creatively paying for conferences--- OTHER IDEAS ANYONE?

[Jen]

i replied to a post about paying for conferences, but thought i'd repost some of the info under its own heading so others might see it- we'd love to hear any resources for parents etc... to attend workshops/conferences!


"i know what you mean about the cost- we speak at conferences and some of them are 'pay your own way', such as ASA next week- not terrible for single professionals with some program backing them, but trying to travel with all 6 of us and not so much backing... well, its a challenge- but we do enjoy going.
in the past my school district has been very helpful in sending me to conferences such as MAAP- but budget cuts (dont get me started on our school baoard) have dried up that help. there are a few resources on the state level. in indiana, there's in*source and the governor's council on disabilities that have funds available- you have to fill out paperwork - early- but i've used them both on a few occasions- and the folks at in*source are so helpful.
i'm sure other states have funds available as well- you just have to dig and ask around.
good luck!

ps- one other option i mentioned in my email to you, sometimes conferences offer free registration to folks who will volunteer to work a part of the conference- i know NATTAP in Nov in ohio is one of those- way worth it to attend, always ask. there are ways besides just paying out of pocket!"