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conference

Saturday, April 22, 2023

Minneapolis Marriott Northwest | 7025 Northland Drive Brooklyn Park, MN 55428

This Statewide Learning Conference is for parents, grandparents, siblings and caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome.

The Self-Advocate Retreat, which runs in conjunction with the conference, is for teens and adults with Down syndrome. You must be a high school freshman or older to attend the retreat.

In addition, we offer a Kids Care is for all children ages 2 through 12* Please see specifics below about childcare.

Self Advocates Conference

Conference Fees

CLICK HERE to register

Pulse aquƭ para registrarse (formulario de registro en espaƱol)

Statewide Conference

  • $125 Early Bird Registration - January 3rd - February 15th 11:59PM
  • $150 Registration - February 16th - extended to April 7th 11:59PM
  • $200 Late Registration - April 8th - April 14th 11:59PM, subject to availability


Self-Advocate Retreat:

  • $85 Early Bird Registration - January 3rd - February 15th 11:59PM
  • $110 Registration - February 16th - extended to April 7th 11:59PM
  • No Late Registration available

The self-advocate retreat is open to individuals with Down syndrome 9th grade and older.

Kids Care:

  • $60 Registration - January 3rd - extended to April 7th 11:59PM
  • No Late Registration available

Kids Camp is open to all children ages 2 - 12.


Hotel Information

Minneapolis Marriott Northwest | 7025 Northland Drive North Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55428

CLICK HERE to book online

  • $159 per night, subject to availability
  • Book by March 31st

Statewide Learning Conference Schedule At-A-Glance

Saturday, April 22

9:00am - Opening Keynote

10:15am - 12:30pm, Breakout Sessions

12:30pm - Lunch & Meet Ups

1:30pm - Plenary Session

2:45pm - Breakout Session

4:00pm - Closing Panel


Caregiver Conference - what to expect

Keynote speaker David Perry, journalist, historian, and speaker and has recently been appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Nation, The Daily Beast, Smithsonian, Slate, CNN and many others. David has a PhD in history from the University of Minnesota, lives in the Twin Cities and is raising two children, one of whom has Down syndrome.

Midday Plenary Session: Promoting Optimal Health in Down Syndrome with Dr. Kishore Vellody - Medical Director of the Down Syndrome Center of Western Pennsylvania.

Closing the day DSAMn will provide an update along with a Panel of Advocates lead by Britanie Hernandez-Wilson, a self-advocate, Equity and Justice Director at The Arc, Partners in Policy Making Graduate. Britanie will guide a panel including Michael Grace, Liz Hannon, Charlotte Woodward, Jackie Ferrier, & Kathy Nelson.

Breakout Session Details

  • 5 Things that Feel Right to Do as a Parent of Young Children That are Actually Terrible for Your Mental Health (And What to do Instead) Workshop for parents of young children with Rose Reif, Ms, LCMHC, CRC, BC-TMH
  • Before, During and After the IEP Meeting with Carla Kegel, Advocacy Advantages
  • Supporting Healthy Relationships for Adults with IDD with Katie Thune, MA, ED
  • Planning for your Transition IEP - a workshop designed for parents/caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome ages 14 - 21 with Jessica Kuss - NDSS
  • Planning for Death and End of Life with Rachel Grimm, Manager of Health Programs, Aging & Caregiving - NDSS
  • Supporting Healthy Sexuality and Boundaries for School Aged Kids with Katie Thune, MA, ED
  • Helping Your Teen or Adult Understand Death and Cope with Grief - Workshop for parents of adult children. with Rose Reif
  • Unheard, Overlooked, Underrepresented: Black Down Syndrome Association with Crystal Lotterberry, MHS,LCDC & Kelli Caughman Co-Founder BDSA
  • Minnesota Public Policy with The ARC
  • Adapting nutrition education materials and weight management programs for youth with IDD with Linda Bandini, PHD, RD
  • Inclusive Higher Education: Benefits and Outcomes Consortium with Liz Hannan
  • Accessing County Services for Children with Down Syndrome Under Age 18 with DSAMn Family Connectors, Ashley Olthoff & Lauren Kaplan
  • Employment Opportunities & Initiatives with Charlotte Woodward, Self-Advocate and Education Programs Associate with NDSS
  • What DO you have Capacity For? - Estate Planning Basics with an Eye to Capacity Issues and Solutions with Maya Missaghi, Attorney-at-law
  • Purposeful Play with Sunny Days Therapy

Self-Advocate Retreat Schedule

The Self-Advocate Retreat is a full day workshop focused on helping attendees identify their strengths; develop their future goals and dreams; and learn about developing healthy relationships at work, with friends, and with significant others. We have an incredible line up of facilitators and speakers. After a morning introduction and wake up after the dancing and fun the night before. Each Self-Advocate will choose between 3 sessions that interest them.

Saturday Schedule

8:30am, Registration Opens

9:00am - Get to know your peers

    9:45am - Choose between: 1) Movement & Dance 2) Visions and Guidance or 3) Life Lessons Learned From a Cupcake with Maria Bengston-Loerzel and Addie Loerzel

    11:15pm - Choose between: 1) Fitness 2) Performing Arts or 3) Skills/Employment

    12:30pm - Lunch

    1:30pm - Staying Safe at Home, at Work and on the Internet with Rose Reif

    2:45pm - Relationships with Katie Thune

    4:00pm - Closing & Panel of Advocates

      Self-Advocate Spring Gala

      Dessert & Dancing

      Friday, April 21st 7:00 - 9:00pm

      Cocktail attire suggested.

      This free event is for Self-Advocates* only.
      *High School through Adult

      Free Registration Here


      Kids Care

      Kids Care is geared towards children with Down syndrome and siblings ages 2 - 12. If your child is under 2 they are welcome to attend the conference with you. Kids Care will be onsite and children will be split into two larger rooms based on age. Children will be watching movies, participating in crafts, and have several movement breaks. Lunch will be provided. Spots for care are limited. We recommend you register early. Registration is available until March 31st or when we reach capacity.

      PCAs and sitters are in short supply, if you know anyone interested in assisting with childcare at the conference please email ashleyazar@dsamn.org.


      Religious Acknowledgement

      We are aware that the Self-Advocate Dance and Statewide Learning Conference & Self-Advocate Retreat may fall on the end of Ramadan and or Eid celebration. We invite you to celebrate with us and encourage you to contact ashleyazar@dsamn.org to notify us of any dietary or exemptions you may have.


      Scholarship & Financial Support

      Cost should not be a barrier to participation in any DSAMN events. We can offer sliding fee scale based on Federal Poverty Level Guidelines. Families living at or below 200% if FPL are eligible for the sliding scale.

      If fees are an issue for any family even if you do not meet the guidelines above, please email ashleyazar@dsamn.org - we can help.

      If an invoice or additional paperwork is needed for a waiver or other assistance program please email ashleyazar@dsamn.org.