The LIFE Conference, Delaware’s Premier Disability Conference, offers the opportunity to learn, network, and participate in sessions designed to share information with attendees, policy makers and the general public. Whether you are an individual with a disability, parent, student, caregiver, service Provider, or professional attending LIFE Conference is a worthwhile experience. Attendees share personal reflections and the positive impact of this conference on their disability journey.
My name is Selina Butcher, and the reason why I feel the LIFE Conference is important is because being able to share experiences and learn from others who have been through things like you is amazing! To know that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and that you can make it through the everyday struggles, is important to know and understand. There are many options out there, and persons with disabilities and caregivers need to be made aware of all that is available to make the best decision for themselves and their families. The LIFE Conference is a great networking event, full of knowledge and opportunity! Persons with disabilities and their families are the focus of this conference, and having the opportunity to take control their lives and what is best for their families is overall the reason why I feel people should want to attend the conference!
See you on January 29, 2025!
Selina Butcher, Independent Living Specialist, Freedom Center for Independent Living
Navigating the world as a parent is challenging and often isolating. We can connect with other parents via social media, but there is absolutely nothing that takes the place of meeting face to face. The keynote speaker(s) and session panelists provide information and hope as we navigate our individual paths. Julie Beckett was the keynote speaker at my first LIFE Conference. Julie’s daughter, Katie, is the personal story behind the Medicaid Katie Beckett Waiver which allowed my daughter and other medically dependent children to leave hospitals and receive nursing services in their own home. Julie and I became friends and colleagues. I continue to attend year after year and highly recommend the LIFE Conference to families as a resource for information and a way to connect and build partnerships with other parents.
Beth MacDonald, Vulnerable Populations Coordinator, Delaware Division of Public Health Office of Preparedness
When I became an intern with the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) my first task was to attend the Delaware Developmental Disabilities LIFE Conference. I had no idea what to expect. I have been disabled for 20 years, and it was a sink or swim experience. There was no welcome party. Just you are disabled now and move on. But attending the conference was like getting to dip my toes into the “disability pool”. I learned more about developmental disabilities in a day than in my previous 20 years. Attending the LIFE Conference, you get the opportunity to learn many things and meet people in the
“disability boat” with you.
Jessica Davenport, Community and Advocate Liaison, Trainer\Educator, Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services
Registration is open for the 2025 LIFE Conference. The LIFE Conference will be held on January 29, 2025 at Bally’s Dover Casino from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. This year’s theme, We Are Worthy, celebrates the value of every individual. Accommodations are available upon request.
Register today: lifeconferencede.org/registration
