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News Release

Last modified: Monday, April 14, 2008

"Strengthening Our Roots" conference to provide information about autism spectrum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2008

Note to editors and reporters: This release will be of particular interest to audiences in Monroe, Owen, Green, Lawrence, Jackson, Brown and Morgan counties.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Family members and those interested in learning more about supporting children on the autism spectrum should mark their calendars for Saturday, May 17, and plan to attend a conference titled "Strengthening Our Roots: A Conference For, and About, Families of Children on the Autism Spectrum."

The Indiana Institute on Disability and Community's Indiana Resource Center for Autism and organizations across Indiana have collaborated to host this one-day conference focused on providing practical information for families living with an individual on the autism spectrum. The conference will provide attendees with opportunities to gain useful information, network with others, and learn about various resources in Indiana.

The conference will take place at Bloomington High School South, 1965 S. Walnut St. in Bloomington. Keynote speakers will include Liane Holliday Willey and Teresa Grossi. In addition to the keynote addresses a dozen concurrent sessions are scheduled.

Willey is an author and inspirational speaker who helps her audiences truly understand the importance of accepting people with differences. Diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, Willey is dedicated to making sure her successes are not the exception to the rule for those with autism spectrum disorder, but rather the norm.

Grossi, director of the Indiana Institute's Center on Community Living and Careers, has an extensive background in education and employment for individuals with disabilities, and will share her expertise in supported employment. Grossi serves as president of the National Board for APSE: The Network on Employment and is an external evaluator for the National Secondary Transition and Technical Assistance Center.

The registration fee is $50 per person. For answers to questions, contact Brian Ketzner at bketzner@indiana.edu or at 812-855-6508 or 1-800-825-4733. To register, contact Donna Beasley at dbeasley@indiana.edu or at 812-855-6508 or 1-800-825-4733.

For more information, including a complete schedule of speakers and topics, see the Indiana Resource Center for Autism Web site at https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/. The center is part of the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, a research, education and service center affiliated with Indiana University Bloomington.

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