This is the first year of the Mississippi disAbility MEGAConference, an impressive collaborative event that will take the place of most of the traditional disability conferences that usually occur throughout the state.  
 

Almost every disability organization in the state and consumers of those organizations will be coming to this conference. Attendance is expected to be over 750.  This is going to be the largest event regarding disabilities in the state of Mississippi this year, and has potential for enormous growth and participation every year.  The thought is to make it more financially friendly and possible for families if they only have to travel and pay for an event once a year vs multiple times a year.  Sponsors have worked diligently to ensure that the sessions are going to be informative and useful, as well as inclusive. The speakers have been carefully chosen and much thought and effort has gone in to making sure that this MEGAconference is worth your while! CEU’s as well as CLE’s will be offered for sessions during the conference and more information on those will be posted later.  Sign language interpreters will be available for all breakout sessions and plenary sessions.  
 

The event begins bright and early with a continental breakfast and sign in starting at 7:30am with the opening welcome beginning at 9:00am on June 21, 2012. The conference takes place on June 21-22 at the Jackson Marriott Downtown and rooms have been booked at a reduced rate for this conference. Hotel Reservations for regular rooms are to be made directly to the Marriott Downtown by calling 601-969-5100. Room rates and additional info may be found on the registration form.  You must tell them when you call that you are with the disAbility MEGAConference if you want to be given this reduced rate. We have rooms booked for the night of the 20th as well in case you have to travel and need to be here prior to the first morning. If you need an accessible room, you will need to call LIFE at 1-800-748-9398. 
 
There will also be a “Red-Carpet Celebration” on the night of the 21st to celebrate and commemorate the 1st official MS disAbility MegaConference. The evening will feature a DJ as well as several of the talented individuals with disabilities from across the state providing entertainment.   
 
NOTE:  Stipends for individuals are being offered, but you will need to contact Judy at the Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities at 601-969-0601 and she will direct you on the next step with the appropriate agency.
 
REGISTER ONLINE FOR THE MEGACONFERENCE:
http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5znbgw90d439d46&llr=julfnscab
 
DOWNLOAD THE SESSION BREAKOUT SCHEDULE:
http://www.drms.ms/mega/MegaConferenceSessions.pdf