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2005 TASH Conference

2005 TASH Conference Presenter Information & Guidelines

Congratulations on your acceptance to present at the 2004 TASH Conference. We are anticipating approximately 1800 - 2000 attendees at this year's event. Here is some information that will assist you to assure that presentation goes smoothly and is a quality, informative session:

1. If you have not already registered for the conference, please do so as soon as possible. YES, all speakers are required to pay registration fee. TASH relies solely on membership fees and revenue from our educational outreach to operate. There are over 800 presenters at this conference.
   
2. If you are unable to attend the conference for any reason, please inform Denise Marshall by email dmarsh@tash.org  as soon as possible.
   
3. The TASH Conference is known for exemplary sessions that are informative and interactive. Attendees expect presenters to be well-organized, utilize a variety of teaching formats, and distribute handouts or reference materials. Many speakers become nationally recognized through the excellent sessions they have delivered at the TASH Conference. We thank you for your attention to quality and detail.
   
4. Breakout session registration is not required in advance; therefore it is not possible for us to determine the turnout expected for your session. Please bring enough materials for the room size indicated on the letter you will receive in August. You and your co-presenters should plan on holding your session regardless of the number of people that attend on-site. Please do not cancel a session or fail to show up at the scheduled time, as it is a negative reflection on you and on TASH if sessions are cancelled at the last minute.
   
5. Typical breakout sessions last for either 1 hour or 2 Hours/15 minutes. Please structure your session to last only the designated amount of time, leaving time at the end for discussion. There is 15 minutes between sessions. This does not leave adequate time to queue tapes, or preview materials. There will be a "speaker ready room" near registration which will contain audiovisual equipment and will be available extended hours for preparation.
   
6. TASH will provide at no charge, an overhead projector, screen and flipchart for each session room. YOU MUST ORDER THIS EQUIPMENT, IT WILL NOT BE THERE AUTOMATICALLY! It is the responsibility of session chairpersons to either bring or pay to order additional audiovisual equipment needed for individual sessions through TASH. Because of the tight schedule it is possible that equipment ordered by someone else may be in the room during your session, however that is not guaranteed. Please order equipment now to avoid on-site labor penalties and to ensure availability. A copy of the AV order form can be downloaded from the TASH website. Should you have any questions or changes needed on-site, please go the TASH information booth, which will be located near the registration area in the Exhibit Hall.
   
7. TASH encourages presentations by teams of people, including family members and people with disabilities. Whenever possible the adage "nothing about me, without me" is applicable.
   
8. It is the intention of TASH to offer sessions that present information that supports the full inclusion of people with disabilities in community life. Important values to stress are interdependence, choice, options, individual preference, equity, opportunity, and empowerment of people with disabilities and their families. Please recognize that attendees will vary in their experience with, and understanding of these important concepts. Presentation and materials should be designed to be meaningful, instructional, and supportive of a fully inclusive process; including those attendees who may be struggling with, or have just begun the process of , converting services and supports to be more inclusive.
   
9. It is the policy of TASH to use language that opens doors for people with disabilities, that describes them in terms of their abilities, their gifts, and their talents. Use "people-first" language in written and oral communication. We need to be modeling language that reinforces positive images and perceptions of people with disabilities; examples of this language include terms such as "significant or multiple disabilities," or "intensive support needs." Use language that is respectful of the person's dignity and encourages equality. More information on people first language can be found in the speaker section of the website.
   
10. Poster sessions will be held on Saturday, from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. You will have one 6` x 30" table on which to set up, with an easel next to the table. You will be able to set up your table starting at 7:30 am. Please dismantle it directly at the conclusion of the session. We advise that you bring approximately 100 copies of your handouts for distribution. If you need more information about how to prepare and conduct a poster session, please visit the poster section of the TASH Speakers Corner.
    
11. You are responsible to provide all handout materials. You may bring copies, or make them on-site there is a Business Center within the conference hotel.
    
12. It is the policy of TASH to offer all handouts for the conference in accessible format. As a presenter, it is your responsibility to have copies of your handouts available in the following accessible formats: 1) at least two copies of your handouts in large print and, 2) at least 2 computer disks containing your handouts in text files so that it may converted to Braille if requested. For assistance with making handouts in alternate format, refer to the TASH website under the heading of "Making Your Handout Materials Accessible". Whenever possible, please use large print and use language that is appropriate for a wide variety of audience participants.

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