The Future is Now
The Synergy Conference is an incredible event designed to create connections that encourage collaboration, innovation and growth for people with developmental disabilities. To continue offering the opportunity to new attendees, the Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities must limit the number of returning attendees that are fully supported by the county board.
Starting in 2025, there will be different levels of attending:
• Option A: New attendee (Limit 4)
• Option B: Returning attendee – mentoring new attendees (Limit 4)
• Option C: Returning attendee – attending independently/with supports with $500 stipend from MCBDD (Limit 10)
• Option D: Returning attendee going 100% on their own (No limit)
In 2025, the cost to attend Synergy is approximately $540 per person* (registration and hotel fees). Those interested in attending Synergy and receiving either a full scholarship from MCBDD to assist with these fees OR a stipend must fill out this form and return to Patrick Kilbane by June 30. Applications will be reviewed by a committee and recipients will be notified by July 15.
Before applying for a Synergy scholarship, please note the following expectations for attendees who attend via Options A or B:
• Being independent without needing assistance with the following tasks:
• Showering
• Restroom needs
• Dressing
• Grooming needs
• Eating
• Being comfortable knowing that you may be 100% alone within the hotel without someone providing general supervision support
• Being able to use cashless payment options, such as VISA gift cards, debit cards, credit cards (Attendees MUST bring a minimum of $50 in cashless payment cover personal purchases and or meals that are not provided at the conference
• Being responsible for your own money without assistance
• Review the Kalahari Map to understand the distance travel between conference sessions, eating locations, restroom options and entertainment options
• Traveling in a bus for over 3 hours with limited restroom breaks (i.e. motion sickness)
• Being on a bus with a group of people who might be loud
• Participating in the conference sessions with the expectation of attending all the sessions laid out in the agenda
• Being able to participate in a small group and with role-playing as required per session
*Note: Anyone can attend on their own with whatever support they need. This list is for those who wish to travel with the MCBDD group, without provider/natural support. Those attending with any support from the county board (Options A, B and C) will:
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Attend at least 2 sessions per day
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Attend social events in the evening (of their choice)
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Attend the November Board Meeting to report back to the Board on their experience
To download and fill out an application click here.
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For more information: contact Patrick Kilbane at 937-310-3260 or patrick.kilbane@miamicountydd.org.