The Summer Institute on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
The 2023 MIND Summer Institute on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities will be July 28 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. This year's theme is "Inclusion and Belonging: Powerful Discussions to Engage our Community."
The event will be hybrid, offering both in-person and virtual attendance. Professionals, family members, disability advocates, community members and students are invited to attend.
This event focuses on meaningful inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in many areas. The morning portion of the event (9 a.m. -12 p.m.) will include one research-based keynote talk and one panel discussion offered through a hybrid format: in-person and remote (over Zoom). The keynote talk will share information about the importance of inclusion throughout the life course. Research-based strategies to promote inclusion will be shared for many areas of life including family, early intervention, school, community living, retirement, and end of life. The importance of promoting policy, services, and attitudes that promote inclusion will be reviewed and the positive outcomes of inclusive experiences for persons with intellectual and other neurodevelopmental disabilities will be identified.
The panel discussion focuses on personal perspectives and experiences from individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and families sharing their personal journeys, challenges, and successes around inclusion across the lifespan. Through their varied backgrounds and lived experiences, the panelists will address topics around inclusion including education, medical settings and decisions, employment, and transition planning.
The afternoon portion of the event (12 p.m. - 2 p.m. PDT) will be offered in-person only. Participants will join small group discussions in breakout sessions focusing on specific topics in inclusion. The small groups will be facilitated by panel members, community partners, and staff from the UC Davis MIND Institute. The small group discussions are designed to allow participants to engage with one another, discuss current topics in inclusion, and share resources and strategies.