The 2024 Everyday Lives Conference
January 9 – January 11, 2024
The Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) invites you to register for the 2024 Everyday Lives Conference! The Everyday Lives Conference is a training conference aimed at empowering people with disabilities, their families, and the professionals that support them. The Everyday Lives Conference returns to an in-person format for 2024 at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Who Should Attend?
Individuals with disabilities and/or autism, families, professionals, clinicians, students, and caregivers participate in the Everyday Lives Conference.
How Much to Attend?
| Full Conference | |
| Professionals | $150 |
| Individuals with a disability/Self Advocates (includes registration for a direct support professional) | $140 |
| Family Members | $140 |
| Full Time Students | $140 |
| Other | |
| Single Day for all roles | $55 |
| Exhibitor Booth | $400 |
Where Can I Stay During the Conference?
The 2024 Conference will be at the Hershey Lodge, 325 University Drive, Hershey, PA. The conference overnight room rate is $129 per night plus 11% taxes. A credit card is needed to hold a reservation, and your credit card will be charged for one night plus tax immediately upon making your reservation. The conference rate will be available until December 11, 2023 or until all rooms within the room block are booked. Visit the “Hotel” page of Everydaylives.org for more information.
Are There Scholarships Available?
Scholarships to cover admission and hotel fees for individuals and families are available through a joint collaboration between Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources (PAR) and the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council (PADDC). Visit the “Registration” page of Everydaylives.org for more information.
What Topics will be on the Conference Agenda?
Conference themes include professional development for providers, wellness & resiliency, and behavioral & communication supports. Topics include: Supporting Families, Health Equity, Employment, Self-Advocacy, Leadership Training, Grant Writing, Staff Retention & Development, Trauma-Informed Care, and Transformational Change. Visit the “Schedule” page of Everydaylives.org for more information including a preliminary conference schedule.
Who will be presenting?
The conference will offer 25 unique presentations by self-advocates, support professionals, clinicians, policy-makers, and thought leaders. A full lineup of keynote and breakout presenters will be available soon. Some highlights include:
Dani Bowman
Star of the Netflix series Love on the Spectrum US and Founder and CEO of DaniMation
Imani Barbarin
Crutches & Spice Creator, Writer, and Disability Rights Activist
Dr. Amy Hewitt
Director of the Minnesota Institute on Community Integration
Joe Macbeth
President of the National Association of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP)
Emmanuel Jenkins
We Stand 4 Something Founder & Director
Dr. Caitlin Bailey and Kristin Loomis
Co-Directors of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities
Dr. Syard Evans
Arkansas Support Network CEO
And many more!
