November, 2015
Convention Report
Connie Cisneros, Tropical Texas Behavioral Health
AAIDD Texas Chapter Convention Committee Chair
The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) Texas Chapter celebrated its 40th Anniversary at its Annual Convention in Corpus Christi July 28 -31, 2015. The theme of this year’s Convention was “VIVA 40!” The Convention planning committee worked diligently to provide the best program that enhanced the quality of services and provided meaningful opportunities to exchange information and ideas to support persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), their families, advocates, direct support staff and other professionals working in the IDD field.
The Convention opened with Dianne Gray, our keynote speaker, discussing the pivotal roles of hope, meaningfulness and resilience and how research reflects the key roles and interconnection of each of us as we strive for more contented lives personally and professionally. Our breakout sessions were outstanding this year with our array of topics. Other Convention highlights devoted to serving persons with IDD. The sessions closed with a State Leader Panel Discussion on the future of services in Texas for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
In spite of all the challenges we face, we must continue to focus on quality services for our IDD population. I hope that all of you took the opportunity to form new relationships, unite with colleagues to network and share resources from all areas of our Great State of Texas and beyond.
On behalf of the 2015 Convention Planning Committee, I would like to thank each of you for attending our Annual Convention and participating in our celebratory milestone. I would also like to recognize our 2015 Award winners, sponsors and committee members. Hope to see you at our 2016 Convention which will be held July 19 – 22, 2016 at the Westin Riverwalk in San Antonio!
40th Annual Convention Committee
Connie Cisneros, Chair
Program/Local Arrangements/
Awards/Nominations
Tropical Texas Behavioral Health
Margo Childs
Awards/Nominations
MHMRA of Harris County
Pat Craig, Ph.D., Chair
Consumer Stipends
Carson Easley
Program
MHMRA of Harris County
Jermaine East, Chair
Awards/Nominations/Exhibitors/Sponsors
MHMRA of Brazos Valley
Steve Fitzner
Exhibitors/Sponsors
Spindletop Center
Andy Griffin, Ph.D.
Program
Mexia State School
andrew.griffin@dads.state.tx.us
Charlotte Kimmel, Ph.D.
Local Arrangements
Mexia State School
charlotte.kimmel@dads.state.tx.us
Vanessa Miller
Program
MHMRA of Harris County
Cheryl Petty
Consumer Stipends
Austin Travis County Integral Care
Jake Pinner
Consumer Stipends
Maria Quintero, Ph.D.
Program
MHMRA of Harris County
maria.quintero@mhmraharris.org
Melissa Rasco, Chair
Silent Auction
CALAB
Bernadette Richardson
Kenmar Residential Services
Ollie, Seay, Ph.D.
Program
Texas State University – San Marcos
Lisa Shelby
Consumer Stipends
Claudia Southern
Silent Auction
Southern Concepts, Inc.
Dion White, Chair
Local Arrangements
Center for Life Resources
Melissa Whitworth
Bluebonnet Trails Community Services
Debbie Youngblood, Chair
Exhibitors/Sponsors
Daybreak Community Services