The 9th Annual Breaking Barriers, Life Beyond Labels Conference will take place on Tuesday, April 21st at the Deschutes County Expo Center in Redmond. Guided by a vision for an inclusive community where barriers don’t exist and labels such as disability have no meaning, this conference brings together over 500 participants to learn, connect, and inspire change.
This year’s keynote speaker is Cainan Molzer, a self-advocate based in Southern Oregon who is dedicated to advancing inclusion, independence, and opportunity for people with disabilities. He attends Rogue Community College and volunteers at his local church. Cainan serves as an appointed member of the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities and is a member of the Jackson County Self-Advocates group. He is a graduate of Partners in Policymaking through Disability Rights Oregon. Cainan is passionate about using his voice to advocate for himself and others, believing that everyone deserves the support and respect needed to live a full and successful life.
The conference will feature 31 dynamic breakout sessions on topics such as positive behavior support, future career exploration, artificial intelligence, collaborative problem solving, understanding Social Security Administration and how to apply and self-care strategies. Attendees will also have access to the largest disability resource fair ever held in Oregon, with 75 exhibitors providing tools, programs, and services to support people with disabilities and their families.
In addition to a full day of learning and connection, participants will have the chance to win from over 20 amazing raffle baskets, generously donated by community partners and supporters.
Made possible by over 20 local and state partners, including Full Access High Desert, Central Oregon Disability Support Network (CODSN), Oregon Health Authority, Office of Developmental Disability Services, Best Care, High Desert ESD, Connections NW, Fact Oregon, Premier Community Supports, Essential Services, Cody’s Country Catering, and Deschutes County, the conference is open to the public and welcomes people with disabilities, families, educators, and service providers.
