Celebrating Our Children Conference Supports Parents of Children with Special Needs

November 15, 2006

Source: Mount Saint Vincent University
http://www.msvu.ca/MediaCentre/Releases/2006/Nov06/151106.asp

November 15, 2006, Halifax – Every parent wants their child to be the best they can be. For parents with concerns about their child’s development or with a child who has a diagnosis that places them at risk for developmental problems, knowledge is empowering.

The Celebrating Our Children conference is organized by Early Intervention Nova Scotia (EINS) and Mount Saint Vincent University’s (MSVU) Centre of Excellence for Children and Adolescents with Special Needs: Task Force on Early Intervention. The conference was developed for parents of children with special needs ages birth to 8 and takes place on November 17, 18 and 19 at MSVU.

"If you are a parent, family member or a support worker for a child with special needs, this conference will address your issues," says former Halifax Citadel MLA Danny Graham, parent of a special needs child and conference guest speaker. "Every parent wants their child to be healthy, happy and have a full life. These discussions will help us help our children and will remind us that all children are special."

Information sessions and exhibits were chosen in consultation with parents. Stephen Cox, a Certified Financial Planner, will answer financial planning questions. Keynote speaker Dr. Wayne MacKay, an expert on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, will speak about inclusive education. A special presentation by Danny Graham will offer a vision for the future for children with special needs in Nova Scotia. Parents will also have the opportunity to participate in information sessions on behaviour, nutrition, parenting, government services and other topics, browse exhibits and meet other parents.

Conference speakers include faculty from the MSVU Department of Child & Youth Study, IWK Health Centre, Nova Scotia Speech & Hearing, Progress Centre for Early Intervention, physical and occupational therapists, provincial Departments of Community Services, Education and Health and many others. A full schedule can be found at www.eins.ca.

For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:Anne StephaniukMSVU Public AffairsTel: (902) 457-6439Cell: (902) 441-0505anne.stephaniuk@msvu.ca