PEP Conference

Shortly after moving to Colorado, I really felt like I needed some more support with this autism journey we're on.  I'm not the first person to go through this so there is no need for me to figure things out on my own.  So I joined a few support groups.  Some in person, some online.  I've made some friends and been able to get a lot of help.  One of the things that has kept coming up in multiple groups is the Parents Encouraging Parents (PEP) conference.  It's put on by the Colorado Department of Education and they really try as hard as they can to get parents there.  They pay for the hotel, the food, everything except your transportation and child care.  So many people I talked to said it was life-changing to go.  I talked Brad into going and signed us up.

This was our very first trip away from the kids.  It's a little hard leaving them, but I knew they were in good hands with Grandma and Auntie Lou there to take care of them.  And honestly Evy and Nate loved spending the time with them.

We spent 3 days up in Vail.  It was beautiful up in mountains.  We didn't have much time to get out and enjoy them since the conference was so busy, but we did get out a little bit to see the area and for a nice dinner out.

The PEP Conference was the best thing we've done for Nate and our family.  We learned so much and were so inspired.  They had so many educators, professionals, lawyers, and other parents there.  We learned so much about disability law, behavior strategies, caring for siblings, advocacy, how to choose a good school, writing an IEP, conflict management strategies, dealing with grief, transition planning, and so much more. My favorite people to hear from where the self-advocates.  It was amazing to hear how they would advocate for themselves, even at such a young age.  There were so many times me and Brad were moved to tears by the touching stories of trial and success.

Artwork from a self-advocate who taught himself to draw

We aren't able to go back for 5 years as parents, but if we want to come back has facilitators we can come back every year and I'm seriously considering it.  It was such a great weekend for Brad and I to get away and to learn so much to help our family.