ASL version

If you are DeafBlind or prefer to watch the video in a slow-paced, high contrast format, watch the DeafBlind friendly ASL version instead.

English version

Registration is open for the 2019 Collaborative Experience Conference! This is the fourth biennial conference and is for professionals serving students who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing and their families. Professionals include teachers, school counselors, Vocational Rehab counselors, Deaf Mentors, Deaf/Hard of Hearing Role Models, Parent Guides, interpreters, and more. The conference is also for parents of students who are deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing. The conference theme is “Supporting the Whole Child,” which emphasizes 1. Academics and 2. Social and emotional support systems.

Collaborative Experience Highlights

We have amazing presenters, including:

• Leala Holcomb & Jonathan McMillan from Hands Land, for an ASL Session 
• Stephanie Cawthon from National Deaf Center on “Raising the Bar for Postsecondary Success”
• Kristina Blaiser from Idaho State, on “Assessment Results as a Tool for Effective Family-Based Communication Development”
• Gloshanda Lawyer from Lamar University, on “Language Justice for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students: Bringing ‘Translanguaging’ to Life”
• Karen Putz from Ageless Passions, on “Supporting the Whole Child: The Gift of a Different Ability”
• Deaf YOGA and how to engage students in the practice of YOGA
• And workshops on working in rural areas, facilitating identity development, boundaries and consent, suicide intervention, student refugees, behavioral strategies, self-advocacy skills development, transition, and more.
• An expo with 25 exhibitors who have great resources and information for parents and professionals!

Parent Scholarships

Scholarships are available for parents of children who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing. To apply, email liza@eventivemeetings.com.

Please note that when you submit your application, there will be a one-time $25 fee.

Registration and Price

The cost is either:

1. $225 for registration, meals, hotel room shared with conference participant OR
2. $300 for registration, meals, hotel room not shared with a conference participant.

There are 350 spots total and every year the conference is sold out. So far, over 1/3 of the spots are filled. If you plan to attend the conference, move quickly! The registration link is available. 

Learn more about the conference at MNCDHH's website. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Credits

The Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing thanks:

James Paul Beldon III for ASL talent.

Mark Zangara for voiceover.

Keystone Interpreting Solutions for film production.