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Sunday
Apr. 17, 2005 |
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United Way and Partners Hold First
S.T.A.R.S. Conference to Help Students with Disabilities
For Immediate
Release
Media Contact:
Dianne Laubert (561) 375-6667
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla., April 9, 2005 – The S.T.A.R.S. conference,
aimed at helping students with disabilities and their families,
was held on Saturday, April 9, from 8:30 a.m – 4:00 p.m. at the
Hilton Palm Beach Airport in West Palm Beach. The S.T.A.R.S.
(Start Transition and Realize Success) conference is the first
of its kind in Palm Beach County. This free conference provided
students (ages 13-22), parents, educators, and supports, with
information and resources to help students make the transition
from grade to grade, and from high school to a life of
independence.
There are 23,000 students with special needs who are enrolled in
the Exceptional Student Education program in Palm Beach County
schools. Like any student, they need guidance to help them
achieve in school, plan for college, find a job, and live a
productive life. At the S.T.A.R.S. conference, they’ll receive
that guidance and learn about Individual Education Plans that
can help them make those transitions.
“The S.T.A.R.S. Conference is a community resource fair that
offers a full menu of choices for families and students. It will
assist them in planning for life. This conference will hopefully
give students and families the knowledge and tools they need for
their futures," said Randee Gabriel, program director, Parent to
Parent, and member of S.T.A.R.S. Planning Committee.
The S.T.A.R.S. conference is an all-day event with several
workshops aimed at the needs of students. One workshop focuses
on the basics of transition such as what it is and how to do it.
Others focus on self-determination, being a leader of your own
life, and person-centered planning that helps a student fulfill
their dreams which may include post secondary schooling,
employment or recreational activities.
A highlight of the conference will be a mural by acclaimed
artist Xavier Cortada. The mural will be composed from artwork
and drawings created by students who attend the conference.
Cortada’s works have been in museums, galleries, and cultural
venues around the world. The Miami-based, Cuban-American artist
has worked collaboratively with diverse groups across the United
States, Latin America, Europe and Africa to create pro-social
community murals and participant-driven art projects. He’s also
been commissioned to create art for The White House, The World
Bank, and the Miami Art Museum. His artwork can be viewed on his
Web site at
www.cortada.com.
Cortada’s mural will be unveiled at the closing session of the
conference. In the following weeks, the mural will visit
locations throughout Palm Beach County, sharing the dreams of
exceptional students with the community.
“Xavier Cortada’s works leave a lasting impression. We believe
his mural will be powerful in helping us to demonstrate the
dreams of students with disabilities. We hope that as the mural
travels the community, it will help raise awareness, and help
children and their parents realize anything is possible,” said
Ed Oppel, chairman, S.T.A.R.S. Planning Committee.
This is the first year for the S.T.A.R.S. conference, and
interest to attend has been so high that organizers already know
there is a need to hold the conference again.
As a community leader and the father of a son who participates
in the school district’s Exceptional Student Education Program,
Scott Badesch, president and CEO, United Way of Palm Beach
County, knows how important it is to provide guidance to youth
with disabilities.
“My son is graduating from high school this year. I wish we
would have had the opportunity to attend a conference like this
when he was younger. Parents need someone to help them navigate
the system,” Badesch explained. “With 320 people attending the
conference, we are at full capacity. Unfortunately we’ve had to
stop taking registrations. This just demonstrates the need to
provide assistance and resources to students with disabilities.
With community support, we could offer this conference next
year, and have more attend. That’s our hope.”
The S.T.A.R.S. conference is a project of United Way of Palm
Beach County’s Real Choice Partnership project, part of its
Promoting Independence for People with Disabilities impact area.
The impact area is focused on helping adults with disabilities
have transportation where and when they need it, maintain their
living situation of choice, and have safe, meaningful and
productive daytime activities.
Partners in the S.T.A.R.S. conference are United Way of Palm
Beach County, Arc of Palm Beach County/Parent to Parent,
Coalition for Independent Living Options, Family Care Council –
District Nine, Florida Rehabilitation Council, Gold Coast Down
Syndrome Organization, Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, School
District of Palm Beach County, and parent advocates. The
S.T.A.R.S. Conference was made possible through the generous
contributions and support of Florida Developmental Disabilities
Council, Inc., The Advocacy Center for Persons with
Disabilities, Inc., Americans with Disabilities Act Working
Group, Palm Beach County Children’s Services Council, Family
Care Council – District Nine, and Gold Coast Down Syndrome
Organization. Community sponsors of the raffle prizes include
Air Tran, Solace Spa, Outback Steakhouse, Palm Beach Zoo, Jungle
Queen, 2 George’s, Tony Javerone with Smith Barney.
United Way of Palm Beach County targets the community’s most
pressing needs and focuses resources, agency partnerships and
the energy of volunteers to create measurable results that have
the greatest impact. To invest, volunteer, or for more
information, call United Way of Palm Beach County at (561)
375-6600 or visit www.unitedwaypbc.org.
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