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Registration is OPEN

We want cost to be the least of your concern, so registration for this virtual conference is only $15! If you’re a self advocate, then the conference is FREE! 

How to register

Registration is required for all virtual attendees

This year’s MegaConference will be utilizing Cvent’s virtual platform. When you register for MegaConference, you will receive access to the attendee hub where you can select your sessions, read about speakers, and check out the exhibitors. But first, we need some basic info. Click below to get started.

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Are you a self-advocate?

Conference registration for the 2021 Mega Conference is FREE for all self-advocates. Please email us at info@thearctn.org or click on the button below if you are a self-advocate.

Contact Us
Need help registering?

If you need technical assistance or have any questions about the registration process, please call us at 615-248-5878 or click on the button below to watch a walk through video.

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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

The 2021 conference has a great lineup of speakers and topics. See below of the published list thus far. Times, speakers and presentation topics are subject to change. 

October 28, 2021

10am
Keynote
Russell Lehmann, Author
11am
Disability as Diversity in the Classroom
Mary Kate Brown, The Center for Disability Integration
11am
Irresistible Churches
Gavin Dillinger, The Arc Tennessee
11am
Removing Barriers to Housing Choice
Hal Baker, The Arc Tennessee
11am
Utilizing Distance Learning for Individuals with Employability Obstacles
Lori Allen, Tennessee Rehabilitation Center
12pm
Eating Mindfully
Donna Nasso, Southwest Tennessee Community College
12pm
Employment Innovations in a Post COVID Environment
Matt Brown, Director of Employment and Community First CHOICES at TennCare
12pm
Innovation and Emerging Technologies on the Horizon
Harold Sloves, DIDD
12pm
Texting 911
Curtis Sutton, Director of Tennessee Emergency Communications Board
1pm
IDD Integration TennCare, DIDD, MCO Panel
Panel
1pm
Respite and Childcare
Lauren Pearcy, TN Council on Developmental Disabilities
2pm
I need a social life too!
Molly Anderson, The Arc Tennessee
2pm
Our Place Nashville: Living Independently and Affordably
Carolyn Naifeh, Our Place Nashville
2pm
The Voice of Families: Pathways to Integrated Employment for Individuals with IDD
Emily Lanchak, Vanderbilt University
2pm
Trauma Informed Bellydance for Fun and Fitness
Dina Savvenas, My Health My Choice My Life
3pm
Future Planning with the Center for Decision-Making Support
Penny Johnson, The Arc Tennessee
3pm
Preventing and Managing Medical Anxiety and Trauma
Melissa J. Hogan, Author
3pm
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder: New Look, Same Valuable Resources
Megan Hart, Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
3pm
MCO 101
Lauren Pearcy, TN Council on Developmental Disabilities

October 29, 2021

10am
From Aidan to AbleVoices: Disability Advocacy through Storytelling and Collaboration (Fri. Keynote)
Jen Vogus, Able Voices
11am
Partnering for Success!
Linda Fisher, Community Tennessee Rehabilitation Center
11am
Special Needs Planning: Essential Documents and Aging Caregivers
Barbara McGinnis, Takacs McGinnis Elder Care Law
11am
The Fostering of Empowerment in Special Education
Katrina VanBuren, The Arc Tennessee
11am
What's In It For Me? Empowering Your Finances, Preserving Your Benefits
Casie Stephens, Midwest Special Needs Trust
12pm
Changing Spaces
Lauren Pearcy, TN Council on Developmental Disabilities
12pm
Student Led IEP's
Susan Carr, The Arc Tennessee
12pm
Success in Fading Paid Supports in the Workplace
Stephanie Potter, Amerigroup
1pm
IDD Integration TennCare, DIDD, MCO Panel
Panel
1pm
Preparing for the Unexpected
Heidi Mariscal, Office of Emergency Management
1pm
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder: New Look, Same Valuable Resources
Megan Hart, Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
1pm
Supporting Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Access for Young Children with Disabilities
Allyson Arserio, TennCare LTSS

VOLUNTEER

There are many opportunities to help with Mega Conference. You can volunteer directly with the conference, help with the planning, or provide help in the form of sponsorship.

Get Involved

Conference Logistics

A Virtual Experience

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, this year’s MegaConference will be virtual. The Arc Tennessee is partnering with Cvent, an event management company, to provide the best virtual experience. For more updates regarding the conference, be sure to follow the conference Facebook page by clicking on the button below. 

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