ABOUT RISE
An unparalleled conference experience tailored for special needs families, where support, education, and connection come together in a truly unique setting.
The RISE Summit is meticulously designed for families and caregivers committed to the well-being of their loved ones with disabilities. In a unique approach, this Summit will support caregivers of individuals with any disability. Elevating the experience, nationally recognized experts will share their insights, offering a diverse range of crucial discussions on up-to-date information and best practices in the field. This Summit not only serves as an invaluable source of knowledge but also provides families with a unique opportunity to connect and build a supportive community with others who share similar journeys.
What will can Summit Attendees expect? The conference will have nine breakout sessions, which will cover whole-life topics such as but not limited to:
WHAT RISE SUPPORTS
RISE Summit will not only support the families in attendance of the Summit, but will also serve as a fundraiser for Puzzle Pieces, an Owensboro-based nonprofit that serves more than 400 clients with intellectual disabilities. Through social and vocational programs, residential living, behavioral services, supported employment and the region’s only targeted autism programming, Puzzle Pieces mission is to create independent, meaningful lives for those with disabilities.
WHAT MAKES THIS SUMMIT UNIQUE
WHOLE-LIFE APPROACH
The Summit will emphasize a comprehensive perspective on topics relevant to families raising children or adults with disabilities, transcending specific disability categories.
DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES
Panels will feature insights not only from experts in the field but also from siblings and fellow parents, providing a well-rounded understanding of the challenges faced by families.
COMMUNITY BUILDING
The Summit will facilitate social gatherings, fostering connections among parents and caregivers, creating a supportive network akin to a village.
ACCESSIBLE CHILDCARE
Specialized and trained childcare services will be provided, tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities, enabling parents and caregivers to actively participate in Summit sessions.
KEYNOTE EXCELLENCE
The Summit will feature keynote speaker Kate Swenson, a best-selling author, whose compelling insights will draw attendees from afar, enriching the Summit experience and inspiring meaningful connections within the community.
The RISE Summit is meticulously designed for families and caregivers committed to the well-being of their loved ones with disabilities. In a unique approach, this Summit will support caregivers of individuals with any disability. Elevating the experience, nationally recognized experts will share their insights, offering a diverse range of crucial discussions on up-to-date information and best practices in the field. This Summit not only serves as an invaluable source of knowledge but also provides families with a unique opportunity to connect and build a supportive community with others who share similar journeys.
What will can Summit Attendees expect? The conference will have nine breakout sessions, which will cover whole-life topics such as but not limited to:
- Building Social Skills
- Emotional Well-Being for Caregivers
- Transition Planning for Adulthood
- Coping Strategies While Managing Challenging Behaviors
- Advocacy Skills Workshop
- Assistive Technology for Daily Living
- Employment: Preparing, Executing & Finding the Best Job
- Early Intervention: The keys to successful transition from home to school
- Life Planning Strategy
WHAT RISE SUPPORTS
RISE Summit will not only support the families in attendance of the Summit, but will also serve as a fundraiser for Puzzle Pieces, an Owensboro-based nonprofit that serves more than 400 clients with intellectual disabilities. Through social and vocational programs, residential living, behavioral services, supported employment and the region’s only targeted autism programming, Puzzle Pieces mission is to create independent, meaningful lives for those with disabilities.
WHAT MAKES THIS SUMMIT UNIQUE
WHOLE-LIFE APPROACH
The Summit will emphasize a comprehensive perspective on topics relevant to families raising children or adults with disabilities, transcending specific disability categories.
DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES
Panels will feature insights not only from experts in the field but also from siblings and fellow parents, providing a well-rounded understanding of the challenges faced by families.
COMMUNITY BUILDING
The Summit will facilitate social gatherings, fostering connections among parents and caregivers, creating a supportive network akin to a village.
ACCESSIBLE CHILDCARE
Specialized and trained childcare services will be provided, tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities, enabling parents and caregivers to actively participate in Summit sessions.
