Join us for our 35th Annual Conference!
CONNECT to the only Conference on Disability and Diversity in the Pacific. Backed by 35 years of experience Pac Rim is widely recognized as an international and diverse gathering. Participants represent disability; share the human experiences associated with disability; increase understanding through interdisciplinary research and best practice, and provide action plans to address social needs. Our goal is to harness the innovation and knowledge building that are occurring globally, to shape an informed collective that empowers individuals with disabilities, their families, and invigorates those who serve.
Pacific Rim 2020 Schedule
Pre-Conference
March 1, 2020
Day 2
March 3, 2020
Day 1
March 2, 2020
Post-Conference
Five Main Conference Topics
Health & Wellbeing
A balanced lifestyle and optimal health is a goal for us all throughout our lives. At-risk groups have difficulty finding balance because the focus may be on disability and not an holistic and healthy lifestyle. Connect participants to health and wellness models and strategies and create opportunities to improve the quality of lives across the lifespan.
Employment
Research suggests that individuals with disabilities need specific training and supports; employers and human resources staff need help understanding reasonable accommodations; accessible and reliable transportation in needed communities, and expectations for employment must be raised. Connect participants to training, supports, resources and policies to employ individual with disabilities.
Pre-K to Grade 12 Education
With shortages of certified special education teachers, inappropriate student-to-teacher ratios, and classrooms with diverse-abilities, students with special needs don’t always receive the necessary individualized supports to facilitate their learning, development, and transitions. Connect participants to new knowledge, strategies and action to enhance education in diverse classrooms.
Postsecondary Education
The transition to adulthood is challenging for any young person, but particularly so for youth with disabilities. Many factors influence a successful transition, these include the type and severity of impairment, environmental barriers and supports, personal characteristics, socioeconomic status, and expectations. Connect participants to strategies that prepare students with disabilities for the new demands of adulthood and help them create a vision for their future.
Inclusion
Inclusion is involvement and empowerment for all people who, regardless of their diverse-abilities, are respected, and participate in their neighborhoods—at work and play—with peers. An inclusive community promotes and sustains a sense of belonging; it values and practices respect for the talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of living of its members. Connect participants to models of practice and systems of supports that build strengths; accommodate learning and working styles; foster involvement and build relationships.