46th Annual Philadelphia Regional Conference on Developmental Disabilities
October 20 | 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM EDT
46th Annual Philadelphia Regional Conference on Developmental Disabilities
KEYNOTE ADDRESS – Corey Ferguson, MHA
Our Keynote speaker Corey Ferguson is a passionate advocate, recognized leader, and dedicated public servant working to elevate the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. With a unique blend of professionals expertise and lived experience as a parent, Corey carries authenticity, insight, and vision within both his personal and professional work. As a project manager within state government, Corey administers programs and services designed to promote inclusion, improve quality of life, and strengthen supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families. His commitment to enhancing systems of support is grounded in both personal experience and a deep dedication to public service. Nationally respected for his contributions to the field, Corey contributes to the Steering Committee for the National Community of Practice for Supporting Families and chairs the Father Engagement Task force for Parent to Parent USA. His efforts to uplift people with developmental disabilities or medical complexity – earned him the 2023 Crystal Bell Advocacy Award from the LifeCourse Nexus Training and Technical Assistance Center in Kansas City, Missouri. With a powerful voice and a heartfelt mission, Corey continues to inspire, engage, and lead efforts to build stronger, more inclusive systems that empower people with developmental disabilities and the families who support them.
Session I (10:15 AM – 11:30 AM)
Workshop # 1 -Building Independence for Individuals with Disabilities Through Peer Learning and Cooking Instruction
Workshop #2 – Toilet Training for All: The Road to Independence
Workshop #3 – Neurodiversity Training for Disasters and Emergency Preparedness: Highlighting Initiatives
Workshop # 4 – Bridging the Gaps: Empowering Families of Children with Medically Complex Needs
Session II (11:45 AM – 1:00 PM)
Workshop # 5 – Discussing Autism with Caregivers Using a Neurodiversity-Affirming Lens
Workshop # 6 – The Impact of Self-Advocate Storytelling on Education Resources for Healthcare Providers
Workshop #7 – Charting New Paths: Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs and Community-Driven Innovation
Workshop # 8 – Transitioning to Adulthood: Updates in PA guardianship law and less restrictive alternatives
Session III (2:00 PM – 3:15 PM)
Workshop # 9 – Art as Independence
Workshop # 10 -Transitioning to Adulthood: Disability Services
Workshop # 11 – Supporting Student Agency and Creativity within Inclusive Postsecondary Education
Workshop # 12 – Transition Age IEP’s – Special Education for Transition Age Students