Horizon Convention Center Hosts 2018 Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Conference

By: Mike Rhodes—

Muncie, Indiana—Approximately 127 people attended the 2018 Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Conference held at the Horizon Convention Center November 7-8.

The Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS) provides services for individuals with developmental disabilities that enable them to live as independently as possible in their communities.

BDDS assists individuals in receiving community support and residential services using a person-centered plan to help determine what services are needed and who can best provide them. BDDS also monitors the quality of care and the facilities of those who are approved to provide services in Indiana.

The keynote speaker for the event was Brett Eastburn. His presentation was titled:  No arms, No legs, No handicaps! No disabilities either!

Brett was born with a condition called Quadmembral Limbs Deficiency, which means he has no arms or legs. While in school, Eastman played baseball, football and basketball. He also became an accomplished swimmer. After graduating, he earned a green belt in the martial arts. He began speaking professionally in 1990 and has given over 3,000 presentations worldwide to over 1 million people.

Conference attendees are pictured during Eastman’s presentation.

Cathy Robinson is the director for the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services. “We have state staff here from all over Indiana from our various regions,” she said. “We have 8 districts from around the state in our bureau. The conference is an opportunity for all of us to get together for additional training and communication to our staff.”

Robinson said last year’s conference was also held at the Horizon Convention Center. “We like coming here. Last year we got good feedback about this location and the Horizon Convention Center.  We also like to support the Erskine Green Training Institute (EGTI). A portion of our conference highlighted that organization, since we provide services and support to people with disabilities.  We also took tours of the institute, and had a good turnout for that. Our members enjoyed finding out what opportunities are available at the Erskine Green Training Institute.”