The Area Health Education Center (AHEC), Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, and The University of Texas at Austin Texas Center for Disability Studies are hosting an April 19 conference open to the public for the parents of children with developmental disabilities and Autism.
There is no fee for attendance for the event at the City of Laredo Joe Guerra Public Library. The conference begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 12:30 p.m.
The genesis of this conference began in 2012 as the result of a conversation between the AHEC and the Baylor College of Medicine and continues to provide information and education on the latest genetic discoveries, improved screening methods, diagnosis, and treatment/condition management options.
This year’s program includes Farah Ladha, C.G.C., of the Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital on “Understanding Genetic Testing: A Guide for Families;” and Laura Buckner, M.Ed., LPC, M.O.M., of the Texas Center for Disability Studies at the University of Texas at Austism who will present “Beyond the Medical Diagnosis: Supporting the Person, Community/State Resources.”
This year’s program is made possible by the partnership of AHEC, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, and the University of Texas at Austin Texas Center for Disability Studies. The goal of the conference to improve the quality of life for families, children, and adults is further enhanced by partnerships with Laredo Public Health, DHR Health, Texas Department of State Health Services Office of Border Public Health, Driscoll Health Plan, Families for Autism Support & Awareness, Gateway Community Health Center, Inc., Laredo Community College, Laredo Specialty Hospital, Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital, MHP Salud, Molina Health Care, SCAN, Inc., Texas A&M International University, United Independent School District, Laredo Independent School District, UT Health Houston School of Biomedical Informatics, Partners Resource Network, Early Childhood Intervention, Border Region Behavioral Health Center, Workforce Solutions for South Texas, and Down Syndrome Association of Laredo. “We are extremely grateful for this collaboration that creates opportunities and hope for many individuals in our community, and most importantly our families,” said AHEC Executive Director Dr. Julie Bazan.
