Friday, March 14, 2025

Family Connection SC, 2025 Hopes and Dreams Conference

The 2025 Hopes & Dreams Conference
Thursday, March 27th
R2i2 Conference Center, Columbia SC
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Family Connection's Hopes & Dreams Conference is only two weeks away! If you have already registered--thank you--we can't wait to share this day of learning and collaboration with you! If you have not registered yet, it’s not too late! Professionals, don't forget we are offering CEU credits again this year!

Meet Our Keynote Speakers!

Tanner Smith, a graduate of ClemsonLIFE who is part of the cast of Love on The Spectrum series. We can't wait to see Tanner and his mom Nicci's presentation: "Finding Joy in the Journey"!

Amy Nelson, award winning author of Every Bunny Can Learn and self-proclaimed "Quirky Kid". Amy champions neurodiversity and inclusion with unmatched expertise and authenticity in her exciting presentation.

We also have 15 workshop sessions this year, covering a variety of topics!

Sessions Include:

Decoding TEFRA & SSI: The Roadmap to Eligibility

Presented By: Amber Lydford, Beverly Harper, and Cortney Heuer

South Carolina Law for Families

Presented By: Kirby Mitchell

Empowered Parents, Stronger Schools: Leading Change in Special Education

Presented By: Dr. Nicole Adams

Guardianship and Alternatives

Presented By: Anna Maria Connor

Your Voice Matters: Let’s Advocate for Kids

Presented By: Deborah DePaoli and Citaly Rojo

Neurodivergent Play! A Different Way

Presented By: Amy Nelson

Hot Topics in Education Policy

Presented By: Jennifer Rainville

DDSN 101: Overview of Department of Disabilities and Special Needs

Presented By: Stephanie Turner

Bridging Supports: What You Need to Know about Transition from Part C to Part B

Presented By: Jennifer Buster and Sherri Evans

Life Care Planning: Making the Future More Secure for your Dependent

Presented By: Doug Vogel

Independent Living: Planning for the Future

Presented By: Hannah Mathis and Cindy Tomlinson

Educational Success for Students Experiencing Homelessness

Presented By: Birley Wright and Kimberly Humphrey

Exclusionary Discipline Practices in Early Childhood

Presented By: Heather Googe and Keri Wikel

Primary Care Management of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Presented By: Dr. Shawna McCafferty

March Into Spring With These School Tips

Presented By: Dr. Susan Thomas

Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are still available. See details here.

Thank you to our supporters and sponsors:
The South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council Developmental Disabilities Council, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, DentaQuest, SC Department of Public Health, SC Department of Education, the SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Healthy Connections BabyNet, South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Healthy Connections Medicaid, ABS Kids, Little Johnny, Abacus Planning Group, Transition Alliance of SC (TASC), Springbrook Behavioral Health, Hidden Talents ABA, and HealthLinks Magazine.