We are grateful for the 600+ parents, teachers, allies, and self-advocates who spent a beautiful, sunny Saturday with us. David Pitonyak kicked off the conference with a terrific keynote address that had everyone laughing, crying, and thinking. Melody Musgrove shared strength and insights from her career spent advocating for inclusion. The day closed with the Social Justice Youth Program presenting a short video about the demolition of Fairview hospital, and presentation of 'Breaking Barriers' awards (which the youths built from rubble collected at Fairview) to individuals who have gone above and beyond for community inclusion.
The annual All Born (in) Conference is an exciting day for parents, caregivers, and professionals working to end segregation in neighborhood schools and the community. It’s a day of celebrating community and learning how to use Universal Design for Learning and Best Practices to reach and teach every child. Share, learn and make connections so that we can all go forth to open the eyes of the wider community to the fact that our children are all born "in".
The Conference was founded by Northwest Down Syndrome Association in 2006 in partnership with Portland State University’s joint certification program and the Center on Inclusive Education. It has grown to be a cornerstone resource in the Northwest region, engaging many innovative parents, professionals, and community partners to embrace the gifts of every learner.
"Disability is a natural part of the human experience that does not diminish the right of individuals with developmental disabilities to enjoy the opportunity to live independently, enjoy self-determination, make choices, contribute to society, and experience full integration and inclusion in the economic, political, social, cultural, and educational mainstream of American society." Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act.
Download resources from the conference
Click to read detailed descriptions of each workshop and bios of the presenters and keynote speakers.
Themes, sponsors, and reflections from the last 6 years
| 7:45–8:30 | Check-in: Pick up registration packets and check in at the main conference lobby | 12:30–12:45 | Pick up box lunch in main conference room |
| 8:30–8:45 | Welcome address from ABI and premier sponsor Portland Public Schools. Bagels, coffee, juice provided | 12:45–1:30 | Lunch keynote address: Inclusive Education and the Benefits for ALL students; It’s never too early for inclusion , presented by Melody Musgrove |
| 8:45–9:45 | Morning keynote address: The Importance of Belonging; We are born ready, presented by David Pitonyak | 1:30–1:40 | Break |
| 9:45–10:00 | Break | 1:40–2:50 | Session 3 |
| 10:00–11:10 | Session 1 | 2:50–3:00 | Break |
| 11:10–11:20 | Break | 3:00–4:10 | Session 4 |
| 11:20–12:30 | Session 2 | 4:15–5:30 | Closing remarks, special presentation by ABI's Social Justice Youth Program, no-host bar, cake, live music from Newell Briggs & Mike Vanliew |
This year we welcome keynote speaker David Pitonyak, Behavior Specialist and Director at Imagine; and Melody Musgrove, Ed.D: Co-Director of Graduate Center for the Study of Early Learning at University of Mississippi, former OSEP Director. Both are also offering workshops during the conference in addition to their keynote addresses.
Activist, father, and musician Keith Jones will be joining us again this year to present workshops on intersectionality of race and disability.
Amber Smock, Activist and Director of Advocacy at Access Living in Chicago, will be presenting a workshop to Social Justice Youth Group members.
Register now for the Think College Coalition Master Session on Friday, April 20th (the day before the conference), to receive a full day of info about college opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities.
If you have skills training built into your K Plan, the All Born (In) Conference registration fee can possibly be covered through K Plan under ‘family training’. Call your case manager for more information.
NWDSA is an approved vendor for the ABI Conference with Washington, Clackamas, Lane, and Multnomah Counties. If you are in an Oregon county outside that area, just let us know and we will send a vendor packet to you.
“What makes All Born (In) unique (in my opinion the best anywhere) is its cross disability emphasis and alliance with self advocacy. It is what real community organizing looks like!”
"Hearing All Born (In) speakers lay out all the arguments [we] have used this year, seeing the research to support those arguments in plain pixels on the screen, being reminded that life is so much more the PTOTSPEECH, that this is real, vital, true HARD WORK every step of the way, that there are teachers and administrators and employers and more who get it. My kids — all kids –deserve more and better. And we will move forever forward."
"Look at how many MORE people are learning how to write successful IEPs this year. Education is so important!"
"A dynamic, powerful day!"
"The power of family and educators working together"
"Choices of sessions were great and covered so many levels and needs"
"Amazing...teachers, policy makers, parents, self-advocates all working towards a common goal of belonging for everyone"
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Multnomah County David Dougals School District |
United Cerebral Palsy FACT Or |
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