ASK Resource Center's 13th Annual Together We Can Conference 2025. A statewide conference for people with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them. The text is displayed in bold blue and light blue typography on a white background.

Welcome to the
Together We Can (TWC) Information Hub!

 

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On this page you will find everything you need to know about this one-of-a-kind event, all in one convenient spot.

 

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Held annually on the first Saturday in May, the Together We Can Conference is a one-of-a-kind, statewide event that empowers individuals with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them. This inspiring day brings together hundreds of attendees for meaningful connection, impactful learning, and collaborative advocacy.

WHEN:
Saturday, May 3rd
8:15 AM to 4:00 PM
Childcare opens at 8:00AM
Conference Check-in opens at 8:15 AM

To ensure exhibitors have adequate time for setup, early entry will not be permitted for attendees, except for those utilizing childcare services.


WHERE:
State Fairgrounds
Varied Industries Building
3000 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50317

 

COST:
FREE for Families/Caregivers
and Youth/Young Adults with Disabilities
$30 for Professionals  

 

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, build relationships with like-minded families and professionals, and champion inclusion and advocacy in Iowa!

 

 


 

Ready to Register for the Conference?

View the Registration Options below and click on the option(s) that meet your needs (or you may simply scroll down through the page to the registration options). You will need to complete more than one registration when adding on childcare.

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Registration Options and Additional Requests:

✅ Option 1: Families, Caregivers, and Youth/Young Adults with Disabilities (FREE)
✅ Option 2: On-Site Childcare ($30 per child)
✅ Option 3: Professionals ($30)
✅ Option 4: Exhibitor Registration ($150 non-profit/$250 for-profit)
✅ Sponsorship Opportunities
✅ Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
✅ Financial Assistance Requests

 


 

Important Deadlines:

  • Exhibitor Registration closes on Friday, April 11. 
  • Sponsorship Opportunities close on Friday, April 11.
  • Families/Parents/Individuals with Disabilities Registration closes on Friday, April 18.
  • Professional Registration closes on Friday, April 18.
  • Childcare Registration closes on Friday, April 18.

 

We can’t wait to see you there!

 


BLUE BOX

 Keynote Speaker: Dr. Barbara Guy

 

A smiling woman with short blonde hair, wearing red-framed glasses and a patterned button-up shirt with shades of blue and white. She is posed against a neutral beige wall, framed within a circular border.

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Barbara Guy is recently retired from the Iowa Department of Education where she served in multiple capacities over 27 years, including division administrator, state director of special education and transition consultant. She received her Ph.D. in special education from the University of Kansas and was in the first cohort of special education teachers after the passage of 94-142. She is the oldest sibling of a sister with Down Syndrome.

More than Enough!

Join Dr. Barbara Guy as she shares personal tenets learned through her journey as the sibling of a person with a disability and her experience as an education/special education professional.  Barb will share relevant and helpful insights for setting and realizing high expectations for living, learning and working in community, including successful and not-so-successful strategies.

By the end of this keynote speech, participants will be able to:

1. Recognize at least one effective strategy for setting high expectations.
2. Apply at least one approach to stay motivated and achieve their goals.
3. Utilize at least one technique to navigate challenges during difficult moments. 



This is where you will find announcements about our breakout sessions, networking opportunities and the conference agenda.

This information will be released
within the first week of March. 



CONFERENCE AGENDA - COMING SOON

Let’s come together to create positive change and build a brighter future—see you there!

 


 

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Option One: 
Families, Caregivers, and Youth/Young Adults with Disabilities

FREE Registration for Families, Caregivers, and Youth/Young Adults with Disabilities. Take advantage of this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow at no cost to you! Please Note: If you are attending as a professional, you must register as a professional vs registering as a parent. Registration closes on April 18, 2025.

This registration option is specifically designed for
Families, Caregivers, and Youth/Young Adults with Disabilities.

Important Details:
✅ The TWC Resource Fair & Check-In opens for attendees at 8:15 AM. Please Note: To ensure exhibitors have adequate time for setup, early entry will not be permitted for attendees, except for those utilizing childcare services. 
✅ All breakout sessions are included.
✅ Networking opportunities with other attendees will be available.
✅ A light breakfast, snack, and a box lunch will be provided for each attendee registered by April 18, 2025.
✅ Childcare opens at 8:00 AM on the day of the conference.

