Past IRSF Annual Conference

26th Annual Conference - 2010

The IRSF annual education conference is the only one of its kind where parents and professionals of girls and women with Rett syndrome come together from all over the world, under one roof, to learn the most current recommended care and advocacy strategies for every stage of life, and hear first-hand the latest in research and clinical trials.

IRSF 2010 Rett Syndrome ConferenceON-DEMAND Webcast registration includes:

  • (1) "virtual seat" to continuous on-demand web access to the 14 sessions presented on Saturday, May 29, 2010. These sessions will be accessible online starting mid-June 2010, and will continue through mid-September 2010. Click here to register.
  • PDF copies of Conference materials and the Helping Hands Keepsake Journal
  • IRSF will email access information as soon as the on-demand sessions are available
* Technical requirements: a relatively new MAC or PC that can handle audio/video play, with high-speed internet connection (**dial-up will not deliver a satisfactory viewing experience**), and connected, powered audio speakers.

* See www.rettsyndrome.org/conference for the Saturday session program and speakers.
The May 28-31, 2010 conference held in Colorado Springs, CO was one of the best attended conferences in years. The evaluations rated the conference tops, especially for newly added programs such as onsite Respite, and the live streaming webcast package that enabled virtual attendance from around the world. IRSF thanks our internationally recognized panel of speakers, planning committee members, professional exhibitors, regional representatives, board of directors, Cheyenne Mountain Resort staff, Tribute Reception award recipients, entertainers, auction donors and bidders, our design friends at Paradowski Creative, and most of all, the hundreds of families and attendees, for making this an incredible, powerful conference.

All materials will be available shortly! For those unable to attend, or for the attendee wishing to take home the information learned, the video-recorded sessions (Saturday) and audio-recorded sessions (Sunday) will be available for purchase shortly through the IRSF Store. And the majority of speaker slides and handouts will be posted at no charge to this webpage in coming weeks (these pair especially well with the audio recordings).

Check back regularly for updated information on session recordings, and future conference planning. For now, please read through the program posted here to anticipate which session recordings you are interested in, and enjoy reading the incredibly heartwarming Helping Hands Keepsake Journal – thank you again to all who contributed to this inspiring journal of Hopes and Dreams.

IRSF Conference Program 2010 IRSF Conference Program 2010 2.48 Mb
IRSF Helping Hands Keepsake Journal 2010 IRSF Helping Hands Keepsake Journal 2010 13.20 Mb

The IRSF conference provides families and caregivers with hope, inspiration, and the power of accurate information needed to achieve our dream of reversing Rett syndrome in our loved ones, how to keep her healthy and how to have endurance along the way.  Beyond the actual learning of information, it is the contacts and relationships made face to face which you will carry back to your personal and online communities and support networks.

Featured this year:
  • Motivational keynote by Colorado’s own Susan Zimmerman, author of “Keeping Katherine”
  • Leading Communication trio Linda Burkhart, Pati King-deBaun and Judy Lariviere
  • World-renowned treatment experts and centers such as the Baylor College of Medicine Blue Bird Rett Center in Houston, University of Alabama Rett Clinic in Birmingham, Albert Einstein College of Medicine Rett Center at Montefiore, and more
  • Sessions on therapies, recreational activities, marriage and family strengthening, financial and legal life planning
  • Direction of research from leaders who have been with us from the time the syndrome was named, to finding the gene, to reversing symptoms in the lab, to keeping Rett syndrome in the forefront of neuroscience discoveries, hosted by IRSF’s own Chief Science Officer Dr. Tony Horton
  • 2010 Conference Program 2010 Conference Program 2.48 Mb
  • Can't attend in person? NEW this year - SATURDAY sessions broadcast via LIVE webcast. To register for live streaming Saturday sessions click here! Early Bird Rates available NOW through May 9th.
This conference offers the information, materials, and inspiration necessary to blaze our trails forward.  Because there “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” when you are well-informed and well-equipped.  Be a part of our 26th conference.  We look forward to seeing you there.

Financial Planning for Onsite Attendance or Webcast Package

  • Always check with your child's Case Manager first as she may have info for financial resources to attend conferences
  • If your child has a DD Medicaid Waiver you may stipulate some waiver funds for "Family and Caregiver" training which will pay for conference fee
  • Check with local "First Steps", Early Intervention, Mental Health Assoc. to see if funds are available
  • Contact the Governor's Planning Council- Family Consumer Involvement funds on the website to apply for a grant
  • Check with INsource to see if funds are available (can Google or search)
  • Always check with the local clubs to see if assistance is available such as Elks Club, Lions Club, and Knights of Columbus
  • Ask family members to help financially with your ISRF conference costs in lieu of birthday, holiday, anniversary etc. gifts
  • Conference Widget


