| More than 800 people from Affiliates across the state attended three days of workshops and meetings, November 2-4, at the 49th Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State (CP of NYS) Annual Conference in Saratoga Springs. The Conference began on Monday, November 2 with a 10:00 am presentation to Board Members and executive leadership teams by New York State Medicaid Inspector General James Sheehan. At 1:00 pm, Dr. Beth Mount delivered the Keynote Address entitled, “Realizing Potential Through Innovation.” The enlightening and inspirational presentation offered new ways to help improve operations and adopt ideas that best fit the goals and mission of individual Affiliates. The Keynote was followed by several concurrent sessions, including a presentation by former NFL great Tiki Barber discussing his new venture Tiki Recreation and the company’s Play Proud playgrounds. The 3:45 to 5:00 time slot featured a well-attended presentation by Commissioner Diana Jones Ritter from the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD). Monday concluded with the CP of NYS Annual Awards Dinner for over 450 people honoring individuals and organizations for their success in overcoming obstacles, or for their contributions to people with disabilities and their families. Tuesday’s schedule included nearly 40 sessions and meetings on a broad range of topics and issues critical to people with disabilities, volunteers and professionals. An exhibition of artwork submitted by Affiliates from across the state was on display at a silent auction on Tuesday. Carleen Giannotti, from Upstate Cerebral Palsy in Utica, was chosen as CP of NYS Artist of the Year, and was among those honored at the Annual Awards Dinner. Cory Bonomo, from the Center for Disability Services in Albany, was named winner of the first statewide Children’s Art Contest. Tuesday night featured the Celebrate Staff Dinner recognizing employees from CP of NYS Affiliates for outstanding service. The Annual Conference concluded on Wednesday morning with an inspiring and energetic Closing Plenary session by Al Condeluci from UCP/CLASS that explored the challenge of community inclusion and focused attention on a broader, more culturally relevant and positive approach to building community. The CP of NYS Annual Conference was made possible in part by the generous support of businesses and individuals from across the state. Please Read about all of them at this link Conference Journal |