KEYNOTE EXCELLENCE
The Summit will feature keynote speaker Kate Swenson, a best-selling author, whose compelling insights will draw attendees from afar, enriching the Summit experience and inspiring meaningful connections within the community.
MEET THE SPEAKERS
Kate Swenson
Influencer, Author | Minnesota Finding Cooper’s Voice • 1 million+ followers Through her widely acclaimed blog, Finding Cooper's Voice, Kate Swenson has become a beacon of hope and solace for hundreds of thousands of parents navigating the journey of raising children with Autism. Her memoir, "Forever Boy," has not only touched hearts but also ascended to best-seller status. Boasting a social media following exceeding a million, Kate's impactful presence extends to hosting sold-out Summits and caregiver retreats annually. Beyond this, she is the visionary founder of More Than Project, a nonprofit dedicated to providing support to caregivers worldwide. Kate Swenson's influence transcends boundaries, creating ripples of positive change in the lives of countless families. Amanda DeLuca
Master IEP Coach | Ohio Advocate Out Loud • 5K+ followers Amanda DeLuca is a dedicated advocate specializing in IEP (Individualized Education Program) Advocacy Services, offering insightful Parent & Professional IEP Workshops, and providing expert Special Education Consulting. Her mission is to empower parents, equipping them with confidence and collaborative strategies as they navigate the IEP process and work effectively with their special education teams. Notably, Amanda is also the co-founder of the More Than Project, a nonprofit initiative committed to offering crucial support to caregivers worldwide. Her multifaceted contributions aim to enhance the lives of families and caregivers, fostering a more informed and empowered community. |
RISE SUMMIT SCHEDULE
Friday, October 25, 2024
VIP Package
10 - 11:30 a.m.
Small group tours of Puzzle Pieces
11:30 - 1:30
Lunch on own
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Q&A Panel with Puzzle Pieces Directors
2:30 - 3:15 p.m.
Gratitude Journaling Workshop Class
3:15 - 5 p.m.
Explore Downtown Owensboro & Meet Families
5 - 9:15 p.m.
Rise & Connect: Sibling Panel + Kate Swenson Q&A (If this is all you are interested in, Rise & Connect is available for separate purchase at $99.)
Rise & Connect: Sibling Panel + Kate Swenson Q&A
5 - 6:30 p.m.
Cocktail & Appetizers at Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum
6:30 - 7:15 p.m.
Amanda Owen, Mini-Keynote on Sibling Perspective
7:15 - 8 p.m.
Sibling Panel
8 - 8:45 p.m.
Intimate Q&A with Keynote Kate Swenson of Finding Cooper’s Voice
8:45 - 9:15 p.m.
Book Signing with Kate Swenson
Saturday, October 26, 2024
RISE Summit 2024
7:45 a.m.
Childcare drop off at Puzzle Pieces (optional, no additional cost)
7:30 - 8:30 a.m
Registration
8:30 a.m.
Breakfast
9 a.m.
Keynote presentation from bestselling author Kate Swenson of Finding Cooper’s Voice
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Breakout sessions, which will cover whole-life topics from experts in the special needs field
12 - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch and Vendor Exhibits; Kate Swenson will be available for book signing
1:45 - 3:45 p.m.
Breakout sessions, which will cover whole-life topics from experts in the special needs field
4 p.m.
Closing
4:45
Must have your child picked up by 4:45 p.m.
Caregiver’s Night Out
6 - 8 p.m.
More in-depth conversation about topics that resonate with your daily challenges, share uplifting stories of resilience, and foster connections that extend beyond the conference setting. Share a meal with fellow caregivers and learn from each other as well as experts that lead the conversation.
VIP Package
10 - 11:30 a.m.
Small group tours of Puzzle Pieces
11:30 - 1:30
Lunch on own
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Q&A Panel with Puzzle Pieces Directors
2:30 - 3:15 p.m.
