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Conference

MI-AHEAD Spring Conference 
May 17, 2013

The 2013 MI-AHEAD Spring Conference will host the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), Michigan Rehabilitation Services, and Michigan State University Alumni Anthony Ianni as guest speakers. We invite you to register for our conference held at the beautiful grounds of The Kellogg Center on May 17, 2013. 

Come join us the night before the Spring Conference on Thursday, May 16 starting at 7:00 PM at Harrison Roadhouse for dinner and an opportunity to hang out. This is a great opportunity to meet the MI-AHEAD Executive Board Members and those speaking at this years conference. You can learn more about Harrison Roadhouse by visiting their website at harrisonroadhouse.com.

Who Should Attend?

MI-AHEAD was founded in 1987 as a state organization for professionals working with students with disabilities in higher education. The purpose of MI-AHEAD is to strengthen the professionalism, expertise, competency, and effectiveness of personnel working with students with disabilities and promoting equity and opportunities for students with disabilities in higher education. MI-AHEAD holds an annual conference and conducts monthly membership meetings to discuss best practices, concerns, networking and more.You can connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/michiganahead.

MI-AHEAD is a not-for-profit organization committed to providing professional development for service providers in order to enhance opportunities and assure full inclusion in all areas of higher education. MI-AHEAD is an affiliate member of the Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD).

Any individual who is working, has worked, or has an interest in working with persons with disabilities within higher education to enhance their knowledge of disabilities and higher education (ADA coordinators, high school special education teachers, advisors, counselors, administrators, psychologists, social workers, transition coordinators, orientation and mobility specialists, attorneys, disability support services providers).

Conference Materials

Michigan Rehabilitation Service PowerPoint is available for download. Currently other presenters are not using any handouts or presentation materials. 

Registration

ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR THE CONFERENCE

Paper registration, please download the 2013 Spring Conference Brochure (PDF)

Completed paper registrations may be mailed along with checks made out to MI-AHEAD to:

Carletta Witzel
Andrews University
4141 Administration Drive, Nethery Hall 100
Berrien Springs, MI 49104-0080
Please make checks payable to MI-AHEAD. 

All registrations include a 1-year membership to MI-AHEAD

• Registration fee is $130 before May 3, 2013. Registration must be received by Friday, May 3, 2013 to receive the discounted rate of $130.
• Registrations received after this Friday, May 3, 2013 will be $145. 
• On-site registration is $145 but we cannot guarantee meals for members who register after May 3, 2013.

All conference attendees are asked to bring a give-away item (t-shirt, mug, banner, bag, etc.) from your institution which will be used for the Conference Raffle.

May 16 Schedule

7:00 PM - Harrison Roadhouse dinner and meet and greet with MI-AHEAD Board Members and Conference Presenters

May 17 Schedule

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM - Newcomers session

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM - Conference Registration Tables Open & Breakfast treats are served 

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM - Welcome

9:15 AM - 10:45 AM - Office of Civil Rights Presentation

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Bill Colombo

12:15 PM - Lunch

1: 30 PM - Anthony Ianni, Keynote (Michigan State University Alumni)

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM - Ice cream social, raffle, Marge Award

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Breakout sessions (Office of Civil Rights and Michigan Rehabilitation Services) 

Featured Speaker, Anthony Ianni

Anthony was diagnosed with autism at 4 years old while living in Ohio. At that time his parents were told by medical specialists and professionals that he would never be successful academically, that he would likely not graduate from high school much less go to college, and most likely would live in a group home in the future—and that being an athlete was out of the question. HE PROVED THEM WRONG! Anthony’s family relocated to mid-Michigan when he was a young child where he graduated from Okemos High School. He went on to graduate from Michigan State University in 2012 with a bachelor of arts in sociology. He is a former MSU basketball player for MSU and Tom Izzo and receiving an athletic scholarship in 2011-2012. He was a member of the 2010 and 2012 Big Ten Champion and Tournament Championship teams in addition to being part of the 2010 Final Four Team. He is the 2011 MSU winner of the Tim Bograkos Walk-On Award Winner and 2012 MSU Unsung Player Award Winner. Anthony also played basketball at Grand Valley State University for 2 years prior to transferring to MSU and went undefeated in the regular season.

Although Anthony has many accomplishments in his life, it has required his hard work and committed parents. Anthony endured significant bullying as a child. He has also met a number of challenges along the way and continues to face obstacles— but is determined to overcome them. Anthony is scheduling speaking engagements with schools, state and national conferences, and other venues to deliver his message of hope, inspiration, and dedication. Anthony is extremely personable and immediately draws kids and adults alike to his message! (Source: Autism Alliance of Michigan)

Margaret A. Chmielewski, PHD Memorial Award Nominations 

For Outstanding Life Long Leadership, Warm Sense of Humor, Commitment, Support Of the Disability Community, and the
Pursuit of Personal Development in Post-Secondary Education.

The "Marge Award" is given each year to a disability service provider who is a member of the MI AHEAD organization.  The award is in memory of Marge Chmielewski, who at the time of her death, was the Director of the Resource Center for Person with Disabilities at Michigan State University.  If you know someone with strong leadership skills and a warm sense of humor that supports and is committed to the disability community, please nominate them for this award. The recipient will receive their award during the ice cream social at the conference. 

Please submit nominees using this online form by clicking here. 

Hotel Accommodations

Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center - $94/night
Cut-off date is 4/16/2013 however they will honor the early bird rate. Reservations can be made at 800-875-5090.
Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, Michigan State University
219 S Harrison Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: (517) 432-4000

Directions

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