The CdLS Foundation National Conference is a unique opportunity for families, caregivers and professionals to connect throughout a four-day program. The program consists of keynote speakers who are experts in their fields, workshops tailored to connect attendees with others who have had similar experiences, individual consultations with CdLS Clinical Advisory Board members, and childcare programs for children from toddlers to teenagers!

Click here for questions regarding:

When and where is the conference being held?

The CdLS Foundation National Conference will be held June 26-29, 2008 at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort in Lincolnshire , IL www.lincolnshiremarriott.com (See “hotel reservations” below for specific information.) .

What is the deadline to register for conference?

The deadline for Early Registration, which includes discounted rates, is Friday, March 28th. The deadline for Regular Registration (full-price rates) is Friday, May 9th.

Please note: Hotel reservations must be made directly with the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort by May 16th.

Please contact communications@CdLSusa.org or call 1-800-753-2357 if you would like to register for conference after the May 9th deadline has passed.

How much does it cost to attend conference?

The costs for Early Registration (before March 28th) are:
Adult: $250
Child (2-17years): $125
Person with CdLS: NO REGISTRATION CHARGE
Adult coming to provide childcare: $150
Professional one-day attendance: $175

The costs for Regular Registration (after March 28th) are:
Adult: $275
Child (2-17years): $150
Person with CdLS: NO REGISTRATION CHARGE
Adult coming to provide childcare: $165
Professional one-day attendance: $175

What is included in the registration cost?

Conference registration fees cover dinner on Thursday, breakfast and lunch on Friday and Saturday, breakfast on Sunday morning, all conference workshops and general sessions, individual consultations with members of the CdLS Foundation Clinical Advisory Board, and Girl Scout and Tiny Tots childcare programs.

Is financial support available?

Families attending conference for the first time may apply for a Marie Barr Jackson Scholarship. The scholarship is limited to the cost of registration for a maximum of two adults and two children per application. The scholarship does not cover travel, hotel, the off-site brother/sister program, or the Saturday evening banquet.

To apply for a scholarship, include a written request, indicating the amount you are requesting, with your completed registration form. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. You will receive notice of the status of your request two weeks after it is received by the Foundation office. Pre-payment of registration fees is not necessary if you apply for a scholarship.

What if I am not eligible for a scholarship?

Many community organizations are very responsive to the needs of a person with CdLS wishing to attend conference. We urge all families wishing to attend conference to seek financial support through local school systems, social service agencies, national/state disability programs, regional businesses, and/or service clubs, emphasizing the opportunity for the person with CdLS to be seen by a team of CdLS experts. If you require help in seeking sources of financial aid, call the Foundation at 800-753-2357 or email giving@CdLSusa.org for sample request letters and a fundraising packet.

Do I need to make reservations at the hotel separately and what is the price?

Conference attendees must make their reservations at the hotel by contacting the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort directly. To receive the CdLS Foundation group rate ($104 plus taxes per night), please mention the CdLS Foundation National Conference when calling 1-800-229-9290. For online reservations, please use the code: CDSCDSA.

The Lincolnshire Marriott Resort contact information is:

Lincolnshire Marriott Resort
10 Marriott Drive
Lincolnshire , IL 60069
1-847-634-0100
1-800-228-9290
For CdLS-specific reservations: www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/chiln-lincolnshire-marriott-resort/?groupCode=cdscdsa&app=resvlink
or general information: www.lincolnshiremarriott.com.

Is childcare provided?

There are three separate programs offered from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Conference registration fees cover the cost of the Girl Scout and Tiny Tots program. The “Kids Explore!” program requires an extra fee to cover the cost of museum admissions and meals.

Girl Scout CdLS Childcare
This program is provided on-site for individuals with CdLS of any age. Participating for a 19th year at conference, trained Girls Scouts from Bogota , New Jersey , will provide childcare.

Tiny Tots (ages 6 months – 4 years)
This program is available on-site for brothers and sisters of individuals with CdLS. Managed by a professional childcare management group, this program allows the Girl Scouts to maximize services to people with CdLS and provides a safe environment for their brothers and sisters.

Kids Explore! (ages 5 – 17 years)
Kids Explore! offers children enrolled in this program the opportunity to explore the best of the Chicago area and the Marriott resort offerings. The cost of the two-day program is $50 per child ($40 with Early Registration). This all-day program involves a considerable amount of walking and standing.

People with CdLS are invited to attend this program without charge; however, a registered, adult caregiver (18 years or older) must accompany the person with CdLS at all times. The accompanying caregiver is responsible for his/her own activity-related entrance/admission fees and meals.

What is an “Adult coming to provide childcare” and why do they need to pay a registration fee?

Some families choose to bring an extra person to help care for their child with CdLS while they attend conference events. The registration fee for this kind of registration covers only the costs of the meals throughout the weekend and will allow your childcare provider to dine with conference attendees and connect with other childcare providers.

What is a “One-Day Professional Registration”?

Professionals may choose to attend either the Scientific Symposium on Thursday or the sessions and workshops on either Friday or Saturday. This offer allows professionals from the fields of medicine, psychology, social work, and education an opportunity to attend one day’s workshops, network with other professionals and members of the CdLS Foundation, and receive the Foundation’s newsletter Reaching Out for 12 months.

Please contact the Foundation Office at 1-800-753-2357 if you would like to register for the Scientific Symposium on Thursday.

What is the Saturday Evening Banquet?

Each Conference hosts a celebration dinner/banquet. The dinner includes a variety of food (including “CdLS-Friendly” choices), music, dancing, and a general atmosphere of community and celebration. ALL family members are invited to attend the dinner. The cost for adults is $40 and the cost for children is $20.

What airport is closest to the conference location?

The Lincolnshire Marriott Resort is 18 miles from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and 45 miles from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).

Where do I send my registration form?

Send your registration to:

CdLS Foundation
302 West Main Street, #100
Avon, CT USA 06001

If I have other questions, who can I contact?

Direct Conference questions to:

Kalia Kellogg
Conference Coordinator
communications@CdLSusa.org
800.753.2357
860.676.8166

IMPORTANT NAMES AND NUMBERS

Send Registration to:
CdLS Foundation
302 West Main Street, #100
Avon, CT USA 06001
Or Fax Registration to:
860.676.8337

Make Hotel Reservations through:
Lincolnshire Marriott Resort
10 Marriott Drive
Lincolnshire , IL 60069
1-847-634-0100
1-800-228-9290
www.lincolnshiremarriott.com (online reservation code: CDSCDSA)

Direct Conference questions to:
Kalia Kellogg
Conference Coordinator
communications@CdLSusa.org
800.753.2357
860.676.8166

IMPORTANT Deadlines:
Early Registration: March 28, 2008
Regular Registration: May 9, 2008
Hotel Reservations: May 16, 2008

Please contact communications@CdLSusa.org or call 1-800-753-2357 if you would like to register for conference after the May 9th deadline has passed.