This year’s theme, “Celebrating 40 Years of Progressive Leadership,” acknowledges TASH’s 40 years of generating change within the disability community and anticipates a brighter, more inclusive future for people with disabilities in all aspects of life. Each year, the TASH Conference impacts the disability field by connecting attendees to innovative information and resources, facilitating connections between stakeholders within the disability movement, and helping attendees reignite their passion for an inclusive world.
We encourage you to explore this website, connect with other attendees, and build your personalized schedule. You can also download the mobile app version of the website by visiting the App Store and Google Play and searching for "TASH 2015".
In 2013, Marci, a 39 year old woman with the most significant impact of disability, died in Ft. Worth, Texas. It was discovered that she had died of neglect and her sister and father were charged with a felony. In September of 2015 both Marci’s sister and father were sentenced to 20 years in prison for their role in her death. Additionally, her service provider and case manager were censured by the state for their lack of responsiveness. The details of this case were heart wrenching and troubling regarding the vulnerability of people who depend totally on others for their well-being. However, Marci’s life was not one simply of tragedy. Instead, the majority of her life was one of participation, meaning, contribution and hopefulness. Marci worked for nearly 15 years for the Star Telegram newspaper and, as a result, provided a clear role-model of how people who need assistance to make a contribution can be included in community employment. Beyond her work, Marci was assisted to participate in an array of activities that were part her life. This session will provide an opportunity to hear about both the triumph and tragedy of Marci’s life as well as a chance to discuss the challenging issues of supporting families and their family members with the most significant impact of disability.