Conference Sessions and PDF Files
Session Title and Speaker PDF File
RETT SYNDROME 101
Alan Percy, MD
Rett Syndrome 101 by Dr. Alan Percy Rett Syndrome 101 by Dr. Alan Percy 646.98 Kb
Genetics 101
Steve Skinner, MD
Genetics 101 by Steve Skinner, MD Genetics 101 by Steve Skinner, MD 2.01 Mb
Keynote: The Power of the Powerless
Susan Zimmermann
Keynote: The Power of  the Powerless Keynote: The Power of the Powerless 902.19 Kb
What’s Going Right in the Brain
Aleksandra Djukic, MD, PhD
What’s Going Right in the Brain What’s Going Right in the Brain 1.11 Mb
Enhancing Communication: Regulating sensory input & Supporting Ease of Access
Judy Lariviere, M.Ed., OTR/L
Enhancing Communication: Regulating sensory input & Supporting Ease of Access Enhancing Communication: Regulating sensory input & Supporting Ease of Access 2.07 Mb
Well Child and Adult Care Overview
Jane Lane, BSN, RN
Well Child and Adult Care Overview Well Child and Adult Care Overview 145.57 Kb
Neurology for Rett Syndrome
Daniel Glaze, MD
Neurology for Rett Syndrome Neurology for Rett Syndrome 1.70 Mb
Gastroenterology for Rett Syndrome
Kathleen Motil, MD, PhD
Gastroenterology for Rett Syndrome by Kathleen Motil, MD, PhD  Gastroenterology for Rett Syndrome by Kathleen Motil, MD, PhD 4.12 Mb
Orthopedics and Scoliosis
John Killian, MD
Orthopedics and Scoliosis Orthopedics and Scoliosis 10.83 Mb
Research and Clinical Trials
Jeffrey Neul, MD, PhD, and Tony Horton, PhD
Research and Clinical Trials by Jeffrey Neul, MD, PhD, and Tony Horton, PhD  Research and Clinical Trials by Jeffrey Neul, MD, PhD, and Tony Horton, PhD 1.08 Mb
Importance of Raising Awareness and Funds: Research to Reality Campaign
Kathryn Kissam and Stephen Bajardi
Importance of Raising Awareness and Funds: Research to Reality Campaign by K. Kissam and S. Bajardi Importance of Raising Awareness and Funds: Research to Reality Campaign by K. Kissam and S. Bajardi 1.59 Mb
The Maturing Woman with Rett Syndrome: From Puberty to Menopause
Jane Lane, BSN, RN
The Maturing Woman with Rett Syndrome: From Puberty to Menopause The Maturing Woman with Rett Syndrome: From Puberty to Menopause 3.87 Mb
Cognitive and IEP Assessment Tools 101
Terry Katz, PhD
Cognitive and IEP Assessment Tools 101 Cognitive and IEP Assessment Tools 101 341.34 Kb
Nutritional Management of Children w/ Rett Syndrome
Marilyn Stevenson, RD, CSP and Margaret Spring, OT
Nutritional Management of Children w/ Rett Syndrome by  M. Stevenson, RD, CSP and M. Spring, OT Nutritional Management of Children w/ Rett Syndrome by M. Stevenson, RD, CSP and M. Spring, OT 96.92 Kb
Climbing the “Eye Gaze Technology” Mountain: Steps for Conducting Successful Trials
Judy Lariviere, M.Ed., OTR/L
Climbing the “Eye Gaze Technology” Mountain: Steps for Conducting Successful Trials  Climbing the “Eye Gaze Technology” Mountain: Steps for Conducting Successful Trials 2.54 Mb
Fundraising: A “How To” Workshop
Jennifer Endres, IRSF and Jenni Grammer, IRSF
Fundraising and YOU Fundraising and YOU 14.57 Mb
Your Journey Through an Eight Step Special Needs Planning Program
Mary Anne Ehlert, Protected Tomorrows
Eight Step Special Needs Planning Eight Step Special Needs Planning 5.43 Mb
Eights Steps to Protected Tomorrows Handout Eights Steps to Protected Tomorrows Handout 152.44 Kb
Implementing Effective Inclusive Practices
Robin Brewer
Implementing Effective Inclusive Practices by Robin Brewer  Implementing Effective Inclusive Practices by Robin Brewer 1.56 Mb
Hippotherapy
Nancy Beers
Hippotherapy Hippotherapy 4.39 Mb
Successful Integration of an Eye-Controlled Comm. Device into Conversations at Home, School and in the Community
Judy Lariviere, M.Ed., OTR/L
Integrating Eye Gaze Home School  Integrating Eye Gaze Home School 3.07 Mb
Accessing the General Education Curriculum
Mick Ross, MS and Diane Ross, MS LCPC
Accessing the General Education Curriculum Accessing the General Education Curriculum 11.64 Mb
Fostering Friendships: Toddlers to Teens
Diane Ross, MS, LCPC
Fostering Friendships: Toddlers to Teens Fostering Friendships: Toddlers to Teens 5.17 Mb

Click here to access complete information including videos from last year's conference.

