First International Conference on Self-determination

From the National Empowerment Center:


“We are going to roll up our sleeves and discuss monumental issues, such as ending segregation from society, moving forward with the global advancement of self-determination and launching new efforts to redefine supports and recovery, so that real control is determined by people with mental and/or physical disabilities,” said Center for Self-Determination Executive Director Tom Nerney.

All eyes are on Detroit, May 27-29th, as the city hosts the first-ever International Conference on Self-Determination, sponsored by The Center for Self-Determination. Hundreds of participants representing services and change agents in developmental disabilities, elder issues, mental health recovery and the independent living movement, will attend this outstanding event held at the Detroit Marriott GM Renaissance Center.

“Detroit is in the midst of transformation, so it is fitting that people from around the world who are dedicated to fundamentally changing the human service system, hold a conference of this magnitude in Detroit,” said Nerney.

One of the many conference highlights will be “StoryCorps”, the largest oral history project of its kind. Participants can record their story on a free CD to take home and then it is archived for future generations at the National Library of Congress.

Topics include: Human Service System Change, Structural Changes, Taking Charge of Personal Economic Futures, Control of Public Funding, Advocacy and Leadership, Workforce Issues and much more.

The agenda also highlights different national and cultural approaches to self-determination as well as experiments in the United States and other countries, that demonstrate commitment to a person controlling where and with whom they live, their real membership in the community, their pursuit of long term relationships and the end of personal impoverishment.

For all of the latest conference information, log onto www.self-determination.com.