Annual Conference highlights resources for families and professionals caring for children who have disabilities

(Columbia, SC, February 27, 2024)—Family Connection of South Carolina will be hosting their annual Hopes and Dreams Conference on March 21 at the R2i2 Conference Center. The conference brings together parents, professionals, students, non-profits and state agencies for a day of learning and collaboration.

“Every day, parents of children with disabilities, chronic health conditions and mental health concerns are faced with the difficulty of trying to understand and access much needed services” said Amy Holbert, CEO of Family Connection of South Carolina. “Our Hopes & Dreams conference highlights resources and best practices so families know where to turn for help. This day is an opportunity for parents and professionals to learn alongside each other as they build collaborative relationships to meet the needs of children in their care.” said Holbert.

The Hopes & Dreams conference will open with local musician and spoken word artist, Dove Dupree. The keynote speaker is John Badalament, Director of Programs, The Fatherhood Project at Massachusetts General Hospital and author of The Modern Dad’s Dilemma. Workshops will feature experts from across the state presenting topics related to navigating childcare and early intervention services, family law, financial planning, parent engagement in education, transitioning from pediatric to adult care, and opportunities to develop self-advocacy skills. Continuing education credits will be offered, and more than 30 exhibitors will be in attendance.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.; followed by opening remarks at 9:00 a.m., and workshops will conclude at 4:15 p.m.

Event information including conference schedule, registration, and exhibitor and sponsor opportunities is available at: www.familyconnectionsc.org/training/conferences. Early-bird discounts are available through February 29, 2024.

In addition to Ongoing Sponsor, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and Supporting Sponsor, South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council, event sponsors include: South Carolina Inclusive Postsecondary Education Consortium, Molina Healthcare, Wellpoint, Nightingales Nursing & Attendants; SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, HealthLinks Magazine, SC Department of Education, South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.