 

25th Annual Conference - 2009

conference_logo_resize_2.pngOver 250 parents, caregivers, and professional attendees from all over the world came together to meet with over 50 Rett syndrome experts and exhibitors for learnings and celebrations at the very special IRSF 25th annual education and awareness conference in Leesburg, Virginia over Memorial Day weekend May 23-26, 2009.

If you missed this fantastic conference, want to revisit a session, or need to catch one you missed, you can experience it just like being there by purchasing the session audio CDs or MP3s from Aurora Recording. Listen while you read through the speaker handouts, many of which are posted below. Slides are listed in order of the program sessions.

IRSF 2009 Conference Audio Recording Form IRSF 2009 Conference Audio Recording Form 2009-06-23 05:15:55 131.87 Kb

Revisit Conference – View our Photo Album

See table below to download and treasure the Helping Hands Keepsake Ad Journal. This was a first of its kind – now that you see what it’s about, start planning your ad for next year’s conference journal

Save the Date: 26th annual conference Colorado, Memorial Day Weekend, May 28 – 31, 2010

“Celebrating the Torch Within” session downloads:
Speaker slides are posted below for all sessions where visuals were used and permissions were given for public sharing of the material.
SESSION
SPEAKER
Celebrating the Torch Within Conference Program  Celebrating the Torch Within Conference Program 2009-07-01 04:42:52 1.52 Mb IRSF
Helping Hands Keepsake Ad Journal  Helping Hands Keepsake Ad Journal 2009-06-29 13:01:25 3.39 Mb IRSF
Tribute Reception Program  Tribute Reception Program 2009-06-29 13:06:37 68.01 Kb Hostess Paige Nues
Family & Friends, How Miracles Are Created - Families and Researchers Family & Friends, How Miracles Are Created - Families and Researchers 2009-06-23 05:12:53 2.85 Mb Dr. Carolyn Schanen and Maureen Woodcock
25th Conference Congratulations Baylor Commentary Baylor Rett Center team
Huda Zoghbi “Circle of Angels Research Award”  Acceptance
Dr. Huda Zoghbi
Rett Syndrome 101 Rett Syndrome 101 2009-06-24 10:50:44 3.28 Mb Dr. Alan Percy
Rett Syndrome After 25 Years Handout Rett Syndrome After 25 Years Handout 2009-06-23 09:23:04 44.50 Kb Dr. Alan Percy
Keynote Address
“Fighter Mom: For Mothers and Others”
Martha Slay, FightSMA
Catching a Glimpse and Fueling the Flames of the Hidden Torch Within Linda Burkhart
Let’s Get Together and Communicate!  Let’s Get Together and Communicate! 2009-06-29 08:22:08 4.41 Mb Susan Norwell, M.S. Ed.
Communication: In High School and Adulthood (Discussion session only - no slides presented) Susan Norwell, M.S. Ed.
“Jumpstarting” Literacy Learning: It’s never too late to start! Judy Lariviere, M.Ed., OTR/L
Partner-Assisted Scanning with PODD Communication Books:  Strategies for Children who have Rett Syndrome Linda Burkhart
Successful Use of “Eye-Gaze” Technology:  From Assessment to Conversation Judy Lariviere, M.Ed., OTR/L
Measurable IEP Goals Irene Moore
How to Talk to Schools So Schools Will Listen (and Listen So Schools Will Talk) Irene Moore
Integration in the Elementary School Environment – A Success Story Jennifer Ethridge and Mickie McCool
Creating Her Future Care Plan Mary Anne Ehlert
Carrying the Fundraising Torch:  A “How-To” Workshop Carrying the Fundraising Torch: A “How-To” Workshop 2009-06-22 11:23:24 3.16 Mb Jennifer Endres
Lighting Your Path to the Transition to Adulthood and Community Programs Tia Marsili
Rett Genetics 101 Rett Genetics 101 2009-06-23 06:32:18 736.99 Kb Carolyn Schanen, MD, PhD
Carolyn’s Genetics Cookbook Carolyn’s Genetics Cookbook 2009-06-23 08:40:20 112.01 Kb Carolyn Schanen, MD, PhD
Top 5 Reasons to Have MECP2 Testing – Handout Top 5 Reasons to Have MECP2 Testing – Handout 2009-06-23 06:21:02 48.45 Kb Jane Lane, BSN, RN
Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Rett Syndrome in Your Child Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Rett Syndrome in Your Child 2009-06-24 11:40:38 4.52 Mb Dr. SakkuBai Naidu
Epilepsy and Seizure Management Epilepsy and Seizure Management 2009-06-24 11:06:24 2.22 Mb Dr. Dewi Depositario-Cabacar
Growing Straight and Tall with Rett: Bone and Muscle Orthopaedic  Issues Growing Straight and Tall with Rett: Bone and Muscle Orthopaedic Issues 2009-06-22 07:37:09 939.63 Kb Dr. Paul Sponseller
Gastroenterology Gastroenterology 2009-06-22 12:15:04 2.40 Mb Dr. Anil Darbari
Endocrinology:  Bone Issues and their Treatment in Rett Syndrome Endocrinology: Bone Issues and their Treatment in Rett Syndrome 2009-06-29 06:57:35 939.63 Kb Dr. Jay Shapiro
Cognitive assessment and intervention  Cognitive assessment and intervention 2009-06-29 06:51:49 969.92 Kb Dr. Cynthia Salorio
Behaviors in Rett Syndrome – Handout Behaviors in Rett Syndrome – Handout 2009-06-23 08:49:33 71.67 Kb Dr. Elaine Tierney
Well Child and Adult Care Overview  Well Child and Adult Care Overview 2009-06-29 09:51:25 513.69 Kb Jane Lane, BSN, RN
Physical Therapy  Physical Therapy 2009-06-23 08:35:05 36.99 Kb Jennifer Swain, PT
PT Handout PT Handout 2009-06-23 08:29:29 830.32 Kb Jennifer Swain, PT
The Maturing Woman with  Rett Syndrome:  From Puberty to Menopause The Maturing Woman with Rett Syndrome: From Puberty to Menopause 2009-06-29 08:52:40 1.70 Mb Jane Lane, BSN, RN
To Sleep, Perchance to Dream: Sleep Disorders in Rett Syndrome To Sleep, Perchance to Dream: Sleep Disorders in Rett Syndrome 2009-11-18 11:59:58 169.96 Kb Judy Barrish, RN
Making a Difference One Song at a Time - Music Therapy Making a Difference One Song at a Time - Music Therapy 2009-07-16 10:19:08 1.07 Mb

