Disability Resource Symposium

09:00 AM - 09:30 AM

Doors Open!

Check in begins at 9:00, when we unlock the doors and welcome you in! The first main stage session begins at 9:30, so until then, visit the exhibitors and grab some coffee, water, snacks, and information.

09:30 AM - 09:45 AM

Opening/Welcome: A Hope-filled Future (Main Stage)

09:45 AM - 10:35 AM

Main Session 1: Decision-Making at the Edges of Capacity, Julie Yonker

Decision-Making at the Edges of Capacity: Brain Science and Caregiving -Julie Yonker, Calvin University. Caregivers carry an extraordinary cognitive burden, navigating complex decisions while managing stress, uncertainty, and competing demands. This session uses brain science to explain how decision-making works under pressure, why overload leads to indecision or rapid choices, and how caregiving contexts challenge traditional ideas of “rational” decision-making. Grounded in brain science, this session reframes indecision and overwhelm not as personal failure, but as predictable outcomes of cognitive overload. Takeaways include how systems, professionals, and communities can better support decision-making at the edges of capacity.

10:35 AM - 10:55 AM

Break, Exhibitors & Product Demonstration

Take a break to get some refreshments and see the exhibitors, or watch the product demonstration taking place on the main stage or in the hallway.

10:55 AM - 11:45 AM

Breakout 1 (rooms vary)

Learn from experts! A1: Supported Decision Making (MDDC), B1: Legal & Financial Planning (Coonen Law & New York Life), C1: Confident and Informed: Empowering Parents in the IEP Process (Kent ISD).

11:45 AM - 12:15 PM

Break, Exhibitors, Product Demonstration

Take a break, sample the lunchtime refreshments. See the exhibitors to get your questions answered, or watch the product demonstration on the main stage or in the hallway.

12:15 PM - 01:00 PM

Main Session 2 (Main Stage)

Learn from experts!

01:00 PM - 01:15 PM

Break, Exhibitors, Product Demonstration

Take a break, reload on some snacks, stop at exhibit tables you haven't yet gotten to, or see the product demonstration going on in the hallway or on the main stage.

01:15 PM - 02:05 PM

Breakout 2 (rooms vary)

Learn from experts! A2: Supported Decision Making (MDDC), B2: Social Security Disability Programs 101: Understanding the Basics (Social Security Administration), C2: At-Home Recreational Therapy (Life Therapeutic Solutions)

02:05 PM - 02:20 PM

Break, Final Chance with Exhibitors, Product Demonstration

Last break to grab a snack to-go, visit with the exhibitors, or see the product demonstration going on in the hallway or on the main stage.

02:20 PM - 02:30 PM

Closing Session: Engage. Encourage. Equip. (Main Stage)

Prizes, thanks, and a final word of encouragement for you from the DRS Planning Committee!