September 4-6, 2008 - National Lifespan Respite Conference - Embassy Suites Des Moines, Des Moines, Iowa. The 2008 National Respite Conference attracts respite professionals, advocates, families and consumers from around the United States and provides an opportunity to come together in an effort to find better solutions to meet the needs of caregivers in our communities, states and in the nation. This year's conference is based on the theme “ Home Grown, Cultivating Cargivers.”

September 4-7, 2008 - Self Advocates Becomming Empowered 2008 - Indianapolis Marriot Downtown, Indianapolis, Indiana. Don't miss out on being a part of the largest gathering of self-advocates in the country!

September 18-20, 2008 - NCaeyc Annual Study Conference - Koury Convention Center, Greensboro, NC. The North Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children (NCaeyc) promotes excellence in care, education and services for all children, birth through age eight. NCaeyc is committed to supporting programs and professionals serving young children and their families.

September 19, 2008 - Autism Today: Crossing Bridges Despite Challenges - Benton Convention Center, Winston-Salem, NC. This conference is a response to this emerging health crisis and the growing needs of caregivers and consumers impacted by autism. National and international presenters, including Temple Grandin PhD, will provide workshops focusing on cutting edge research, treatment updates, resources, and empowerment.This workshop should be of interest to all professionals working with persons on the Autism Spectrum and their families including mental health, allied health, nurses, public health, licensed professional counselors, pastoral counselors, pharmacists, professionals in training, consumers and family members.

September 25, 2008 - Good for Me, Good for You - Victory Junction Camp, Randleman, NC. The North Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children (NCaeyc) promotes excellence in care, education and services for all children, birth through age eight. NCaeyc is committed to supporting programs and professionals serving young children and their families.

October 18 , 2008 - New Horizons Symposium 2008 - UNC Charlotte Cone University Center, Charlotte, NC. Down Syndrome Association of Charlotte. Sponsored by the North Carolina Respite Care Coalition. The focus is to share the value of respite care for its benefits to individuals, primary caregivers and the community. The NCRCC conference will include exemplary programs from the national and local levels. Do not miss this chance to experience the “best of the best” and to capture new ideas to grow respite.

December 3-6, 2008 - 33rd Annual Tash Conference  - Nashville Convention Center and Renaissance Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee. This year's theme is Social Justice in the 21st Century: achieving the full and equal participation of every member of society in a way that is shaped to meet each member's unique needs. Social justice provides a vision that all members are valued, physically and psychologically safe, and enjoy all aspects of life in their community. We achieve social justice for people who have significant disabilities in a variety of ways. This year's TASH conference will focus on the issues and trends in today's world as they relate to the bringing about social justice for people who have significant disabilities and their families.

December 8, 2008 - 20th Annual Leo M. Croghan Conference on Developmental Disabilities - Sheraton Imperial Hotel & Convention Center, RTP This conference is presented to commemorate the dedication and commitment to children with developmentally disabilities and their families exemplified by Dr. Croghan's life work. The conference will feature information for parents and professionals concerned with the care and development of young children including infant mental health, early identification and intervention in Autism, family support, and prematurity.