"That is what learning is. You suddenly understand something you've understood all your life, but in a new way."

The highlight of the convention is learning. With so many sessions to choose from, it's almost impossible not to learn something new! We've found that the greatest info has come from meeting other families with children with special needs. Ideas and solutions that may not come from a book can sometimes be more helpful than anything you read.

On the other hand, with so many specialists wandering about, it's simple to pick up some new pointers and strategies. Dr. Libby Kumin, writer Nancy Tupper, and behavioral specialist Stacy Taylor are just a few of the amazing people we've had a chance to chat with and learn from.

We even had a chance to speak with Jane Page-Steiner, president of JPS Nonprofit Strategies, plus the president of the Florida Down syndrome group.

This has been such an amazing experience, and we can't wait to find out more about next year's conference scheduled for August 5-7 in San Antonio, Texas.

Some of our best experiences have been with all the people here with Down syndrome. One young man asked me why I was in a wheelchair. When I told him I broke my ankle, he responded "That's ok. You come find us this afternoon, and I'll look after you!". That's the spirit we've come across during this whole convention.