Special Notes:
If you require on-site childcare, please register yourself using this option and complete the separate childcare registration below.
If you would like CEUs, please address your requests within the Registration itself. 

 

REGISTER hERE AS family/PARENT/YOUTH/YOUNG ADULT WITH A DISABILITY

Register now to secure your spot and access valuable resources, expert sessions, and more—all at no cost!

 

 


 

Financial Assistance

Financial Assistance is available only for self-advocates and family members/primary caregivers including siblings, guardians and foster/adoptive parents. Funds to support this assistance are limited, and we want to help everyone we can. Please only request what you need in order to be able to attend the conference. Submit one Financial Assistance Application and one W-9 per family, due by April 18, 2025.

both forms below must be completed and returned

 

complete Financial Assistance Application

COMPLETE W-9 FORM

 


 

A digital graphic design flyer for the "Together We Can Conference 2025" Childcare Registration. The flyer features an illustration of a smiling caregiver playing with three children in a childcare setting with toys scattered around. The background is blue with a circular cutout showcasing the illustration. The flyer states that childcare registration costs $30 per child, with limited space available. Registration must be completed by April 18th at 5 PM. The event is provided by Easterseals Iowa and sponsored by ASK Resource Center. The location is the Iowa State Fair Varied Industries Conference Center in Des Moines, Iowa. A website link for more information is included.

Option Two: Childcare Registration

On-site childcare is proudly provided by the Bob & Billie Ray Child Development Center, a program of Easterseals Iowa. Secure your child’s spot with a non-refundable $30 per child deposit. Childcare Registration closes on Friday, April 18 at 5 PM

Important Details:
Families and Caregivers must also register for the conference.
✅Space is limited and available on a first-come, first served basis.
✅A light breakfast, snack and a box lunch is included.
Childcare opens at 8:00 AM on the day of the conference.
✅The TWC Resource Fair & Check-In opens for attendees at 8:15 AM.
Please Note: To ensure exhibitors have adequate time for setup, early entry will not be permitted for attendees, except for those utilizing childcare services.

 

REGISTER HERE FOR CHILDCARE

Don’t miss this opportunity for safe, professional childcare while you enjoy the conference!



Option Three: Professional Registration

This $30 registration is intended specifically for professionals who support individuals with disabilities and their families. Professional Registration closes on Friday, April 18 at 5 PM

Important Details:
✅ The TWC Resource Fair & Check-In opens for attendees at 8:15 AM. Please Note: To ensure exhibitors have adequate time for setup, early entry will not be permitted for attendees, except for those utilizing childcare services. 
✅ All breakout sessions are included.
✅Networking opportunities with other professionals will be provided.
✅ A light breakfast, snack, and a box lunch will be provided for each attendee registered by April 18, 2025.
✅ Childcare opens at 8:00 AM on the day of the conference.

Special Notes:
If you require on-site childcare, please register yourself using this option and complete the separate childcare registration above.
If you would like CEUs, please address your requests within the Registration itself. 

 

register as a professional here


Join us for a day of learning, networking, and professional growth! don't forget to register for ceu's if you are needing them.

 


 

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Continuing Education Units (CEU)

Professionals attending the Together We Can Conference, can sign up to earn approved education and training credits while supporting this important event. 

Important Details:
✅ Participants must attend the full conference day to receive credits.
Payment (cash or credit) must be made in person when you check-in on the morning of TWC. All proceeds from credit sales directly support the TWC Conference.
✅ Certificates will be available for pick-up in the Lobby after 4:00 PM on the day of TWC

PRICING AND CREDIT DETAILS:

  • Attorneys: $30 (credits pending approval by the Iowa Bar Association)
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists: $30 (4 credits approved per Iowa Administrative Rules: 645-281.3 & 645-32.3 Standards)
  • Licensed Mental Health Counselors: $30 (4 credits approved per Iowa Administrative Rules: 645-281.3 & 645-32.3 Standards)
  • Peer Support Specialists, Family Peer Support Specialists, and Substance Abuse Certifications: $30 (credits pending approval by the Iowa Board of Certification)
  • Social Workers: $30 (4 credits approved per Iowa Administrative Rules: 645-281.3 & 645-32.3 Standards)
  • Foster Care: FREE (credits pending approval by the IA Department of Health and Human Services)

Make the most of this incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and support the Together We Can Conference!

