[All VOR meetings will take place at the Holiday Inn on the Hill, which will be renamed The Liaison on Capitol Hill (an Affinia hotel) as of April 1, 2008. Same location as the past many years: 415 New Jersey Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.].

Participate in reports on news from your state. This more casual session, moderated by VOR Board Members, will be a time for sharing and participating. Appetizers and beverages will be provided.

A) PA) Panel discussion on the Individual Planning Process (IPP): Brenda Lowry, provider of ICF/MR and nursing level services for people with MR/DD will moderate a panel discussion to focus on the legal (regulatory) requirements regarding the annual IPP process, and how families can be effective advocates during this process. Panelists are Dianne Smith, CMS Technical Director and Team Leader for ICFs/MR; Robin Sims, VOR’s First Vice President; and Kathleen Miller, a social worker for Sonoma Developmental Center, where her son is also a resident;

B) Federal Disability Policy and Legislative Advocacy, featuring: Pilar Falo, Legislative Counsel to Rep. Barney Frank on “H.R. 3995 legislative update and advocacy”; and Andy Schneider, Chief Health Counsel for the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee [Henry Waxman (D-CA), chair]; and

C) Achieving success with strategic coalitions: Sally Meckling and Monty Blanton, Ohio Civil Service Employees Association.

This presentation is dedicated to Sonya Mawhorter who passed away in May 2008. Sonya dedicated her life to advocating on behalf of people with disabilities. She served as Executive Director of the Ohio League for the Mentally Retarded, a VOR state affiliate, from 1989-2001 and 2005 until present. Under her leadership, OLMR was transformed from a small group of concerned parents to a 7,000-member statewide organization advocating on behalf of family members and individuals with MR/DD.

VOR turns 25 in 2008! Join other VOR members in celebration of this advocacy milestone. VOR will host a reception and dinner at the historic Monocle. Located just off Capitol Hill (Senate side), The Monocle, featuring American Cuisine, was founded in 1960 and remains a favorite for Members of Congress, staff and lobbyists. Full details will be provided to Annual Meeting/Initiative attendees.

Learn what to do, what to say, and receive folders for distribution to Congress. Complete instructions will be provided and you will learn from experienced attendees. A Keynote Speaker from Capitol Hill will be arranged. Issues will include H.R. 3995 and (we anticipate) the DD Act Reauthorization.

If possible, please plan to spend at least two full days on Monday and Tuesday visiting as many Senators and Representatives as possible. The more workers, the lighter the burden.

Relax and network with VOR members, Congressional Members and their staff, after your busy day on Capitol Hill.

Reports by state spokespersons (identified in advance of the meeting) regarding Congressional visits.

The Liaison on Capitol Hill (formerly the Holiday Inn on the Hill) 866-Affinia (866-233-4642) (toll-free)

Group rate: $169 for single or double, plus tax, per night. Mention VOR for group rate. All meetings will be held at the Holiday Inn on the Hill / The Liaison on Capitol Hill (an Affinia hotel). Take advantage of networking with other VOR members by staying here. Please let us know if you would like to be paired with a roommate, if possible.

Ground Transportation

Taxi cabs and “Super Shuttle” are available at Reagan International Airport. “Super Shuttle” is $12 per person from Reagan. At the airport follow signs to “Ground Transportation.” Super Shuttle reservations are required only from the hotel to the airport (800-258-3826). Union Train Station is just 3 blocks from the hotel.

For more information please contact Tamie Hopp at 605-399-1624 or Tamie327@hotmail.com

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Registration Form

I’ll be there! I want to tell Congress how important choice is for people with mental retardation.

Return form to Voice of the Retarded * 836 S. Arlington Heights Rd., #351 * Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

Fax: 847-258-5273 * Tamie327@hotmail.com * Phone: 877-399-4867 (toll free) or 605-399-1624; a 501(c)(3) org.

Name(s)

Address

City, State, Zip

Home Phone

Work Phone

Family/professional org/company (if applicable)

Charge card: MC Visa Expiration Date ____

Credit card number

Signature

Mark all that apply:

___$50 per person for member registration at the Annual Meeting on Saturday, June 14 if paid by 5/31. <2008 WASH-REG>

___$60 per person for member registration after 5/31. <2008 WASH-REG>

___$75 per person for non-member registration at the Annual Meeting on Saturday, June 14 includes one-year membership if paid by 5/31. <2009 WASH-REG>

___$85 per person for non-member registration after 5/31. Membership included. <2008 WASH-REG>

___A donation of $_________is enclosed. <2008 WASH-DONA>

___ I/We will attend the Washington Initiative only, and will be able to make Congressional visits through __________ (specify date).

VOR 2008 Annual Meeting and Washington Initiative

Ground Transportation

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Registration Form

I’ll be there! I want to tell Congress how important choice is for people with mental retardation.

Signature