Please join on April 7 & 8 for Special Needs Network's Legislative Breakfast, and Free Advocacy and Autism Conference.

On day 1, key legislators will help us make sense of the new administration's proposed polices on education, healthcare, immigration and cuts to programs for the arts, Meals on Wheels, minority business programs and other critical services at the annual Legislative Breakfast and Advocate Summit.

On day 2, we provide 18 free workshops that are critical to help families preserve safety net services for kids and adults with autism and related disorders.

Please share with professionals, parents and advocates.

Registration is now open. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tools-for-transformation-11-conference-regi...

The First 100 Days: Standing Together to Protect the Rights of Children and Families.
A Special Convening of National and Local Elected Officials, Activists, Strategists,
Grassroots Leaders and Parent Advocates

The largest conference of its kind in Los Angeles, Tools for Transformation brings together renowned experts in medicine, law, education, and advocacy to provide families with cutting edge information and resources on national and state immigration, education, health care and disability policies. This is a MUST ATTEND conference for parents and professionals in the autism, developmental and learning disabilities, mental health, education, social justice and advocacy communities.

The conference includes 18 workshops and seminars led by recognized experts; an advanced advocates' summit; plenary session; networking reception; and an award luncheon which recognizes an outstanding student who has beaten the odds to achieve education and/or career success. A health and education resource fair provides families the opportunity to connect with experts, service providers, disability rights attorneys, and other special needs professionals.

Day 1: Sponsored by Special Needs Network, Brotherhood Crusade, St. John's Well Child and Family Center and Community Coalition

Spanish Interpreters Available / Interpretación al Español Disponibles

Friday, April 07, 2017

The California African American Museum, Exposition Park
600 State Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037

7:30 am --Registration and Breakfast Served

8:30 am --Legislative Breakfast and Chairs’ Forum

A community convening on national and state immigration, education, healthcare and social justice policies that impact you, your family and your community; and a Chairs’ issues forum featuring candidates for Chair of the California Democratic Party and the recently elected Chair of the Californian Republican Party (invited).

Keynote Speakers: Hon. Karen Bass, Hon. Holly Mitchell and Hon. Mark Ridley-Thomas

Chairs’ Forum

An issues forum and discussion with the candidates for chair of the California Democratic Party and the recently elected chair of the California Republican Party on the most pressing issues facing the state.

Eric Bauman
Vice Chair of the California Democratic Party and Chair of the Los Angeles Democratic Party

Kimberly Ellis
Recording Secretary for the African American Caucus of the California Democratic Party

Jim Brulte

State Senator (Ret.), Chair of the California Republican Party (invited), but declined invitation.

11:15 am --Break

11:30 am --Town Hall: Help End Disparities in Regional Center Spending

Keynote Speaker: Hon. Sebastian Ridley-Thomas

12:30 to 1:30 pm --Lunch Break (Non-hosted)

1:30 to 5:00 pm -- Advocates' Summit

A Primer for Action for Activists, Advocates and Grassroots Organizers on Critical Issues Impacting Immigration, Education, Social Justice Policies

Participate in interactive workshops, get a current assessment of the nation’s and state’s most pressing issues, learn key organizing strategies, and help craft an action plan to preserve the safety network for your community and constituents.

5:00 to 6:30 pm --Advocates' Wine and Cheese Reception