Corrected Release: Over 200 Families Celebrate 17th Anniversary of Nation Leading ‘Community Services’ Model to support People with Disabilities

Over 400 people and presenters who live everyday supporting family members with physical and developmental disabilities available for interviews and conversations on issues such as autism, disability rights, Medicaid, health insurance and community based services. NH Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen- Attending Saturday dinner.

Concord, NH (PRWEB) April 26, 2006 -- New Hampshire led the nation in the move away from costly and inappropriate institutionalization to the “Area Agency” system to provide and coordinate community-based supports for people with disabilities. This conference celebrates New Hampshire’s transition to community supports versus more expensive and less effective methods still in practice elsewhere in this country and the world.

What: The New Hampshire Family Support Conference is a once-a-year opportunity for families and caregivers to show each other and the world what they have learned in the past year about supporting families whose members have a disability. Over 30 sessions, multiple conference-wide addresses, mealtimes and activities for families and caregivers will happen over the weekend.

Where: Sheraton Nashua Hotel, 11 Tara Boulevard, Nashua, NH

When:     Friday, May 5, 2006 (evening socialization)

     Saturday, May 6, 2006 (8:45am start – Panels, sessions, keynote.)

     Sunday, May 7, 2006 (8:45am start – Sessions, closing panel)

     See http://www.6by7reports.com/familysupport for full schedule.

Backgrounder:

For more information on the Area Agency system and NH’s effective family supports (cost and human perspectives), see materials here: http://www.6by7reports.com/familysupport

•    In one analysis, New Hampshire is tops in effective delivery of Medicaid services due to its focus on community inclusion (http://www.ucp.org/ucp_generaldoc.cfm/1/9/10020/10020-10020/6518). Learn from families about why this is the case - and challenges they have.

•    Interview people who are affected by changes to IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and learn many specific stories of challenges and successes.

•    Opportunities to discuss real-world issues with individuals most directly involved, such as: Family finances and concerns (including Medicaid waivers, special needs trusts and other futures planning), friendships, socialization, sibling relationships, the NH Area Agency system and many other topics!

Contact:

Tracy Wemett

President

BroadPR

(617) 868 5031    

Lorene Reagan                

Bureau of Developmental Services

State of New Hampshire        

(603) 271 5019

Gary Dietz

Father, child w/disability

6by7 Reports

(603) 821 4206                             

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