• Overview

• Program

• Presentations

Program

Keynote Speakers     Special Session     Final Agenda (PDF: 1147kb)      Organizations

Barbara Bowman: Early Education Leader, National Treasure

Barbara Bowman, Chief Officer of Chicago Public Schools' Office of Early Childhood Education, is considered a "national treasure" in U.S. education. Bowman is an award-winning early childhood education expert/advocate, professor, and author. Her areas of expertise include early childhood care/education, educational equity for minority and low-income children, as well as intergenerational family support and roles. She has served on several boards and was the co-founder of the Erikson Institute, where she pioneered the teaching of early childhood education and administration. Bowman was recently honored by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius for her work to promote higher education among those who care for young children and for her early education advocacy. From the Illinois State House to the White House, President Barack Obama has relied on Bowman's counsel on important education issues over the years.

Ann Turnbull: A Pioneer for Individuals and Families with Disabilities

Ann Turnbull has been a professor, teacher, researcher, and advocate for individuals with disabilities, their families, and service providers for more than 35 years. Recognized by National Historic Preservation Trust on Mental Retardation as one of 36 individuals who made the most significant contributions to changing the course of history in mental retardation during the 20th Century, Turnbull has devoted her career to bridging the gap between academic studies and the real-world, 24/7 needs of families and individuals. She is the Co-Director of the Beach Center on Disability, an organization dedicated to making a significant and sustainable difference in the quality of life of families and individuals affected by disability.