Texas Rehabilitation Association
17424 W. Grand Parkway, Suite 422.
Sugar Land, TX, 77479
T: 713.818.1852 •F: 281.343.0357
E-MAIL

TRA has a history of presenting great conferences and this year will be no exception. The 2004 TRA Conference will be held in San Antonio from July 29-31, 2004, at the historic Menger Hotel. The hotel is located next to the Almo and near the Riverwalk.

The theme this year is "Rehabilitation--Expanding Horizons". Many changes are occurring in Rehabilitation. There are daily advances in technology, innovative ideas and initiatives leading the way to new horizons for rehabilitation and its programs. This conference will expose you to experts in the field who will share up-to-date information regarding these changes.

We have four outstanding general sessions scheduled at the Conference. The conference opens Thursday, July 29th with the first general session moderated by Carol Bennett, who will stimulate everyone with a session on "Issues in Rehabilitation." Participants will interact in lively discussion on the issues facing rehabilitation today.

On Friday, TRA is excited that the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services(DARS)Commissioner Murphy and Division for Rehabilitation Services Assistant Commissioner Terry Smith will provide everyone with updated information on the current changes and issues within DARS. Following Commissioner Murphy and Assistant Commissioner Smith, TRA is plased to welcome The Honorable RSA Commissioner Joanne Wilson. She will present on the many initiatives the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) is implementing on behalf of individuals with disabilities who seek independence and a career. The last general session occurs on Saturday, July 31, with the nationally-known speaker, Sidney Hurlbert. He will share with us through his wit and wonderful sense of humor the importance of communication in your business and life.

The breakout sessions begin on Friday, July 30th, with a session on assistive computer technology. Roger Levy leads this session. He will be assisted by Darlene West of the Division for Blind Services Assistive Technology Lab, and Richard Hopkins and Michael Ritter of the Division for Rehabilitation Services. Not only will participants learn of technology in this area, an up-close and personal demonstration of some of this technology will follow the narrative session.

"A Ticket Overview and Update" will offer a panel of participants including Albert Pulido with a Benefits Planning Assistance and Outreach (BPAO)program, Larry Lottman with the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services representing the Division for Rehabilitation programs, Keith Fulp with Goodwill Industries representing an Employment Network and Charlie Brittian of the Social Security Administration who will share what is going on in Texas with the Ticket legislation. In the folloiwng hour, Cheryl Bates-Harris from the National Association for Protection and Advocacy Systems, (NAPAS), who hails from Washington, D.C., will present a National view of the Ticket legislation.

Participants can hear Brian East, Attorney with Advocacy, Inc., who will discuss the ADA definition of disability as well as provide discussion on interpretation and testimony. Brian East is a well-known attorney in the disability employment arena and his presentations are well received.

Another breakout session opportunity includes taking a look at "Unique Youth Programs in Texas." Participants will hear exciting and innovative ideas of three specific programs in Texas that have benefitted youth with disabilities. Jennifer Murphy of the Children's Association for Maximizing Potential, Laura Griebel with Goodwill Industries of Central Texas and Betty Ketchum of The ARC of the Gulf Coast will present detailed information about their programs.

Our ethics presenter is Special Agent Chris Cooper with the Department of Education and the Office of Inspector General. He will discuss fraud, the fraud culture and responsibilities of each person when this is encountered.

The conference concludes on Saturday with the Annual Awards Luncheon. We have a wonderful Keynote speaker, Bob Gaylor, who will share with us the secrets of success. The announcement of the award winners will be presented by Dr. Paul McCollum. All of the award winners are being recognized for outstanding contribution in the field of rehabilitation.

The conference includes opportunity for get together and networking. A Thursday night reception will occur at the hotel after the first general session. Another social gathering is being hosted Friday night by the Austin Area Rehabilitation Association at a nearby restaurant on the Riverwalk.

On behalf of the TRA President, Wallace Stanfill, and the TRA Program Committee, we look forward to being with you at the Conference which we are confident will be an enjoyable and informative experience for all. So come and join us for a wonderful time.