A Ram Sam Sam


Allee Galloo


Clap Your Hands Together


Family Song


Goodbye Song


Hello Song


I've Got the Rhythm in My Drum


Jingle Your Bells


Round and Round the Circle


Tap Your Head


Tap Your Sticks


Where Oh Where is the Tambourine


Wind Chimes


Sara Jourdan, MA, BM, MT-BC
World Congress Update on Therapies:  Those Mice are Working Hard for you! World Congress Update on Therapies: Those Mice are Working Hard for you! 2009-06-23 09:21:11 663.17 Kb Carolyn Schanen, MD, PhD
NIH RDCRN Natural History Study NIH RDCRN Natural History Study 2009-06-23 05:39:29 816.13 Kb Dr. Alan Percy
Rett Syndrome Classification and DSM-V Rett Syndrome Classification and DSM-V 2009-06-22 11:41:03 330.97 Kb Walter Kaufmann, MD


2009 – “Celebrating the Torch Within” – Leesburg, VA

2008 – “Together We Are Better” – Chicago, IL

2007 – “Reach Me, Teach Me” – Atlanta, GA

2006 – “Bridges of Hope” – San Francisco, CA

2005 – “Trails to Discovery” – San Antonio, TX

2004 – “Believe in Better Days” – Baltimore, MD

2003 – “Ship Shape for Caregivers” – Bahamas

2002 – “Empowerment” – Chicago, IL

2001 – “Possibilities” – Washington, DC

2000 – “Hitting the Jackpot” – Las Vegas, NV

1999 – “Meet Me in St. Louis” – St Louis, MO

1998 – “Grass Roots” – Charleston, SC

1997 – “Keeping Afloat” – Bahamas

1996 – “Spirit of ‘96” – Boston, MA

1995 – “A Road Less Traveled” – Minneapolis, MN

1994 – “A Decade of Caring” – Chicago, IL

1993 – “Stepping Stones” – San Diego, CA

1992 – “New Horizons” – San Diego, CA

1991 – “Up, Up and Away” – Denver, CO

1990 – “Family Ties” – Washington, DC

1989 – “Hope for Tomorrow” – Washington, DC

1988 – “Rett Families Conference” – Houston, TX

1987 – “RS Diagnosis & Management” - Houston, TX

1985 (November) – “Rett: A New Syndrome” - Baltimore, MD

1985 (January) – “No Longer Alone” - Baltimore, MD

 

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