 


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Why Participate as an Exhibitor or Sponsor?

  • Extensive Exposure: Engage with a diverse audience of families and professionals dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities. 
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with over 50 exhibitors and numerous attendees throughout the day, with dedicated long breaks designed to encourage interaction.
  • Enhanced Visibility: Benefit from incentives that entice conference-goers to visit exhibits, ensuring your organization stands out.
  • Support a Meaningful Cause: Contribute to an event that empowers families and fosters positive change within the community.

By participating, you'll not only showcase your products or services but also play a vital role in a conference that continues to grow and break attendance records each year.

Join us in making a difference and connecting with a community committed to advocacy and support.

 


 

Option 4: Exhibitor Registration

Showcase your organization at the Together We Can Conference! Exhibitor fees are $150 for non-profits and $250 for for-profits. Exhibitor Registration closes on April 11, 2025.

Set-up times: 

  1. Friday, May 2, 12:30 PM–1:30 PM. Please Note: You must be set up and out of the building no later than 1:30 PM. 
  2.  Saturday, May 3, 7:30 AM–8:00 AM. Please Note: Conference attendees enter the building at 8:15 AM.


Exhibitor Benefits Include:

✅ One 8-foot display table
✅ Two complimentary conference registrations per booth
✅ Light breakfast, snack, and box lunch for two
✅ Business name/logo included on Exhibitor/Resource Fair Marketing Materials

Please Note: Conference attendees will be allowed to enter the event space at 8:15 AM on the day of the conference 

Special Notes:
If you require on-site childcare
, please register yourself using this option and complete the separate childcare registration above.
If you would like CEUs, please address your requests within the Registration itself. 

 

register to be an exhibitor here

 


 

Sponsorship Opportunities

As a Together We Can sponsor, your contribution can make a significant impact by supporting families of children, youth, and young adults with special needs. You can direct your funds to a specific purpose or make a general donation to help cover overall costs. Sponsorship Opportunities will close April 11, 2025.

VIEW printable version OF the sponsorship levels here

There are endless ways to support families:

  • Exhibit Fair Expenses: Cover the cost of curtains, tables — $12,000
  • Keynote and/Breakout Session Presenter Expenses: Support a speaker — $5,000 per speaker
  • Meal Sponsor: Cover the cost of meals and snacks for attendees — $5,000
  • Daycare: Cover the cost of providing daycare for attendees — $4,000
  • Sponsor a Conference Track: Cover the cost of venue, liability, equipment, cost of presenters —$3,000

  TWC Tracks are:

  1. Self-advocacy and Youth Leadership
  2. Transition (Post-Secondary Education)
  3. Disability Law
  4. Health and Well-Being
  5. Education
  • T-Shirt Sponsor: Help fund the price of printing conference tees: — $1,500
  • Quiet Room: Your sponsorship covers staffing (two attendants at all times), comfortable seating, calming activities, and soft background music. — $1,000
  • Breakout Session Expenses: Help fund breakout session presenters — $1,000 per session

For greater impact, consider contributing to our overall operational needs. 

Contact us to create a tailored sponsorship package. Your support directly empowers and uplifts families. Examples could include options such as:

  • Direct your funds towards printing, promotional and marketing costs
  • Sponsor participant raffle items
  • Contribute to the stipend fund for families in need of financial support to attend
  • Provide for general sustainment costs

Help us empower families of children, youth and young adults with special needs and bring about positive change by becoming a Together We Can Conference Sponsor.

We couldn't produce this one-of-a-kind conference without support from sponsors like you! If you are interested in becoming a conference sponsor, or would like information on additional ways to contribute, please contact ASK Resource Center via email at info@askresource.org or by phone at (800) 450-8667. Conference information is posted on this page as soon as it becomes available.

 

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with hundreds of attendees
and showcase your services!

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  • "Love, Love, Love!"

  • "This is the highlight of my year. It is one of the few places that my family can attend together. I know that our daughter is being cared for with the child care staff that remember her each year. Me and my husband are learning either together or separately and then sharing at the end of the event for days and weeks later."

  • "It is hard to find the right people with the right knowledge to help young adults with high functioning autism. We found connections for this at TWC!"

     



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    2025 Together We Can is presented in partnership with ASK Resource Center,
    Iowa Department of Education and University of Iowa Center for Disabilities and Development