14th Annual Larry Bregman, M.D. Educational Series at Perimeter College

ATLANTA, (Jan. 12, 2007) - The 14th annual Larry Bregman, M.D. Educational Conference, chaired by Hilly Panovka and Tammy Bregman, will be held Saturday, March 10, and Sunday, March 11, 2007, at Georgia Perimeter College in Dunwoody.

   This year’s conference theme, “Can You Relate?” will focus on relationships. Parents and adults with developmental disabilities are all concerned about relationships. The conference addresses relationships in the broad sense, including: parent to child; parent to caregiver; male to female; friend to friend; co-worker to co-worker and even the relationships that are fostered to encourage governmental advocacy. 

   “I often hear these words used in what has become an all too common concern,” says Sheryl Arno, information and referral coordinator for Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS). “This series is greatly needed in the Atlanta community and provides invaluable information and support for adults with developmental disabilities and their families.”

   An estimated 400 people with developmental disabilities, their families/caregivers and professionals will kick off the series with a dance Saturday night at Georgia Perimeter College’s Dunwoody campus, sponsored by the Down Syndrome Association. The event continues on Sunday with a full day of programming and break out sessions. 

   This conference traditionally runs two tracks. The first track is for adults with developmental disabilities, and the second is for parents/caregivers. This year, the adult track will involve the entire group participating in one large session to discuss relationships in general. They will then break up into smaller groups, using the entire morning to stay focused on the theme. The adult afternoon sessions will consist of classes such as dance and jewelry making. The parent/caregiver track will focus entirely on relationships, beginning with the government and how to advocate for your child, and then moving on to adult children being in a relationship. This new format will lead to open discussions, providing interesting and informative knowledge.

   The annual Webb Award, named for Webb Spraetz, former director of the Coordinated Network for Developmental Disabilities, will be given to an individual, group or corporation who embodies the spirit of The Larry Bregman, M.D. Educational Series.

   For more information or to register for the conference, contact Paulette Acevedo or Sheryl Arno at 770.677.9379 or sarno@jfcs-atlanta.org, or visit www.bregman.org .