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AUCD Represented at SABE 2008 Conference

September 17, 2008

AUCD staffmember Joe Caldwell attended the 2008 Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) Conference in Indianapolis, IN.  This was the 9th national self advocacy conference, now held every two years.  SABE 2008 was attended by over 1,200 self advocates from 49 states and Canada.  The Indiana Institute on Disability and Community (UCEDD) was a co-sponsor of the conference and assisted with planning.   Both presidential candidates were invited; Kareem Dale from Obama's campaign attended and spoke about Obama's positions on disability issues.  A keynote session provided an update on state legislation to adopt respectful language.  At least 19 states have either passed or have pending legislation.  SABE's national goals were also discussed, which include funding to support self advocacy within the DD Act.  These goals are published in the latest SABE newsletter. 

At the conference, new board members were elected to serve a 2-year term.  The new executive board is:  Chester Finn (Chair), Tia Nelis (Vice President), Ricky Broussard (Sergeant at Arms), Victor Robinson (Treasurer), and Cathy Enfield (Secretary).  Chester Finn also received the Rolland Johnson award, which is the highest award given by SABE.

View pictures from the event below.

Sabe08 Conference Attendees SABE08 Session Speakers
SABE08 Conference Attendees  SABE08 Session Speaker Julie Petty and others
 SABE08 attendees gather around Kareem Doyle to discuss Sen. Obama's disability positions  Geoffrey Mikol (AUCD family member) with Keith Jones (disability-rights activist and hip-hop artist from Boston, and co-star of Including Samuel)
SABE08 attendees gather around Kareem Dale to discuss Sen. Obama's disability positions. Geoffrey Mikol (AUCD family member) with Keith Jones (disability-rights activist and hip-hop artist from Boston, and co-star of Including Samuel)