In this special edition of the Alliance for Freedom News let’s look at the significance of Motown music in Detroit. Motown music has played an important role in the integration of popular music. It was the first record label owned by an African American that primarily featured African American artists to regularly achieve success and have a widespread, lasting effect on the music industry. At the upcoming May 2008 International Conference on Self-Determination, we’ll meet in Detroit to advance the full citizenship of all those who experience disabilities, young and old, and to help end their segregation from society. Togther we can offer another important contribution to integration. Here another wide, long lasting contribution to freedom will happen. Self-Determination for all.

This conference with important international perspectives is being presented by the Center for Self-Determination. May 27-29, 2008

What’s going on? – Marvin Gaye

The International Conference on Self-Determination is a wonderful work in progress. Each day, enticing information unfolds. Until May 27, 2008, a monthly update with links and contacts will come to you as a subscriber to the Alliance for Freedom News . We encourage sharing this link and letting everyone you know follow the exciting development underway. This conference is designed to go beyond just talking about what a good idea self-determination is for people. It’s designed to create opportunities for in depth discussions about how people – across disability groups and national boundaries - can learn from each other and work together to identify better strategies to make more significant progress toward self-determination for all. This conference is what’s going on.

Reach Out (I’ll be there) – Four Tops

PRE-CONFERENCES Tuesday May 27

• Income and Asset Development
  Join an in-depth forum on critical elements of helping people, regardless of their disability, to have viable opportunities to earn income and build financial assets. Highlights: Creating alliances to give people the tools for a better life; government and community endeavors that support people to gain freedom through financial security.
• International Communication and Information Sharing
  Hear what is going on around the world in self-determination and finding ways to create effective international information sharing and communication. Highlights: speakers from around the world; opportunities to develop ways to keep informed of what is happening in other places; making sure information sharing is accessible to all who need it.

Just look over your shoulder to reach the ICSD website program in-depth page on these two pre-conferences
to see you through. Reach out.

Shop Around - the Miracles

Wednesday May 28 Concurrent Sessions

• Systems Change: Changing the Agenda for Human Services and the Control of Public Funding—An International Perspective
• Systems Change: Changing the Agenda for Human Services and the Control of Public Funding in the United States
• Structural Change: Budgets, Allocation Strategies; Fiscal Management; Planning, Brokering, Peer Supports, Coordination
• Advocacy and Leadership- Strengthening the Movement
• Work Imperative: People Taking Charge of Their Economic Futures With Self-Determination
• Workforce Issues
• StoryCorps Interviews and The Power of Your Story

All Night Long – Lionel Ritchie

Wednesday May 28 Roundtable Evening Discussions

• Future of Systems Change: What needs to be done to move forward?
• Creating an International Agenda for Cross Disability Policy Change
• Creating the Structure to Support Self-Determination
• A New View of Competency: Legal and Ethical Issues, Alternatives to Guardianship
• Research and Data: What can numbers tell us?
• Families’ roles in supporting economic futures for their family members with disabilities
• Assuring Quality: Moving from satisfaction to quality lives

These discussions allotted time is 7:00 to 8:30 pm but one never knows--participants may be jamming in the streets to join your table. Invigorating discussion can all night long!

A…B…C – the Jackson Five

Concurrent Sessions Thursday May 28, 2008

• Self-Determination in Developmental Disabilities Supports in the U. S.
• Self-Determination in Developmental Disabilities Supports—An International Perspective
• Self-Determination in Mental Health Supports
• Self-Determination in the Independent Living Movement
• Self-Determination in Elder Supports

Going to A Go-GO – Smokey Robinson

Register to get going today. Go. Go…CLICK HERE

Conference registration is being managed by the Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards. Full conference-- from the welcome reception Tuesday 5/27/08 afternoon until 3:00 pm wrap up on Thursday 5/29/08 -- is an inexpensive $275.00. Pre-conference costs $75.00. You may register by online form, by FAX or by mail. Register Today. Early bird value available.

For Accessibility and general accommodations questions Go to Susan Fitzmaurice.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Stevie Wonder

Exhibits and Demonstration Space is available!!

Your spot is waiting. Show your stuff. Share your wares. Promote your self-determination mission. Take advantage of this one of a kind opportunity and expand your marketing. Go ahead, sign up and be sealed and delivered.

Click here: HIGHLIGHT, DISPLAY, DEMONSTRATE or email Elaine Taverna or call (734) 722-6035. Online registration is easy

Brick House - Commodores

You will rise above the conventional at the completely redesigned Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center. Reserve your room on line easily. Good rate. Great location.

Soaring 73 floors above the Detroit River, the Marriott is in the General Motors Renaissance Center and provides you with easy access to a variety of shops, restaurants and services. The Marriott is the premier city center hotel and there ain’t no holding back in its convenience and elegance….

Come and Get These Memories – Martha Reeves & the Vandellas

Upcoming information next in the Alliance for Freedom News February 2008

• StoryCorps will be conducting interviews On May 28, 2008.
• Moderators, Panel Members, Participants and Planners - Who’s pulling this enormous effort to build your profound memories together?
• Reception, Entertainment, Breakfast & Luncheons
• Transportation Update
• CEU credits
• Much more… Keep checking the ICSD website for updates.

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

At the International Conference on Self-Determination, you will find a place where people who come from all walks of life and are involved with many different disability systems around the world can join together to speak with one voice and one message: Freedom is the right of all people regardless of one’s disability or need for support. The time has come to find answers to move forward toward Self-Determination for All.

There ain't no mountain high enough.
Ain't no valley low enough.
Ain't no river wide enough.

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Contact info.icsd@gmail.com if you need further information.

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