'Beyond the borders' invades Hendrix College

One of the most provocative conferences that engages professionals in the field of developmental disabilities will originate in Conway on Wednesday and Thursday, with 600-700 participants primed to hear a cadre of experts expound on disorders and other related topics.

"Beyond the Borders" is the title of the conference and, as it suggests, attendees from several surrounding states will invade the Mills Center of Hendrix College to exchange innovative program ideas and to establish new relationships among service providers.

Professionals have been making the journey to Conway for 16 annual sessions to hear a number of top-rated speakers, says Calvin Price, superintendent of the Conway Human Development Center, sponsor of the conference. CHDC houses some 600 clients suffering myriad developmental problems.

"These conference visitors come to enjoy the beauty and hospitality of Hendrix College and have the opportunity to relax and hear interesting presentations," Price said. "They've always enjoyed the various concurrent sessions."

The opening event, at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday will hear Price and James C. Green, director of the Arkansas Department of Developmental Disabilities, during a half hour that ordinarily develops into a "pep" assembly for the visitors. The opening volley is titled "Energize the enthusiasm that exits within."

Throughout the day and into the next, with time off for breakfasts, lunches and breaks on campus, the attendees will head for sessions that will present information on such diverse subjects as autistic spectrum disorders, Alzheimer's disease, Down Syndrome and long-term care facility maltreatment reporting laws and regulations.

Dr. John Towbin, a physician at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, has as his premise "new treatment options for seizures and depression in special populations," while Conway attorney Fran Scroggins will outline aspects of guardianship and special needs trusts.

Other topics on the agenda include dental health and developmental disabilities, feeding disorders and treatments, domestic violence and its effect on children, families and the workplace.

Dr. Terry Yamauchi, a noted physician at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, will discuss the transmission of diseases.

Controlling diabetes and hypertension through weight loss will be explored by Kellie Turpin, a registered dietician at the Conway Regional Fitness Center, while Tom Uphress, a psychologist at the CHDC, will speak on the "ABC's of positive behavior support."

The staff of the Independent Living Services group in Conway will discuss opportunities for community work programs, and Cathy Acre, a therapist at the University of Central Arkansas, will talk about occupational therapy approaches.

Another compelling topic involves the art and science of lie detection by attorney S. Whittington Brown of Little Rock.

In a session that deals with conflict and stress, Charlotte Strickland, educational seminar coordinator at the University of Central Arkansas, makes the point that most people avoid conflict like the plague yet everyone experiences some degree of stress all the time.

Strickland will discuss ways to understand and manage stress and offer pointers on how to confront individuals in a positive, professional manner.

The range of the conference is apparent in a workshop by Becca Clark, a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and one of only 12 members of that prestigious group in Arkansas. She will provide supportive assistance to home and business owners whose needs focus on simply wanting to fine tune their space and those who are overwhelmed by clutter.

Clark will delve into customized solutions that increase productivity and comfort in our everyday world, achieving a reduction of stress, saving money and simplifying lives.

Roy Johnson, a CHDC staffer and author of the book, "Put Some Gratitude in Your Attitude," will direct a seminar on perspectives and another on domestic violence.