So much work goes into putting on a national conference – 12 months of committees, staff and local volunteers focusing on the special week of learning and networking – that make the LDA International Conference a favorite for educators and parents.
Our attendees, speakers, exhibitors, students, volunteers and national staff made conference week shine. From super keynotes to the 55th LDA Celebration to the intense sessions and workshops – energy was the word for the week.
International attendees from several countries and presenters experienced a successful week of networking and discussion. This effort was led by Melinda Parrill from the Program Committee with assistance from the LDA Professional Advisory Board. A number of attendees and committees took advantage of the Network Nook and the LDA Conference App was very much in use.
LDA of Georgia, with Joan Teach leading, did a wonderful job, all year and conference week, assisting attendees with information and support. Program Committee Co-Chairs, Jenn Harkins and Lori Parks and their committee received many thanks for the excellent program.
Behind the scenes all week, the LDA Board of Directors, LDA Committees and the LDA State Affiliates worked to continue to serve and support children and adults with learning disabilities.
A big thank you to the Conference Committee and all the national conference volunteers led by Ann Kornblet and BJ Weimer; and the national office staff, led by Executive Director, Mary-Clare Reynolds for a job well done!
Below is a letter from a teacher, who attended the conference:
“I would like to take the time to thank you for selecting me as one of the scholarship recipients for the LDA Teacher Scholarship to the Annual Conference 2018. I can’t explain how thankful I truly am for the honor that was bestowed on me. The LDA Conference 2018 will forever be a critical piece of my future.
I came to the conference with the mindset that I needed to find more ways to help my students that are labeled with learning disabilities. However, as I was attending the conference, the keynote speakers, sessions, awards banquet, and the exhibit hall, my mission changed without me realizing it. I wrote in my scholarship application that I grew up as a person with learning disabilities and I knew that my experiences assisted with my skills as a teacher. I did not realize how much of myself I needed to understand to be able to fully assist my students through life with their disabilities.
During the conference I found a piece of myself that I needed to find, embrace, and implement in my daily living. I have always made the statement ‘normal is overrated.’ Even with this statement I never fully understood and or accepted myself. The conference assisted me with soul searching and being able to stand up to say ‘this is me’ and I am okay with it. Being able to say that will help me be an example for my students.
Thank you again for this honor that will be a part of me the rest of my life.”
Danelle Hubble, MPA, M.Ed.
How wonderful is that?!
See you in Fort Worth, Texas, FebruarY 18 – 21, 2019.
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