part of the American Dream! HUD-approved housing counselors will provide updates on fair housing and how to buy and sell in today’s market!  For current home owners, who are considering modifying their existing mortgages, the “new” HARP and HAMP programs will be discussed.

4:00 - Conference Ends      

Space is limited! Accommodations such as braille, large print and any other alternate formats, etc. must be requested prior to conference.  Please note:  CART and sign language interpreters will be available.  For registration assistance and/or for questions please contact David Carey at davidc@abil.org or call 602-443-0723. Registration deadline is Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012!