Service professionals gather in Duluth for annual conference
More than 800 professionals gathered in Duluth last month for the Age and Disabilities conference. The annual event, sponsored by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Minnesota Board on Aging, seeks to inform health and human service providers on the latest practices, programs and policies. This year’s conference, held at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, emphasized expanded community participation, expanded access to technology, and expanded independence for seniors and people with disabilities. Awards were also presented to service providers that showed exemplary leadership (listed below).
2007 Age and Disabilities Odyssey Awards Winners
Policy Award (for public policy leadership, advocacy and education dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities): Minnesota Commission Serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing People, St. Paul.
Innovations Award (for innovations in direct service, coordination of services, community-based partnerships): The Lifetime Home Project, Minneapolis
Service Award (for exemplary practices, services and advocacy for seniors and their communities): Nicholas Truso, outreach student worker in the St. Paul office of the Minnesota secretary of state,.
Community Award (for implementing innovations to enhance the quality of life for seniors and their communities): Grand Portage Reservation, Grand Portage.
