The University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Annual In-Person Conference 2025

Children and youth (ages 3-21 years) with or at risk for developmental delays, developmental disability, or intellectual disabilities (IDD) are often known for what they “can’t do.”  Strengths-based approaches shift the focus to what children and youth with or at risk for IDD “can do.”  This view helps providers to partner with families and gain a deeper understanding of who these children and youth are, what they want to do, and the barriers they may face. As a result, providers, children, youth, and families co-create a more positive partnership that supports better outcomes through shared goals. 

This conference will focus on ways to integrate holistic viewpoints to ensure that children, youth, and families are at the center of the screening, assessment, and evaluation process. By engaging in this way, individual interests and needs will be met through the process. The conference will:

• use large group discussion and small group activities for participants to learn practical methods that foster partnership between children, youth, families, and professionals; and
• offer opportunities for participants to learn about strengths-based, inclusive approaches to identify and evaluate children and youth at risk for and with IDD across all cultural and linguistic groups.