Below is a select listing of upcoming events and conferences. For a complete listing, go to the NCHPAD calendar at http://www.ncpad.org/events/index.php.

Stakeholder Meetings, Interagency Committee on Disability Research (ICDR), August 13, 2008, Arlington, Virginia

Participate in person, by phone or via webcast in the following meeting:
Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 - 4 p.m. ET

The purpose of this event is to allow individuals with disabilities and their representatives the opportunity to suggest specific ways to improve future disability and rehabilitation research to benefit individuals with disabilities as well as share how well the existing federal research programs are responding to the changing needs of individuals with disabilities. For further information, please contact Carol Blachly at cblachly@cessi.net or go to http://www.icdr.us/stakeholders.

2008 Southwest Conference on Disability, October 1-3, 2008, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Early-bird registration ends September 8, 2008, for this conference featuring the following topic themes: Opening Opportunities, Supporting Wounded Warriors, Meeting the Needs of Veterans with Disabilities, Support for At-Risk Families When Parents Have Cognitive Disabilities, Transition to Work for Youth with Disabilities, and Brain Injury.

For more information, go to http://cdd.unm.edu/swconf/index.asp or contact 505-272-6247.

National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS), November 12-14, 2008, Alexandria, Virginia

Registration is now open for this annual conference themed, "Constructing the New Paradigm: Responding to Demographic and Economic Realities."

For more information, go to http://www.nasddds.org/Meetings/2008_Annual_Conference/index.shtml or call (703) 683-4202.

Young Women's Program, Initiative for Women with Disabilities (IWD), Elly and Steve Hammerman Health and Wellness Center, NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York City

The Young Women's Program is a health and wellness program offering comprehensive medical, gynecology, health and wellness services for girls and women (ages 14-21) with physical disabilities. It instills healthy lifestyle habits through classes, workshops, and experiences including: Fitness (Cardio Blast, Yoga, Hip Hop Dance, Tai Chi, Belly Dancing), Nutrition, Expressive Arts, Beauty, and Wellness (Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, Reflexology, Reiki, Horticulture).

For more information, go to www.IWDWellness.org or contact Judith Goldberg, Director,
Initiative for Women with Disabilities, at 212-598-6429 or judith.goldberg@nyumc.org.

Call for Inclusive Play Workgroup Committee Members, Advisors & Participants

Announcing the Inclusive Fitness Coalition's Inclusive Play Workgroup! Amy Jaffe Barzach, Founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of Boundless Playgrounds has been appointed as the chairman of this workgroup. Currently the workgroup is seeking individuals to join our team as members, advisors or advocates of inclusive play.

Members and participants will collectively work to address features of play environments such as:

• Essential Inclusive Playground Elements
• Removal of Barriers
• Accessible Design Features

The workgroup will strive to increase awareness of the issues related to inclusive play environments and will champion programs that demonstrate excellence in these areas.

If you are interested in being considered for volunteer positions as workgroup members or advisors, please submit the following to jmadri1@uic.edu by August 20, 2008:

• Your name, affiliation, address, telephone, numbers & email.
• Why you are interested in serving.
• Your experience related to inclusive and/or universally accessible play environments.

If you have suggestions for what should be included in a checklist of 'essential inclusive playgrounds elements' (in addition to ADAAG), please send them to this same email address.

Exploratory conference calls will be scheduled on August 21st and September 4th at 12 noon ET. People who submit the above to jmadri1@uic.edu will receive phone number and codes to participate in the conference call(s). We look forward to hearing from you.

Pediatric and Adult Aquatic Therapy, RIC, Chicago, Illinois, September 11-12, 2008

This course is intended to educate physical and occupational therapy professionals in strategies that incorporate aquatic therapy as an intervention in order to achieve lumbar stabilization, or aid in functional mobility and development.

For more information, go to www.ricacademy.com or call 800-354-REHAB.

National Conference on Disability Inclusion & National Service: Acting Today to Shape the Future, October 16-18, 2008, Alexandria, Virginia

This event invites the national service and disability communities to convene in a setting that fosters the development of innovative ideas and strong partnerships.

For information regarding registration, becoming an exhibitor or workshop presenter, visit http://www.serviceandinclusion.org or contact (888) 491-0326.