State systems of services for people with developmental disabilities are changing rapidly in response to calls from people with disabilities, families, and policymakers for a greater variety of flexible, self-directed alternatives for support and assistance. The shift toward consumer-controlled, community-based services is being fueled in part by a range of new federal proposals accompanying the New Freedom Initiative, Real Choice System Change projects, and Independence Plus waivers.

The title of the 2003 Reinventing Quality Conference is "A 21st Century Architecture for Quality: Building for the Future." The following themes will be explored: methods of integrating the rapidly developing technology into developmental disability service delivery; approaches to collecting, managing, and using information effectively; and how information can be made available and accessible to consumers and families so that they can make their own decisions regarding service quality during periods of fiscal restraint, budget cuts, and economic downturns. Sessions will additionally identify specific initiatives that are effective at the local level to increase consumer and parent control.

This intensive, two-day conference will be held July 30 - August 1 at the Holiday Inn Metrodome in the heart of Minneapolis.

Call 703-683-4202 or access http://www.ncpad.org/665/2792/2003-07-01 for additional information.