Special Show 2006, sponsored by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE), Special Education Unit, will be held at the Hot Springs Convention Center on July 26, 27, and 28 of 2006. This conference is held every other year and has grown to be one of the largest education conferences in the state and region.
This year’s Special Show will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and will focus on the role of technology in education and the provision of related services to students with disabilities. A special hands-on Showcase will be held on Thursday, July 27th, with a number of the technology vendors conducting training demonstrations with the latest products available on the market.
Harvey Alston, a nationally known motivational speaker at education conferences, will deliver the keynote address at the opening session. Others on the program include Dr. T. Kenneth James, Arkansas Commissioner of Education, and Marcia Harding, Associate Director, Special Education. Frank Winstead will give the closing address as participants celebrate the anniversary of IDEA and the teaching profession.
For the first time, participants can pre-register for the sessions. Complete pre-registration/registration information can be found on the ADE Special Education website, http://arksped.k12.ar.us . Registrants will need to download and print the registration materials, complete the registration information, select a first and second choice for each of the sessions, enclose a check of $100 per participant, and mail the registration materials and check(s) to the Convention Bureau in Hot Springs. The registration fee will increase to $125 per person after July 14, 2006. Purchase orders will not be accepted for participant registration. On-site registration will also be available.
This will be an outstanding conference for teachers, administrators, parents, personnel providing related services, and others interested or involved in the education of students with disabilities. If additional information is needed, please contact Tom Hicks at thicks@arkedu.k12.ar.us or call him at 501-682-4221.