By Holly Renner
Reporter
It’s time for families with special needs children to band together once again.
The Children’s Special Needs Network, a nonprofit organization located in Belton, is hosting its 20th Annual InKidable Conference from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 13 at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
Early registration for the conference ends today. Those who do not make the deadline may also register from 8 to 9 a.m. at the door the day of the conference. The network aids families and professionals by providing services for children in Central Texas who are diagnosed with physical or psychological special needs. The conference will feature guest speaker Dr. Kristin Neff, an associate professor in human development and culture at the University of Texas at Austin.
Molly Clark, executive director for the Special Needs Network, said a parent suggested Neff speak because she thought other families could benefit from her message.
In addition, breakout sessions covering topics of interest to the special needs community will be held.
At 3 p.m. that day, a birthday celebration will be held in honor of the network’s 20th annual conference. Childcare will be provided for free during the conference, and arts and crafts activities will be provided for children. “Our goal is to help families network with each other, share experiences and share stories of their life dealing with the difficulties,” Clark said.
Admission is free to all families who have children with a chronic illness such as asthma or diabetes, children who have a mental illness and professors who work in the social work field, Clark said. Lunch will be served at the conference. Early registration can be completed at www.special-children.org.