Gratitude Journaling Workshop Class
3:15 - 5 p.m.
Explore Downtown Owensboro & Meet Families
5 - 9:15 p.m.
Rise & Connect: Sibling Panel + Kate Swenson Q&A (If this is all you are interested in, Rise & Connect is available for separate purchase at $99.)
Rise & Connect: Sibling Panel + Kate Swenson Q&A
5 - 6:30 p.m.
Cocktail & Appetizers at Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum
6:30 - 7:15 p.m.
Amanda Owen, Mini-Keynote on Sibling Perspective
7:15 - 8 p.m.
Sibling Panel
8 - 8:45 p.m.
Intimate Q&A with Keynote Kate Swenson of Finding Cooper’s Voice
8:45 - 9:15 p.m.
Book Signing with Kate Swenson
Saturday, October 26, 2024
RISE Summit 2024
7:45 a.m.
Childcare drop off at Puzzle Pieces (optional, no additional cost)
7:30 - 8:30 a.m
Registration
8:30 a.m.
Breakfast
9 a.m.
Keynote presentation from bestselling author Kate Swenson of Finding Cooper’s Voice
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Breakout sessions, which will cover whole-life topics from experts in the special needs field
12 - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch and Vendor Exhibits; Kate Swenson will be available for book signing
1:45 - 3:45 p.m.
Breakout sessions, which will cover whole-life topics from experts in the special needs field
4 p.m.
Closing
4:45
Must have your child picked up by 4:45 p.m.
Caregiver’s Night Out
6 - 8 p.m.
More in-depth conversation about topics that resonate with your daily challenges, share uplifting stories of resilience, and foster connections that extend beyond the conference setting. Share a meal with fellow caregivers and learn from each other as well as experts that lead the conversation.
CHILDCARE
In an effort to support caregivers and their unique needs, RISE Summit will provide specialized childcare services so that parents can attend the conference. This will be held off-site at Puzzle Pieces, the disability service hosting the conference. The care will be provided by Direct Support Professionals services who are trained to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.
By offering professional childcare services, we not only empower parents and caregivers to actively engage in conference sessions but also acknowledge the diverse needs of our attendees.
This amenity is free, but space is limited.
Are you interested in childcare services while attending RISE 2024? Fill out the Childcare Profile Application.
By filling out this application, you are providing information that can help us ensure the comfort and safety of your loved one. Childcare is not guaranteed and will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
By offering professional childcare services, we not only empower parents and caregivers to actively engage in conference sessions but also acknowledge the diverse needs of our attendees.
This amenity is free, but space is limited.
Are you interested in childcare services while attending RISE 2024? Fill out the Childcare Profile Application.
By filling out this application, you are providing information that can help us ensure the comfort and safety of your loved one. Childcare is not guaranteed and will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Downtown Owensboro Waterfront
The Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Downtown Owensboro Waterfront is an upscale, newly developed hotel located in the heart of vibrant Downtown Owensboro, overlooking the panoramic Ohio River. This hotel is conveniently located next to to the Owensboro Convention Center. Many Owensboro attractions are just a few steps away, including the Bluegrass Hall of Fame, Smothers Park and over 20 restaurants. |
Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront
The Holiday Inn – Owensboro Riverfront is located on the banks of the Ohio River next door to the Owensboro Convention Center, just a short walk away from attractions, shopping, dining, and nightlife in the vibrant river walk scene. The hotel boasts a full-service restaurant and catering service, provided by Burger Theory, and an outdoor living space that offers a spectacular riverbank experience. |
RISE SUMMIT DETAILS
Ticket Descriptions
RISE Summit 2024 Full Schedule
About Owensboro
Hotel Recommendations
Disability Services in Owensboro - coming soon
RISE Summit 2024 Full Schedule
About Owensboro
Hotel Recommendations
Disability Services in Owensboro - coming soon