"Up!"
2009 Princeton Disability Awareness Conference
Princeton University
Sunday, November 15, 2009
11am - 8pm
2009 Conference Details:
Conference Panel Information
Featured Speakers: Sujeet and Through Our Eyes
28-year-old Sujeet Desai is an accomplished musician born with Down syndrome. He plays six instruments: Bb and Bass clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Violin, Piano and drums. Sujeet travels around the world to do inspirational solo music performances and self-advocacy workshops. He has worked very hard for last 20 years trying to become the finest musician he can be, while also working to overcome the limitations of his disability. Music has helped him bridge this gap. With his musical versatility Sujeet has become a role model and brought inspiration and hope to individuals with disability, their parents, educators, and the services that work with them. His mission is to send a message across the world that given opportunities for their abilities individual with disabilities can “Make It Happen!” Sujeet's music is more than just an entertainment. It's educational, inspirational and focused to make his mission possible!
Visit Sujeet's Website!
Through Our Eyes is a full musical production done in vignette style for and about special needs awareness. The show can be contacted to help raise funds for your organization or brought in for school, club or organization awareness. Through Our Eyes will be performing songs and monologues featured throughout the full-length production.
Visit Through Our Eyes' Website!
The third-annual PDA conference will be held on Sunday, November 15. This year, PDA is inviting families with children with Down Syndrome. The 2009 theme is education and social inclusion and we will host speakers, workshops and exhibitors on topics including Sports and Academic Inclusion, Transition to Adulthood and Independent Life, Exploring Family Dynamics among others. Speakers are not yet finalized, so any suggestions and contacts are greatly appreciated.
During the conference, all children with Down Syndrome under the age of 21 (and interested siblings) will attend a carnival with a personal Princeton University student volunteer. The carnival will host a variety of activities including a scavenger hunt, sports, interactive stories and games, and other stations run by Princeton student groups. Volunteer to child ratios will be as low as one-to-one. All volunteers will be trained and will receive individual information on their specific child for the day. There will also be a nursery for all children under the age of 2.
Complimentary brunch and ending reception food will be provided for all attendees. Closing remarks will include performances from Princeton student groups.
Use the links above for more conference information. Please contact pda@princeton.edu with further questions. Thank you!
