Best
Practices Conferences
Enterprise Austin will host
the Best Practices Conference Series, highlighting proven methods of
policy change and service delivery for people with disabilities.
Beginning in November 2001, three
annual conferences will focus on creating tomorrow’s communities –
communities that promote
integration and inclusion and encourage best practices in housing,
service delivery and policymaking.
Conference Information
The first conference will be held in Dallas, Texas, in November
2001. It will focus on the
Olmstead decision and its implications for policy, service delivery
and housing for people with
disabilities. People with disabilities and their family members,
advocates, service providers, housing
developers and state and local government officials are urged to take
advantage of this unique
opportunity to learn more about the far-reaching effects of this
landmark ruling.
Conference Scholarships
Enterprise Austin is offering full and partial scholarships for people
with disabilities and their family
members interested in attending the conference. For more information
and a scholarship application, call
1.888.533.2244 (within Texas) or 512.458.3200.
Identification of Best Practices
Enterprise Austin is conducting a national search to identify best
practices in housing,
service delivery and policymaking. We seek programs that:
 | Include significant participation from people with
disabilities and their families.
| Result in integration, real choice and full community
inclusion.
| Employ effective partnerships and other collaborative
activities. |
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Selected best practices will be highlighted at each conference,
allowing participants to
learn from and replicate them in other communities. Participants will
also receive written
information about these select programs. For more information, or to
nominate a best
practice program, call 1.888.533.2244 (within Texas) or 512.458.3200.
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About
the Conference
Overview
You're invited to help launch the first of three Texas-based conferences
dedicated to the issues and strategies influencing the lives of people with
disabilities and their families. Sponsored by The Enterprise Foundation in
Austin, the Consortium for Developmental Disabilities (CDDC) and the Texas
Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD), Creating Community Connections
will highlight housing options, policy changes and service deliveries that
make a real difference for people with disabilities.
The three conferences will focus on how we can create tomorrow's
communities - communities that promote integration and inclusion and encourage
best practices in housing, service delivery and policymaking. Plan now to join
us November 4-6 in Dallas!
Download
the registration form
Workshop Tracks
Prominent advocates and nationally recognized service providers will generate
dialogue on the topics that matter most to persons with disabilities and their
families. For your convenience, we have grouped the conference's in-depth
presentations into five tracks: Housing, Employment, Quality Assurance,
Children, and Leadership.
Hotel Information
The downtown Adam's Mark Dallas is Texas' largest hotel, minutes away from the
Dallas Museum of Arts, the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center and the Majestic
Theatre. Connected by a covered skybridge, the hotel is accessible to the
Atrium Mall, featuring a variety of shops encircling an indoor ice-skating
rink. DART, Dallas' new light rail system, is nearby and provides access to
the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Dallas Convention Center,
West End Marketplace, North Park Mall and numerous restaurants.
Room reservations are the responsibility of registrants and can be made by
calling the Adam's Mark Hotel at 800-444-ADAM (2326). Be sure to mention our
theme, "Creating Community Connections." In order to receive the
conference rate of $79, reservations must be made by October 14, 2001. The
hotel address is 400 Olive Street, Dallas, TX 75201-4005. If you have access
to the Internet, you can map the location by going to the Adam's Mark web
page, www.adamsmark.com . Choose Dallas in the pop-down menu, click on Hotel
Tour, then click on the link to start the tour.
Getting There
DFW Airport is just a 25-minute drive to the Adam's Mark Dallas. Dallas Love
Field Airport is only 15 minutes from the hotel. Of course, taxis are
available at the airport. For a more cost-efficient option, take the
SuperShuttle, which is about $15 per person for a one-way trip. Detach the
coupon below for another $1 off the fare. (Please call 1-800-258-3826 to make
a reservation if anyone in the party needs an accessible van). Reservations
for accessible transportation must be made in advance. All others can use the
white courtesy phone in the baggage claim area upon arrival in Dallas.
Airlines
Southwest Airlines is offering a 10 percent discount on most of its already
low fares for air travel to and from the event. You or your travel agent may
call Southwest Airlines Group and Meetings Reservations at 1-800-433-5368 and
reference I.D. Code R8381 (Creating Community Connections). Reservations Sales
Agents are available 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, or 9:30 a.m. - 3:30
p.m. Saturday and Sunday. You must make reservations five or more days prior
to travel to take advantage of this offer.
United Airlines also is offering discounted rates. To take advantage of
this offer, please call 1-800-521-4041 and reference I.D. code 551GD. The
Meeting Plus Reservation Center hours are Monday thru Sunday 7:00 a.m.- 12:00
midnight (EST).
Diana Kern
NAMI Texas
Public Policy Assistant
