The Homeschooling Special Needs Expo is a two-day conference that features speakers who specialize in all manner of special needs to encourage and equip parents in homeschooling their children. It will also have exhibitors that focus on special needs of all kinds, plus a sensory room for children who need a stimulation break. The Expo will also have a Church Track to assist churches in implementing special needs ministry into the life of their congregations.
There are many benefits to attending the Homeschooling Special Needs Expo. But first, why the title "Homeschooling Special Needs Expo?" The term "special needs" was chosen because the Expo caters to a wide range of disabilities, including autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, sight and hearing impaired, learning disabled, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and others. The Homeschooling Special Needs Expo is the first major conference that specializes just in homeschooling differently-abled children and teens, with an exhibit hall full of companies and organizations that help parents homeschool and/or parent their children, plus a Church Track that trains pastors, youth leaders, childrens' workers, etc., how to be more inclusive of children, teens, and adults with disabilities. In addition, the Expo features a Sensory Room with activities that children and teens can enjoy and use to de-stress during the Expo (and parents can learn about Sensory Rooms and the benefits of sensory toys and tools). Sessions on a wide variety of topics are also available to teach parents how to homeschool their children with varying needs--and how to practice self-care as individuals and families.
See who will be exhibiting
So what are the benefits of attending the Homeschooling Special Needs Expo?
- Gain knowledge from respected experts in the various fields represented at the Expo, and from parents who are in the trenches of special needs and help parents navigate through it
- Talk with curriculum providers, creators, and distributors about various curricula to help your child
- Know you're not alone as you chat with other parents going through the same thing
- An exhibit hall full of people from companies who cater to special needs in whatever form, eager to help you homeschool your precious child or teen (or adult)
Autism advocate Dr. Temple Grandin is our Capstone Keynote for Saturday evening; a VIP Experience where participants can meet her is available as an add-on to the general admission.
There will be 15 Sessions that will be recorded, in case you want to see two sessions that are happening at the same time. The sessions that will be recorded are in orange on the schedule link above. Those 15 sessions will be sold as the Expo Sampler, available after the Expo. More information about that will be given as soon as possible.
Lunches:
Participants have three choices when it comes to meals for the two days (lunch and dinner):
1. Buy a boxed lunch from local caterer Dressing on the Side for an additional fee (this fee is made lower thanks to our Silver sponsors);
2. Bring in your own pre-packed lunch
3. Leave and get a meal at one of the many restaurants in the area; your name badge will ensure you can get back into the Expo easily
Water and lemonade will be available free of charge at the Expo.