Speak Up and Speak Out Summit (SUSO)
is a 3 day conference of speakers that will show people with disabilities that they have a voice, they have choices in what they do with their life. We are committed to empowering persons with disabilities to reach their highest potential in education, employment and community living.
SUSO 2022: My Choice, Our Voice
2022 Agenda
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
4:00 - 5:00 PM
VIRTUAL ONLY:
Legislators invited
5:00 - 6:00 PM
IN PERSON ONLY:
Legislators invited
4:00 - 6:00 PM
IN PERSON ONLY:
Early check in at registration table, Dinner on your owen
Thursday, October 20, 2022
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM
ALL
Sarah Myerscough-Mueller, Interim Director, Division of Developmental Disabilities, DHS
9:00 - 9:15 AM
ALL
Welcome and Housekeeping
Kimberly Mercer-Schleider, Director, Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities
10:45 - 11:45 AM
ALL
Session
"Your Vote Matters!"
12:15 - 1:30 PM
ALL: Lunch Break
IN PERSON ONLY: Lunch
VIRTUAL ONLY: Open Mic
9:15 - 10:15 AM
ALL
Keynote Speaker
"Never Give Up! Using Your Passion to Change the World...One Person at a Time"
Leigh Ann Davis and James Meadours, The Arc's National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability (NCCJD)
1:30 - 2:30 PM
ALL
Session
"Great Time for The HCBS Settings Rule!"
IN PERSON ONLY: Option to attend - all sessions will be recorded and shared
Session
"Creating Brave and Fun Spaces for People with Disabilities"
2:45 - 3:45 PM
ALL
Session
"Self Determination: A Creative Problem Solving Practice"
IN PERSON ONLY: Option to attend - all sessions will be recorded and shared
Session
"Special Olympics Illinois"
Friday, October 21, 2022
10:15 - 11:15 AM
ALL
Session
"Supportive Housing"
IN PERSON ONLY: Option to attend - all sessions will be recorded and shared
Session
"Going Home Coalition - Important Lessons in Advocacy"
9:00 - 10:00 AM
ALL
Keynote Speaker
"It's Our Time! Together We Can Take on the Challenges the World Gives Us"
Max Barrows, Green Mountain Self Advocates
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
ALL
Session
"Making Your Own Decisions"
IN PERSON ONLY: Option to attend - all sessions will be recorded and shared
Session
"Tips for Planning Special Events: Let Your Voice be Heard!"
12:30 PM
Wrap Up SUSO 2022!
Keynote Speakers
Leigh Ann Davis and James Meadours
"Never Give Up! Using Your Passion to Change the World...One Person at a Time"
Max Barrows
"It's Our Time! Together We Can Take on the Challenges the World Gives Us"



How to Get There?
This year's SUSO Summit will be HYBRID.
If attending virtually, we'll send you the link to join. It'll be one Zoom Webinar link to join for all 3 days.
Connect to the VIRTUAL Zoom Webinar using your phone, laptop, or tablet, wherever you can access the internet.
If attending in person, we'll be at the Abraham Lincoln DoubleTree Hotel in Springfield, IL.
If you need driving directions to the DoubleTree please go to google maps or you can call 815-464-1832 for assistance.
There is an Amtrak Train Station 5 blocks from the DoubleTree Hotel. Take Washington 4 blocks, then right on 7th St. for 1 block. To make a train reservation, call Amtrak at 1-800-872-7245.
Parking is available at the hotel for $10 per night. Please let Becca know if you will be parking at the hotel - 815-464-1832 or becca@thearcofil.org.
HOTEL:
President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - a DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton
701 E Adams Street
Springfield, Illinois, 62701

