Our Life, Our Way!
June 4th at 12:00 PM thru June 5th at 2:00 PM
South Arkansas, we’re teaming up with passionate leaders and advocates to bring you an unforgettable event focused on having fun, making connections, and learning.
This conference will offer information about disability rights, navigating service systems, and living our best lives. Whether you’re a young adult or adult with a disability, a family member, or a support professional, this conference is for you!
Individuals with disabilities will enjoy a casino night with games, music/dancing, and much more! Allies, come get some much-needed downtime – relax, and talk with peers who understand!
In between all the FUN you can attend sessions designed to empower.
WHO?
- Young adults or adults with an intellectual or developmental disability
- Family members of people with an intellectual or developmental disability
- Support professionals who serve people with an intellectual or developmental disability
**Those attending the Self-Determination conference must be 16 years old or older**
WHEN?
June 4th and 5th, 2025
WHERE?
Texarkana Holiday Inn Convention Center
5200 Convention Plaza Drive, Texarkana, Arkansas
CONTACT?
Sherice Smith
Email: [email protected]
Register by May 22: https://forms.gle/dBADJRi8i5Ug98tW8
EACH PERSON WHO PLANS TO ATTEND MUST REGISTER INDIVUDALLY
- Individuals who live in the Southwest Arkansas region will be prioritized to attend.
- Those who live outside the Southwest Arkansas region and are interested in attending should register; you will be added to an interest list and notified if slots are available or when we bring this event to your area.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
- Engaging sessions customized with the info you need
- Fun activities including a dance & casino night
- Free lodging, snacks & meals
- Connections with like-minded advocates & allies
- Conference goodies for all participants
This event is completely FREE thanks to the Arkansas Developmental Disability Network — all you need to do is register!
SCHEDULE / PROGRAM COMING SOON
WHAT IS SELF-DETERMINATION?
Self-Determination is the freedom to live as you choose, or to act or decide for yourself what you want or need. You have the same right to self-determination as anyone else (with or without a disability) and are entitled to freedom, authority, and supports to exercise control over your own life. You have the right to self-determination, regardless of your guardianship status.
Family members, friends, and other allies may play a critical role in an individual’s self-determination journey by providing support and working collaboratively to help that person achieve their goals.
Learn more about self-determination, and being an ally, on our Advocacy page!
EVENT FAQs
Self-Determination Conference Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Self-Determination Conference?
The Self-Determination conference is an annual event for people with the lived experience of disability, parents/guardians, allies and disability providers. The purpose of the conference is to provide information and training as well foster engagement through fun activities. - Who should come to the conference?
People with disabilities age 16 and up, parents/guardians looking to empower people with disabilities, and disability professionals. - I live far away. What do I do about lodging?
Lodging and meals are provided to all participants who register and are eligible. - What’s all included in the conference?
– Educational sessions
– One night lodging at the conference hotel
– Meals and snacks
– FUN! - I need accessibility accommodations. What do I do?
There’s a place on the registration form requesting accommodations. We will make every effort to fulfil those request.
