2. Welcome Professionals: Teachers D/HH, Teachers D/B, Vocational Rehabilitations Counselors, Administrators, Educational Audiologists, Speech Language Pathologists, Educational Interpreters, Intervenors, Transliterators, Deaf mentors, D/HH Role Models, Social Workers, Psychologists, Professors, Specialists Anna Paulson Coordinator of Educational Advancements and Partnerships Jason Valentine Bren Ackerson Commission for Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans Co-Chairs

3. Commission of Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans Founded in 1985 15 Governor Appointed Members 8 Regional Advisory Members, 7 at- large Over half must be deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing

4. Commission of Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans- Governor appointed Commission works with the community (you) to: Identify barriers to equal opportunity Develop public policy solutions Empower by building community capacity Advocate for solutions through civic engagement

5. Every five years develop a statewide strategic plan: Improving Education outcomes is one of five strategic goals for 2014-2019: Advocate for and support quality, culturally and linguistically appropriate, evidence-based services for all MN children and families. Advance legislation that provides a framework for academic placement, communication centered IEPs and high standards for staff to provide culturally appropriate instruction in all modalities. Host, support, implement and evaluate the MN Collaborative Outcomes Education Plan.

6. Symposium Goals Provide opportunities for professionals from diverse disciplines, regions, districts and agencies to collaborate, learn and apply evidenced based research and practice. To support the Collaborative Outcomes Plan: Maximizing and Monitoring Learner Progress for Children who are Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing and their Families 1.All young children begin kindergarten with communication, social, and early literacy skills. All families will receive the supports they need to help their children develop and learn. 2.Children and youth K-8 who are deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing will be prepared to live independently as adults. 3.Students (9th Grade to Graduation) will maximize their potential and involvement in the areas of employment, education and training, and independent living.

7. Oh yeah….and to have fun!

8. Sponsorship Levels: Platinum Level: up to $100,000 Commission for Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans Gold Level: up to $30,000 Your Registration Fees Silver Level: from $500 - $1500 University of Minnesota- D/HH Teacher Preparation Program Department of Health – EHDI Program Vocational Rehabilitation Services MED EL (cochlear implant company) Minnesota State Academies Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services – DHS Bronze- $150 each $3,000 total Exhibitors

9. Thank you: Exhibitors Advanced Bionics Camp Sertoma CaptionCall CSD Deaf Mentor Family Program D/HH Role Model Program DEED-Vocational Rehabilitation services DHS - DHHS MDH- EHDI MED EL MN Hands and Voices MN State Academies ICan Connect Vector MN Deaf/Blind Project MEC St Catherine’s University State Services for the Blind (SSB) Therapeutic Services Thomas Nechodomu U of MN Volunteers of America

10. University of Minnesota Student Volunteers Maria Daniel Shelbee Jaeger Kimberly Lucken Joseph Rodekuhr Gabriela Kubick Baris Kosretas Susan Rose Joyce Daugaard

11. Access Teams TEAM Gina Alvarado Amy Amundsen Susan Boinis Phyllis Genest-Stein Patty Gordon Lauri Krouse Darlene Snelson Carrie Wilbert Interpreter Coordinator Sharisse Leier Certified Deaf Interpreters Emory Dively Shawn Vriezen Captionist Paradigm

12. 2016 Planning Committee Sarah Arana Nicole Brown Mary Cashman-Bakken Jay Fehrman Danelle Gournaris Michele Isham Katy Kelley Elise Knopf Sharisse Leier Cathy Lyle Jody Olson Brooke Peterson Melissa Sweetmilk Commission Board Members: Brenda Ackerson, Emily Smith-Lundberg

13. Poll Everywhere If you have the app – sign in with annapaulson895 Or text 22333 and write annapaulson895 in the message box. Wait for Welcome Message

17. Session Evaluations http://tinyurl.com/2016CollabFeedback

20. Thank you to our sponsors!

21. ASL Features and Deaf Culture Session CODA Brothers Danelle Gournaris Tom and Carole Virnig