2015 TASH Conference: Opening General Session

This year’s theme, “Celebrating 40 Years of Progressive Leadership,” acknowledges TASH’s 40 years of generating change within the disability community and anticipates a brighter, more inclusive future for people with disabilities in all aspects of life. Each year, the TASH Conference impacts the disability field by connecting attendees to innovative information and resources, facilitating connections between stakeholders within the disability movement, and helping attendees reignite their passion for an inclusive world.

We encourage you to explore this website, connect with other attendees, and build your personalized schedule. You can also download the mobile app version of the website by visiting the App Store and Google Play and searching for "TASH 2015".

Return to TASH website

Opening General Session

Welcome Remarks
Barb Trader, Executive Director
TASH

2015 TASH Awards Ceremony
Barb Trader, Executive Director
TASH

Sue Swenson
Deputy Assistant Secretary
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services

What Matters Most: Toward a Future of Flourishing
Erik Carter, Professor in the Department of Special Education
Vanderbilt University

At their core, the most compelling services and supports are driven by a deep commitment to enabling individuals with significant disabilities and their families to flourish. For more than four decades, TASH and its members have been at the forefront of calling the field to support people to thrive in the ways that matter most. Standing on the cusp of 40 years of IDEA and 25 years of federally mandated transition services, we have much progress to celebrate. But there is much more work still yet to do.

Erik Carter’s keynote will focus on how our field might move forward faster toward a future marked by flourishing—both for our organization and for the individuals we serve. He will highlight promising pathways that enable young people with significant disabilities to live lives marked by rich relationships and real opportunities. And he will challenge us to consider how we might create communities that see themselves as incomplete without the gifts and contributions of people with disabilities and their families.

Farewell Remarks
Barb Trader, Executive Director
TASH

The Legacy of Judith Snow
Facilitated by dear friends of Judith Snow

On May 31, 2015, the world suddenly lost Judith Snow - a philosopher, a scientist, a researcher, an engineer, a guru, an artist, and an advocate. This keynote tribute will include video clips of some of Judith’s most powerful lessons. Judith’s closest friends and colleagues will contribute to this celebration of her life and legacy by reading selections of her writings and discussing her fearless pursuit of full citizenship. Images will honor Judith and her accomplishments, and challenge attendees to answer the question, “How am I connected to Judith Snow”.

Conclusion of Opening General Session

Speakers

Erik Carter

Professor, Vanderbilt University

Erik is Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Special Education at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. He completed his doctoral work in the area of severe disabilities at Vanderbilt University and his undergraduate work in Christian Education at Wheaton College. His research... Read More →

Sue Swenson

Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services

Barb Trader

Executive Director, TASH

Barb Trader is Executive Director of TASH, a progressive advocacy organization that advances inclusion and human rights of people with significant disabilities and complex needs. In her role at TASH, Barb leads APRAIS (Alliance for Prevention of Restraint, Aversive Intervention and... Read More →

Erik Carter Keynote Presentation Slides pdf

Erik Carter Keynote Presentation Content pdf

Thursday December 3, 2015 11:20am - 12:50pm
Salon F 1402 SW Naito Parkway Portland, OR 97201

General Session