March 8, 2016

For Immediate Release

Conference Contact: juan@specialneedsnetwork.org

323-291-7100

Press Contact: Turk PR / Turk@TurkEntertainmentPR.com

323-934-2727

SPECIAL NEEDS NETWORK, INC. PRESENTS

TOOLS FOR TRANSFORMATION:

PROTEST, PARTICIPATION, PROGRESS!

Los Angeles Autism Advocacy Organization Presents A Free Two Day Conference

For Parents, Professionals & Community

 (Los Angeles) Special Needs Network, Inc. (http://snnla.org), California’s leading grassroots autism advocacy organization will host a FREE two day conference, Tools for Transformation: Protest, Participation, Progress on Friday, April 8^th and Saturday, April 9^th. The largest conference of its kind in Los Angeles, Tools for Transformation will bring together renowned experts in medicine, law, education and advocacy for the purpose of providing its expected 2,000 participants with cutting edge information and resources through a full day of classes and workshops. This comprehensive annual conference will focus on critical issues related to autism, developmental and learning disabilities, ADHD, mental health, education and advocacy. This is a must-attend event for parents, advocates and health care professionals.

Activities, Workshops and Seminars led by recognized experts will kick off with a Legislative Breakfast on Friday morning where participants will meet California’s most influential elected

officials and participate in a Candidates Forum with candidates for California’s 35^th Senate District and the state’s 44^th Congressional District. In the afternoon, sponsored in conjunction with the Langston Bar Association, the Advocate Summit will focus on constitutional policing and the special needs communities. Friday evening, from 5 to 7 pm, also includes a special reception for newly elected LA School Superintendent Michelle King. All events on Friday take place at the California African American Museum of Art, 600 State Drive, LA, CA.

Saturday sessions will be at the Junior Blind of America, 5300 Angeles Vista Drive, LA, CA, and will begin with a panel discussion on media and the special needs community followed by 8 workshops by the country’s most renowned experts in intervention strategies, education, healthcare and advocacy. Attendees are treated to Giveaways, Network Functions and an Awards Luncheon highlighting the accomplishments of students with disabilities.

President and Co-Founder of Special Needs Network, Areva Martin says, “This year’s conference is more important than ever given the presidential election and national debate on issues ranging from social justice to civic engagement.” Martin, a Civil and Human Rights Attorney and well known television personality adds, “We are excited to welcome some of the nation’s foremost experts to the largest free autism and disability conference in the state for a discussion that is sure to inform and inspire.”

Some of the guests scheduled to appear over the weekend include Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Los Angeles City Councilman Curren D. Price, Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Michelle King California State Assemblymen Sebastian Ridley-Thomas, Reggie Jones-Sawyer, Jimmie Gomez and Mike Gipson California State Senators Isadore Hall and Holly J. Mitchell and LA City Attorney Mike Feuer.

Over 50 resource health, educational and special needs vendors will participate in a vendor fair on Saturday and a free legal clinic will be offered by attorneys from Langston Bar Association. Free child care, breakfast on both days and lunch on Friday will be provided. This year’s sponsors include Toyota, Langston Bar Association, California Endowment, First 5 of LA, US Bank, Univision and El Pollo Loco. For more information on how to become a sponsor, vendor or presenter contact info@specialneedsnetwork.org or call 323-291-7100.

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Friday, April 8^th

LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST & ADVOCATES’ SUMMIT

California African American Museum: Exposition Park, 600 State Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037

-7:30 am- Check-In

-8:30 am- 11:00 am Legislative Breakfast & Candidates’ Forum

-12:00 pm – 4:30 pm Advocates’ Summit (Co-Sponsored by Langston Bar Association)

-5:30 pm – 7:30 pm VIP Reception for LAUSD Superintendent Michelle King

Saturday, April 9^th

PARENTS’ DAY

Junior Blind of America: 5300 Angeles Vista Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90043

-7:30 am- Check In & Breakfast

-8:30 am- Conference

-12:30 pm- Beyond Barriers Awards Luncheon & Resource Fair

WORKSHOPS:

 Diagnosis & Family Planning Series

MY KID HAS AUTISM: DIAGNOSIS, EARLY INTERVENTION, TREATMENT AND SUPPORT FOR PARENTS

ARE WE ANY CLOSER TO FINDING A CURE FOR AUTISM? RECENT ADVANCES IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER, MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS, ADHD, ANXIETY DISORDERS AND OTHER RELATED CONDITIONS

WHO MUST PAY FOR AUTISM THERAPIES? REGIONAL CENTERS, MEDI-CAL OR PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE: A PRIMER ON DEDUCTIBLES, CO-PAYS, PROVIDERS AND UNDERSTANDING THE NEW PAYMENT SOURCES FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TREATMENT

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PARENT AN ADULT WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: GUARDIANSHIP AND CONSERVATORSHIP

Advocacy & Empowerment Series

 YOUR YOUNG ADULT WANTS TO GO TO COLLEGE AND TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY: THE ADVOCACY SKILLS YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL

IEPs, MEDIATION & DUE PROCESS: GETTING THE BEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL-BASED SERVICES FOR YOUR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD

JOBS, SELF-EMPLOYMENT, SHELTERED WORKSHOPS AND EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO HELP YOUR SPECIAL NEEDS TEEN/ADULT GET PAID $$$$

HAS YOUR CHILD BEEN SUSPENDED, SENT HOME OR EXPELLED? LEARN IF THE SCHOOL FOLLOWED THE NEW CALIFORNIA SUSPENSION LAWS AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO GET YOUR CHILD BACK IN SCHOOL

FREE REGISTRATION:

SpecialNeedsNetwork.org

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/tools-for-transformation-x-registration-21732525569

ABOUT SPECIAL NEEDS NETWORK:

Special Needs Network is based in Los Angeles and is California’s leading grassroots autism advocacy organization. As a nonprofit organization, SNN was established to help families faced with autism and other developmental disabilities. The organization focuses on raising public awareness, impacting public policy, increasing education and access to resources for families, children and adults.