The AMCHP Annual Conference is the ideal venue to present your ideas, research, innovative programming, best practices, and effective outreach strategies to MCH and other public health practitioners, directors of state programs, federal officials, advocates, family leaders, researchers and health care providers.

In its 13th year, the EHDI Meeting has built a strong reputation for bringing together a wide variety of attendees including those who: work in state Early Hearing Detection and Intervention programs; assist in EHDI efforts on the federal level; provide screening, diagnostic and early intervention support at the state/ local level to young children with hearing loss and their families; champion Medical Home activities within each state; are parents of children with hearing loss; or are deaf or hard-of-hearing adults who are helping to expand opportunities for young children with hearing loss. EHDI Meeting participants will range from state and local programs to the federal level and from academics to families.

A state of the science conference from the Rehabilitation and Research Training Center on Employer Practices Related to Employment Outcomes among Individuals with Disabilities. This two-day event will highlight the research findings from the Employer Practices Rehabilitation Research and Training Center at Cornell University ILR School's Employment and Disability Institute.

The Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (SDBP) is an international organization dedicated to improving the health of infants, children, and adolescents by promoting research, teaching and clinical practice in developmental and behavioral pediatrics. Comprised of more than 700 members, the society strives to promote an understanding of the social, educational, and cultural influences on children.

During the 2012 MCH Leadership Retreat, we concluded the program with a discussion about the core act of leadership which involves changing the conversations we choose to engage with as leaders. Having the courage to change tired, worn-out, difficult, negative, and non-productive conversations is essential to leading with inspiration and innovation and it is essential to improved MCH and public health. This is where we start our 2-day leadership development training this year. We begin with a session on enhancing professionalism including learning techniques for engaging with disruptive behaviors from our colleagues so that these individuals do not continue to send our teams/organizations into a quick downward spiral resulting in collective low productivity and stagnation. We will also practice methods to support exemplary leadership when we see it. This work is not for the faint of heart and it is necessary for individuals committed to shifting cultures and improving public health.

Join us for an opportunity to connect with other siblings and people who care about siblings. This is your chance to hear from national experts on the latest in sibling support and research as well as learn about advocacy efforts. You will have an opportunity to learn about resources, share stories, network and gain insight on sibling experiences.

This Conference will provide researchers, clinicians, practitioners, educators, policymakers, local, state and federal agencies, and advocates with cutting edge research, effective practices, and valuable information on important policy initiatives. The conference will have thought-provoking plenary sessions concerning emerging issues in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities and ways in which professionals can prepare themselves and their organizations to thrive in a field that is in transition.

This webinar will focus on trainee mentoring experiences and explore trainee perspectives on the following topics: (1) How trainees connected with a mentor; (2) Benefits of the mentoring relationship; (3) Lessons learned (considerations for trainees seeking a mentor and for training programs connecting trainees with a mentor).

The Human Development Institute at the University of Kentucky will present a free seminar about Universal Design for Learning, from 1-3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15. This seminar will provide participants with a framework and skills to incorporate UDL strategies in the postsecondary setting, as well as a basic "tool kit" of skills to use when approaching teaching and learning. Participants will also be presented with examples of innovative uses of UDL elements in higher education.

Emergency preparedness is an essential part of living for any individual or family. For those with intellectual disabilities, their families, or those providing support, however, emergency preparedness may require more specific plans of support. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a number of resources to prepare and support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities before, during, and after natural disasters. Of key importance is the implementation of self-determination practices in this area. One example of this implementation is the ?Feeling Safe, Being Safe? training curriculum through which individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have become advocates and trainers in emergency preparedness.

The CHADD Donference is the major research, practice and public information conference dedicated to issues related to ADHD, bringing brings together researchers, clinicians, educators, parents, other caregivers, and adults with ADHD.

The mission of the Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities is ?to catalyze and integrate advances in science, engineering, and technology to promote the quality of life and independent living of people with cognitive disabilities?. The agenda for the conference and a link to register will be posted by June 1, 2012.

The APHA Annual Meeting & Exposition is the oldest and largest gathering of public health professionals in the world, attracting more than 13,000 national and international physicians, administrators, nurses, educators, researchers, epidemiologists, and related health specialists. APHA's meeting program addresses current and emerging health science, policy, and practice issues in an effort to prevent disease and promote health.

Conference theme: Mental Wellness in Persons with ID and ASD: Innovation, Collaboration & Quality of Life (IDD/MH)