What

American culture values employment as an essential opportunity in our lives. The work we do in our lives is one of the basic elements in defining who we are, and who we become. Do you believe that people with disabilities can be productive workers? Are you a person with a disability who wants to further your education and enter the world of work? Your participation in our one-day event will allow you to learn from people who are successfully employed. You will see how productive, working citizens with disabilities are fulfilling their career goals.

Join us for a day of exploring the endless possibilities in the world of work and what it can offer you! "Employment Possibilities: Thriving, Not Just Surviving" on April 22, 2010 will showcase unique careers that are shaping the world of work for today and the future. Have you ever considered attending college? Starting your own business? Earning an income as an artist or musician? Do you know about customized employment or micro-enterprises? Do you know about work incentives for people with disabilities who have Medicaid coverage and receive Social Security benefits? Did you know you may qualify for job training, college tuition assistance, and job placement services through WV Division of Rehabilitation Services? You will have the opportunity to learn how you can do these things, as well as, meet and talk with others who have successfully reached these goals.

We are able to offer you two excellent keynote speakers, ten different information-packed breakout sessions, and one world class performance! Come explore assistive technology in a hands-on environment and discover how it can help you succeed in the workplace. Take a tour of the fine arts display, showcasing the diverse talents of artists with disabilities.

We invite you to join us in examining the many employment possibilities and helping to develop a dialogue among people with disabilities who are interested in working! Learn how you can enrich your life by planning and working towards a future that includes employment of your choice. Register now!

When/Schedule

April 22, 2010

10 A.M. to 4 P.M.

Where

Stonewall Resort
940 Resort Drive
Roanoke, WV 26447

(888) 278-8150

Directions

Cost / Lodging

The training is free of charge to attend, and will include a continental breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon break. Materials for the training are also free.

Lodging for April 21st will cost $144 plus tax and includes dinner, parking, Internet access, and the use of resort equipment. Use group code 888003.

There are funds available to cover the cost of lodging, meals, and travel expenses for people with disabilities and their family members. To inquire about these funds please call us at (800) 950-5250 before March 15, 2010

Registration

• Online:

  wva-ep.eventbright.com

• Mail:

  Attn: EP Conference
  West Virginia Advocates
  1207 Quarrier St Ste 400
  Charleston, WV 25301
  registration form for mailing or faxing

• Fax:

  (304) 346-0867
  registration form for mailing or faxing

• Phone:

  (800) 950-5250

Keynote Speakers

• Kathleen Martinez

  Assistant Secretary
  Office of Disability Employment Policy
  Department of Labor

  

  Kathleen Martinez was nominated by President Barack Obama to be the third Assistant Secretary for Office of Disability Employment Policy. Ms. Martinez advises the Secretary of Labor and works with all DOL agencies to lead a comprehensive and coordinated national policy regarding the employment of people with disabilities. She was appointed Executive Director of the World Institute on Disability in 2005. In 2002, Ms. Martinez was appointed by President Bush as one of 15 members of the National Council on Disability, an independent federal agency advising the President and Congress on disability policy.

  Blind since birth, Ms. Martinez has a background as an internationally recognized disability rights leader specializing in employment, asset building, independent living, international development, diversity and gender issues.

• Gary Guller

  Motivational Speaker, Film Producer, Adventurer & Mt. Everest Summiter

  

  Gary Guller is both a world-renowned, record-setting mountaineer and a professional motivational and inspirational speaker. In 2003, Gary was leader of the largest ever cross-disability group to reach Mt. Everest Base Camp, at 17,500 feet. After setting this record, he went on to scale the peak, reaching the summit on May 23, 2003, and becoming the fi rst person with one arm to summit Mt. Everest.

  Gary uses his extraordinary experiences to share with his audiences the importance of equality, determination, team-work and integrity, and how these traits lead to personal and professional success. An inspirational speaker, he encourages audiences to look deep into themselves, motivating them to set goals to maximizes their potential, placing fear and doubts aside to achieve success in business and life. His presentations, which are full of vivid images and real-life stories, inspire and connect with his audiences. He is active internationally advocating for the potential of all people, but especially those living with a disability.

Exhibitors

Exhibit Hall is open from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

• WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED) Fine Arts Program (ROMPP)

  Take a tour of the fine arts display, showcasing the diverse talents of artists with disabilities

  • Helen Panzaroni
    WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities

• Assistive Technology

  • Todd Rundle
    WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities
  • Terry Courts
    WV Division of Rehabilitation Services

• College Fair

  Visit with various WV colleges, universities, and trade schools!

  • Bridemont Community and Technical College
  • WV Junior College
  • Davis & Elkins College
  • Genville State College
  • Marshall Community and Technical College
  • and Others

Performances

• Dancing Wheels Company, sample video

  

  Dancing Wheels is the first modern dance company to integrate professional stand-up and sitdown (wheelchair) dancers. Mary Verdi-Fletcher, President and Founding Artistic Director, a pioneer in the fi eld of integrated dance, started the company in 1980, and for more than a quarter of a century, Dancing Wheels has performed, taught and inspired children and adults of all abilities around the world. In the United States, the company presents more than 100 performances reaching audiences of 125,000 each year.

Fragrance Free

For the safety and comfort of those with chemical and environmental illnesses and sensitivities, please refrain from using any perfumed grooming products such as scented soaps & deodorants, perfumes, and colognes.