Information for people interested in speaking at DDNA 2009

DDNA invites all developmental disabilities nurses and other expert speakers on the care of persons with developmental disabilities to submit a proposal to present at the 2009 Annual Education Conference held May 9-12 in Orlando, Florida. We welcome proposals on topics in clinical practice, education, administration, research, patient education, and consultation in all practice areas of DD nursing. The focus of the presentations should be on innovative, practical approaches that can be used in a variety of DD settings. Among the presentations being sought are such topics as competency development, case management, clinical care, outcome measurements, nursing administration/staff development, client education, behavioral challenges, restraints, transition issues, disaster management, GERD/esophagitis, tuberculin skin testing in DD settings, sensory processing, hospice care for persons with DD, writing for publication, family supports, medication administration, management of constipation/bowel issues, seizure care, how to conduct research, and fostering positive and productive interdisciplinary relationships. Other topics related to the care and support of persons with developmental disabilities are also welcome. Presentations should have an interdisciplinary (nurse/family/client/other health professional) focus whenever possible.

The focus of DDNA 2009:

The 2009 conference will focus on innovative strategies in developmental disabilities nursing, with the goal of addressing challenges to be faced in the 21st century. The goals of the conference are to:

1. enhance the practice of developmental disabilities nurses to improve the quality of services provided to clients and their caregivers
2. formulate strategies to foster the role of the developmental disabilities nurse as client advocate and educator
3. prepare DD nurses for roles as clinicians, managers, educators and researchers through
   1. analysis of effective techniques for client education
   2. advances in research strategies and technologies
   3. creative strategies in managing and support clients
   4. identification of current and projected trends in the field of developmental disabilities
   5. application of research findings into practice
   6. identification of innovative concepts that can be applied to practice
4. to facilitate networking and mutual support among developmental disabilities nurses.

One presenter per concurrent session will receive a complimentary registration for the entire conference.

How to submit your application for speaking at DDNA 2009

We ask that all speaker presentation proposals be submitted online. If you are unable to submit a proposal online, please contact DDNA. By filling out the online submission form you have provided all information needed by the Conference Planning Committee and for DDNA to meet the requirements for continuing education for nurse attendees.

Click here to access and complete the online speaker presentation proposal.

Selection Criteria for Speakers:
The Conference Planning committee will review the outlines and narratives submitted for both general session and breakout session presentations based on the following criteria:

• clarity of the description of the content and presentation methods
• importance, depth, focus, level of audience interest
• applicability of the presentation to a variety of DD settings
• presenter's professional background and speaking experience
• absence of commercial content
• originality of topic/presentation (has not been presented at recent past DDNA conferences or at other major DD-related conferences)

The Review Process:

Upon receipt, presentation proposals will be reviewed by the Conference Planning Committee. The primary presenter will be notified of acceptance or rejection by October 30, 2008.

Suggest an Outstanding Expert Speaker:

DDNA welcomes suggestions for speakers. If you would like to recommend a speaker, please call DDNA Headquarters at (407)835-0642 between 9am and 5pm ET M-F, or contact us through the Contact page (click here). We would be pleased to follow up with the potential speaker, as appropriate.

Need Help Submitting a Presentation Proposal?

If you have any question related to submitting a speaker presentation proposal, please contact DDNA at (407)835-0642.

Your proposal must be received by DDNA Headquarters by October 9th.

We ask that all speaker presentation proposals be submitted online. If you are unable to submit a proposal online, please contact DDNA. By filling out the online submission form you have provided all information needed by the Conference Planning Committee and for DDNA to meet the requirements for continuing education for nurse attendees.