Supported by the 22q Deletion Syndrome Clinic at SickKids in Toronto, this parent-organized conference is designed to connect families whose lives have been touched by 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS).

Now in its fifth year, this annual conference aims to provide parents and families with information to help them:

Educate themselves
Advocate for their children
Navigate the syndrome and the systems (education, medical and social) that impact people with 22q11DS
This annual conference is run by parents of children with 22q11DS, which means the content has been informed by parents and families.

Presentation of the 2016 C.A.R.E award.[/caption]Our co-chairs are Christine MacDonald and Lorraine Sutherns, who received the 2016 SickKids C.A.R.E. award, presented by The Division of Clinical & Metabolic Genetics for dedication and commitment to raising Community Awareness, Resources and Empathy for 22q11DS.This year’s conference is themed ‘Education’. We are putting together a packed agenda that speaks to current issues facing families and individuals living with 22q11DS.
Keynote Speaker

Donna Cutler-Landsman
Donna Cutler-Landsman is an educational consultant, speaker, author and advocate who plans special education programs on behalf of children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and others with complicated learning needs. She is a retired educator who has spent 38 years in the classroom, teaching children in grades K through 8, and as an advisor to the gifted program in the Middleton Cross Plains Area School District in Wisconsin. In addition Donna has served as a cooperating teacher with the School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison for 15 years and has won an Excellence in Teaching Award in Economics Education. Since 1994, she has been actively involved with issues related to the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and education throughout the United States and abroad. Donna is past president and U.S. Regional Director of the Velo Cardio Facial Education Foundation, serves on the board of the 22q International Foundation, and consults for the 22q Family Foundation and for the VCFS Virtual Center. In 2008, she wrote the first book dealing with learning issues associated with the syndrome. The book, Educating Children with Velo Cardio Facial Syndrome, is now in its second edition. Donna has presented to groups throughout the U.S. and abroad on 22q11.2 issues and has also produced teacher-training webcasts and a book for children with special needs entitled, So, What’s the Difference. Donna’s website is www.cutlerlandsman.com.

If you’d like more information about the conference, please send us a message and we’ll get back to you.” Connect22qFamilies@rogers.com