5 p.m., April 30, 2007--Delaware's second conference for direct support professionals, coordinated by the Center for Disabilities Studies at UD, will be held from 8 a.m.--3 p.m., Thursday, May 3, at the Dover Downs Hotel and Conference Center.

A direct support professional provides training, support and assistance to persons with disabilities. The conference honors those professionals for their contributions to the disability community and offers opportunities to network and attend workshops.

Keynote speaker will be Al Condeluci, CEO of United Cerebral Palsy of Pittsburgh, a renowned leader and consultant on human services and community issues. As a former direct support professional, he will address the history of people with disabilities and the roots and background of the direct support profession.

The conference also will include workshops on effective communication, teamwork, stress relief, burnout prevention, networking and more.

Conference registration is still open. Cost is $25 per person. For more information, contact Renee Settles-Bean at (302) 831-3073 or [rbean@udel.edu].