24^th Annual Development Disabilities Awareness Day (DD Day!!) Moves

 To Niagara Falls Conference Center

On Thursday, May 24^th 2012, the 24^th Annual Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day moves to The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls in Niagara Falls, NY.  With the change, convention attendees and exhibitors will be able to take advantage of the centers: one level floor plan, modern amenities, accessibility features, technology and breakout rooms for workshops and seminars.  Professionals from many different area agencies that specialize in services for people with developmental disabilities and similar health related industries will be on hand to provide guidance, literature, and general information about services that the organizations or businesses provide.

The convention, also commonly known as DDDAY!!, has long been a staple of the WNY developmentally disabled community, bringing together local and regional agencies, industry connected vendors and suppliers, direct support professionals and the individuals that all of these groups support.  The conference is the largest one of its kind in the United States and has been growing bigger and more sophisticated with every year.  30 one-hour workshops are planned for 2012 and the debut of the new www.ddday.org website will serve as a one-stop location for registration and information on the conference.  Tickets are available at three levels, with more than 150 free scholarship tickets available for people who qualify.  Luncheon ($20.00) and workshop only tickets ($12.00) are also available.

This year, the keynote speaker will be the Oprah Winfrey’s OWN Network star, Zach Anner.  Zach has a condition known as cerebral palsy, which he calls the "sexiest of the palsies."

The Kenmore, NY native won a competition that was held as the OWN network debuted and now stars in "Rollin' With Zach."  In the show, he travels the country, pushing his limits as he tries everything from surfing to rock climbing.  And when things don't go as planned, Zach embraces the problem with his sharp sense of humor and a positive attitude, because he believes life is an adventure and sometimes you just have to "roll with it.”

Several awards for personal achievement, direct service provider of the year, community service of the year and caregiver of the year are presented at the convention’s luncheon.  Awards are presented to professionals, organizations and individuals with developmental disabilities.  The awards luncheon is emceed by a local celebrity, and in years past, sportscaster John Murphy has lent his talents to the convention.  It is expected that Mr. Murphy will again oversee the awards ceremony.

Rounding out the day’s attractions and festivities are an art show featuring artwork from local artists with disabilities, entertainment all day long, consisting of a wide array of talents from individuals from musical performances to spoken word to dance.

The convention runs from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012.  Tickets and more information are available through the www.ddday.org website.