May 4 and 5, 2007

Parents Helping Parents, along with San Andreas Regional Center and HOPE Services recently hosted what they expect to be the first in a series of local conferences addressing issues of adults with autism and other developmental disabilities at the Holiday Inn in San Jose.

The conference, attended by over 450 people, addressed a wide range of issues from employment and housing for people with disabilities to health, self-care and sexuality training.

Among the speakers were local assembly members, Jim Beall and Sally Lieber who updated the group on legislative issues being addressed in Sacramento and encouraging parents and providers to be strong, vocal advocates for the developmentally disabled.

The lunch time speakers brought both an entertaining and personal touch to the conference. On Friday, Joey Travolta (brother of John) spoke to the crowd about his program which provides acting and filmmaking camps for children and adults with autism. Saturday’s lunch program included a moving and inspiring talk by Florene Stewart Poyadue who is one of the founders of Parents Helping Parents over 30 years ago.

Speakers from all over California brought their expertise in topics such as transitions from school programs to adulthood, behavior, job development, self determination, and legal issues facing families and individuals with disabilities. Attendees left the conference feeling empowered, inspired and eager for more information addressing these critical issues. Some of the comments made were:

“The passion and enthusiasm of presenters was contagious. Many had a great sense of humor about the topics.”

“Workshops gave you real information, not rhetoric.”

“I especially liked getting an overview of the state of affairs in getting services & supports in the political climate in CA.”

After taking a well-deserved, though brief, break, the conference organizers are ready to begin planning their next event. Volunteers who are interested in being involved in planning the next event, please contact Leslie Vasquez at Parents Helping Parents, (408)727-5775 or lesliev@php.com.