The BE REAL Experience is a two-and-a-half-day conference for children with disabilities (ages twelve and older) and their parents. Youth attendees will learn social and life skills such as:
• The history of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Self-advocacy
• Secondary school and college options
• Communication skills
• Employment exploration
• Financial management
• Other skills
Upon arrival, each child will be given a pre-determined life scenario based on a survey filled out prior to the weekend. Through role-playing, they will perform tasks or attend educational sessions to complete life milestones such as interviewing for a job, learning about post educational opportunities available to them, getting married, and having a child. Throughout the weekend, they will develop problem-solving skills in the form of chance situations presented that can affect their life journey—either positively or negatively—all while learning how all their decisions affect their success in life.
On the final day, parents can attend sessions to learn more about resources, services, and other educational topics to help them better help their child. The conference provides opportunities for both groups to learn in a welcoming environment while networking with other like-minded individuals. Presenters are all professionals with various abilities and are from a wide range of backgrounds. Currently, this event takes place annually in Nashville, Tennessee, and we hope to expand it to other states. You can bet this is a one-of-a-kind, life-changing experience. Together, we all work together to promote a prosperous future!