Conference Information

The National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) is pleased to announce our 2008 national conference, “Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow.” It will take place at the Delta Ottawa Hotel and Suites from November 14-16, 2008. The conference will focus on solutions to drive change.

This year’s event will be an exciting opportunity for students, consumer advocates, service providers, employers and all others interested in exploring key issues of equal access to post-secondary education and employment for students and graduates with disabilities. We welcome delegates from across Canada and around the world. The 2008 conference is being organized by a Conference Planning Committee, comprised of NEADS board members and chaired by Agnes Tomkow, NEADS Alberta Representative.

Format

The conference operates on a single-track. This means that all delegates will participate in all four of our workshops:

Job Search Strategies: Competing in the Job Market
Enhancing Opportunities in Science and Technology Related Fields
Solutions to Library/Print Material Access
Key Issues on Campus: Perspectives from Students with Disabilities

NEADS wishes to acknowledge BMO Capital Markets' Equity Through Education Program's support of the Job Search Strategies workshop, which is one in a series of forums being held across the country from 2005 – 2009.

The workshop Enhancing Opportunities For Post-Secondary Students and Graduates With Disabilities in Science and Technology Related Fields has been made possible thanks to funding from the Imperial Oil Foundation.

In addition to a Saturday evening banquet, we will hold our Annual General Meeting and elections for our 2008 - 2010 Board of Directors on Sunday.

Early Registration

If you register on or by October 10, you can take advantage of an early registration fee of $70.00CDN for students and $130.00 CDN for all others. After October 10, the registration fee is $90.00CDN for student delegates and $170.00 CDN for all others. Optional tickets for our Saturday evening Banquet will also be available for a nominal fee of $10 CDN

Hotel

Guest rooms are available at the Delta Ottawa Hotel and Suites (361 Queen Street) at the conference rate of $122 CDN per night plus tax, single or double occupancy. Rooms are also available at the Radisson Hotel (402 Queen Street) at a rate of $110.00 CDN plus tax per night, single or double occupancy.

Delegates can book and pay for their accommodations at the Delta Ottawa Hotel and Suites by contacting toll-free 1(800) 268-1133 or direct at (613) 238-6000, or e-mail the Reservations Manager, Carolyn Campeau: ccampeau@deltahotels.com When booking at the Delta, mention the reservation file code (GGNEA3) to get the conference rate. To book and pay for a room at the Radisson Hotel Ottawa Parliament Hill, contact the hotel toll-free at (877) 557-5565 or direct at (613) 236-1133. When booking, mention the group block "NEADS" to get the conference rate. Accessible rooms are available at both hotels upon request.

Scent-Free Event

Please note that in consideration of those with allergies and respiratory problems, this conference is a scent-free event. Participants are asked to use unscented products in lieu of scented toiletries and detergents, and to refrain from wearing perfumes and colognes.

Transportation

For those who don’t want to pay a $25.00 cab fare from the airport to the hotel, there is a shuttle bus that goes to all the downtown hotels at a cost of $9.00 one way and $18.00 round trip. The shuttle bus leaves at 10 minutes after the hour and 20 minutes to the hour.

All transportation arrangements for the meeting, for those delegates who request adapted transportation from the airport or train station, will be arranged by Golden Planners (through Paratranspo). Paratranspo can be reached at 613-244-7272. There is a cost of approximately $3.00 for a one-way trip with Paratranspo.

Interpretation/Technical Support

Simultaneous French/English language interpretation is being provided by InterpretCan and will be offered in the Delta Room throughout the conference.

All technical equipment and services, including amplification for hard of hearing delegates, will be supplied by our A/V supplier.

Sign language interpreters will be provided during the workshops. Delegates who require these services will be provided with an interpreting team in their groups.

TTY Access

The Delta offers a TTY for your convenience. Arrangements must be made in advance with the conference staff. The hotel will bring a TTY to your room, based on availability.

Conference Site Floorplan

Delta Ottawa Hotel & Suites Floorplan

Restaurants