Call for Poster Presentations
Proposals postmarked by March 15, 2005 will receive priority consideration

TASH members support practices that promote our resolution that all people, regardless of their label or perceived level of disability, should have the supports they need to direct the course of their own lives, and to live and participate successfully in neighborhood schools and the community. 

Proposals accepted will demonstrate innovation, collaboration, energy, daring, and all that is possible for people with disabilities and their families. Presentations are encouraged, when possible, to be made by a team that includes individuals with disabilities, family members, advocates, and professionals.   We also encourage presentations that are culturally relevant or reflect a wide cultural and linguistic diversity.  

TASH has been leading the way to equity, inclusion, and opportunity for people with disabilities for 30 Years! Join us this year, an important milestone for the organization, to present on specific research, strategies, and/or innovations relating to full inclusion.

Only proposals for Poster Sessions are being accepted

Download the 2005 Call for Presentations (.pdf file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
or call 410-828-8274 to have a copy mailed or faxed to you.

1. If accepted to present, All presenters are required to pay conference registration fees. TASH relies on membership and conference registration fees to be an independent and powerful educational and advocacy organization. We strongly encourage presenters to be TASH members. International TASH members, self-advocates, students, and family members are eligible to register at a reduced rate. Visit www.tash.org to determine what registration and audio visual rental fees may be if you are selected as a presenter.
   
2. Proposal content must reflect the values and resolutions of TASH. TASH is dedicated to disseminating information that reflects proven strategies for pursuing equity, social justice, diversity, and full school, community, and work inclusion for people labeled with disabilities, particularly those whoare at most risk of being excluded from community life. Proposals that report research and model supports are encouraged. The proposal title, description, and all content of presentations must use "people first" language, and must support the outcome of inclusion. Presenters need to ensure that materials used in their session are available in alternative formats. This may include making handouts available as computer text files or in large print, and ensuring that videos used are captioned.
   
3. Proposals postmarked by March 15, 2005 will receive priority consideration.
   
4. Proposals must include the following:
   1. Conference Application Form
   2. Title
   3. Summary/Abstract (Limited to 40 words)
      IMPORTANT: The summary you submit will be used to advertise your session on the web and in the final
      conference program. TASH reserves the right to edit language and content as necessary.
   4. Proposal (2 pages maximum)
   5. List of Presenters, which includes:
      1. one designated session chairperson/coordinator
      2. contact information for each presenter, including email
      3. a short biographical paragraph about each presenter
         
5. Each proposal is given a numerical score and cross-rated by three reviewers on the following criteria:
   1. Relevance to TASH mission and values
   2. Clarity of the proposal
   3. Proposals need to include:
      1. framing the issue
      2. importance of issue to TASH members
      3. how the issue will be presented or discussed
      4. description of participants who are the subject of the presentation (e.g., individuals with disabilities, family members, general educators, employers)
      5. description of supports, services, or model
      6. innovative contributions
   4. Proposals that include research as a focus area need to include:
      1. participants
      2. research design
      3. methods
      4. findings
      5. ecological or social validity

Scores are averaged to determine the final score for each proposal. Only proposals rated highly are accepted for presentation. Reviewers determine the format and length of time for which the proposal is accepted. If you submit to present a breakout session and your proposal is accepted for that format, it will be assigned to one of the following types. Proposals submitted for a breakout session may also be assigned as a poster session at the discretion of reviewers.

Breakout session types include:

1. 1 hour presentation
2. 2 hour presentation
3. Crackerbarrel Discussion
4. Roundtable Luncheon Discussion
5. Panel Presentation
6. Performance/Creative Activity

6. Be sure to send in four (4) hard copies of the application form and all proposal materials listed under #3 above. Please also include a copy of materials listed under #3 on computer disk in a text file or Windows compatible format. Do not send any other materials, such as brochures, curriculums, etc. Please DO NOT email or fax your proposal, as we cannot assure receipt of electronic transmissions.
   
7. Email is the primary mode of communication used with presenters. Please take extra care in filling out email addresses so that they are legible. Please notify Kelly Nelson at 410-828-8274 x105 if you are not able to receive communication by email.
   
8. Each session chairperson will receive notification in July, 2005 regarding the status of his/her submission. If you do not receive notification by August 1st, please contact Kelly Nelson. TASH uses email as the primary mode of notification. If this will not work for you, or if your email address changes at any time during the process, please notify Kelly Nelson at knelson@tash.org or at 410-828-8274 x105 to ensure that you continue to receive ongoing correspondence.