The 8th International Short Break Association conference was a wonderful opportunity to bring people together from around the globe. 300 delegates from 12 different countries met to share information, learn about unique supports and programs and to be inspired by others with a passion for this work. Short Break care, known more as respite care in Canada and the United States, is a critical element of support for families who are caring for individuals with disabilities or ongoing disabling conditions. The theme of the conference therefore, was “Respite is Key”. We spent time focusing on four themes:
- Opening the Door to the Community: Respite/short break care as a means to assisting people to have an opportunity to have a full life in the community.
- The Key to Strengthening Families: Models for flexible, individualized respite/short break programs around the world, research and family input.
- Unlocking Resources: How are countries managing to provide resources in times of economic restraints, how do families manage with limited resources and how do we combine paid and natural supports.
- Treasures Found: The goal with respite /short break care is to focus on developing relationships- how do we encourage this, how do we ensure the right people are in place, how do we minimize risk.
There were 55 presentations held throughout this three day conference. Many of the presentation notes were made available for review and are in the presentations section of this webpage.
We hope to see you in Germany in 2014!
Catharine Shanahan
Executive Director
Family Respite Services
Leslie Atkinson
Executive Director
Safeguards Training for children and Adult Services
Gala Banquet Dinner a smashing success!
PHOTOS ARE LIVE! CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM THE TORONTO ISBA CONFERENCE! VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE!
DON'T FORGET! IF YOU ATTENDED OUR GALA DINNER ON THE FIRST NIGHT & ENJOYED THE WONDERFUL PHOTOBOOTH BY GLAM STUDIO, CHECK OUT THE ALBUM FOR THESE FUN PHOTOS!
If you remembered to pick up a card after your photo, you'll have the password! If not here it is! ->(2012xa34#)
We want to extend a HUGE thank you to both Glam Studio's William Zaiden (www.glamstudio.ca) for making our Gala Dinner an even more exciting night with these great photos and William Meijer (www.williammeijer.ca) for the great conference photography throughout the 3 days!
Welcome from our ISBA Committee Members
"MéadaÍonn ISBA seirbhisÍ in Éirinn tré na gniomhaÍochtaÍ idirnáisiúnta is fearr a chothú.
Neartaigh sé fÍs an LÍonra Náisiúnta Roinnt Baile de Éire ina bhfuil daoine in ann sult a bhaint as lánpháirtiocht tré theacht ar bhriseadh gearr ó chlann óstach in ionad faoiseamh i seirbhisi scaradh tradisiúnta".
"ISBA has enhanced the services in Ireland by promoting best international practice. It has strengthened the National Home Sharing Network’s vision of an Ireland where people can enjoy full inclusion by accessing host family short break placements instead of respite in traditional segregated services."
Sheelagh McInerney – Ireland
"die Zusammenarbeit in der ISBA hilft uns dabei, über den Tellerrand zu blicken und Visionen zu entwickeln für die Zukunft der Behindertenhilfe in Deutschland."
"The cooperation within ISBA helps us to look beyond our own cultural horizon and to develop new visions concerning the handicapped aid in Germany."
Thomas Stoch – Germany
"Disabled Children are everybody's business!' Through ISBA we are making disabled children and young people the business of the world!"
Janet Leach– England
