"Education is learning what you didn't even know you didn't know"

Today was an early start at the convention. On the way to the convention center, a full rainbow appeared (I don't know how well it shows in this photo). We really are finding the end of the rainbow, and it really is full of treasures.... all of the wonderful people with Down syndrome at this convention!

There are, in total, 62 learning sessions to choose from over Saturday and Sunday. You read that right.... 62! How do you choose? The day is broken into 2 morning and 2 afternoon sessions, each lasting 1 1/2 hours. Topics range from Sibling Issues to Fitness to Health Care Concerns to Volunteering and Service to to Transitions to Gross Motor Development to Planning for Adult Care to Speech and Language Learning to Behavioral Issues to..... well, up to #62!

You can see the dilemma of trying to choose just 4 topics for the day! Each day also features keynote speakers and self-advocate presentations, as well as a film 'festival'. In addition, there are quite a few vendors set up at tables with products and services of interest. There are artists with DS, products to teach, toys to learn with, clothing tailored specifically for people with DS, Specs4Us, Physician 4-d ultrasound info, books... I could write entire pages.

Suffice to say, this has been a wonderful opportunity to gather information and learn so many new things. It will take quite a while to get through all of the information we've picked up.

Along the way, we've also managed to meet up with the Tumminelli family and our Education Appreciation Celebration winners that were chosen at our own FCDSN day long conference this past March; Alicia Coleates and Krystal Eichas from BOCES 2. They tell us that they have learned a lot and have gained some excellent information and ideas.

We've also met Sue Joe of the NDSC, who was very impressed with our Appreciation Celebration event. Lots of folks commented on the bright t-shirts I made. We've met people from Ohio, Alabama, California, New York, Florida (of course!), Puerto Rico, and even a Rochester native now living in California!

We're now back in our cabin and it's past midnight... time to sign off for the evening. I'll post some more info, photos, and experiences tomorrow. See you then!