The 51st Annual Membership Meeting Presentations
"Blazing A Trail In Research"
Las Vegas, Nevada - March 28-30, 2008
2008 AMM Presentations
2008 AMM Review
The National Ataxia Foundation Board of Directors and the National Ataxia Foundation Phoenix and Tucson Arizona Ataxia Support Groups would like to welcome you to the 51st Annual Membership Meeting. Please join us in exciting Las Vegas, Nevada to learn, share, network, have fun, and enjoy the sites.
The 2008 NAF Annual Membership Meeting will continue to focus on bringing together NAF members and their families to meet and learn from world leading ataxia researchers and neurologists but also to build new friendships and reunite with old friends. Whether this is your first meeting or your 51st, the 2008 Annual Membership Meeting will be filled with education, celebration, sharing, and caring! Registration forms are available in the 2007/2008 Winter Issue of Generations and on our website. Members of NAF receive a discount on their registration fee. Become a member of NAF. The Annual Meeting Program that you will receive at the meeting will include the most updated information. Please use your Meeting Program for meeting room assignments and times.
Program Overview
Thursday, March 27
Leadership Meeting - Current Chapter Presidents, Support Group Leaders and Ambassadors are encouraged to attend the Leadership Meeting. Do to limited space only those that are a Chapter President, a Support Group Leader, or an Ambassador will be permitted to attend unless one representative has been indicated prior to the meeting as attending in place of a Leader that is unable to attend. This meeting will address questions and concerns that are unique to those in this appreciated position as well as offer the opportunity to meet one another, and learn some tips from both peers and professionals. This meeting will run from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. If you are not currently a group leader, but are interested in becoming one, please inquire ahead of time by contacting Lori at lori@ataxia.org.
Teen Early Arrival Group Outing - Canceled
Internet Group - This is your opportunity to meet some of those internet friends that you have met on the NAF chat room, NAF Bulletin Board, Internaf, Tricks of the Trade, u_r_notalone, Ataxia Forum, Ataxia Chat 2002, MySpace NAF Group and FAPG.
Friday, March 28
Teen Program and Activities - The teens, ages 13-20, are invited to meet in the Reno II room. This room is reserved for the teens to get to know each other, play games, watch movies and relax. In addition there will be scheduled group activities and guest speakers. Please make sure to mark "TEEN" on your registration form so we can plan accordingly. A full schedule will be available in the meeting program. Don't forget, teens are also welcome to attend the regular meeting program.
Breakout Sessions - Friday morning 45 minute sessions will be available on various topics including Dancing with Ataxia, Financial Planning, Selecting a PCA, Wheelchair Yoga, and Accessible Travel. For a complete schedule please see the meeting agenda.
Birds of a Feather - Friday from 2pm- 5pm, groups will be sectioned off in individual or divided rooms based on your type of ataxia, caregivers, parents, etc. This is a tremendous opportunity for you to meet others with your type of ataxia or who share in a similar situation, and make friends that will last a lifetime. Medical professionals will also be on hand, circulating between groups, in case you have any questions.
Friday Night Reception - Please join us for a western-themed hors d'oeuvres reception in the Sunset Ballroom. All registered meeting attendees are welcome to attend and admittance to this event is included with your registration.
Saturday, March 29
General Sessions - Saturday morning and afternoon will be General Sessions in the Sunset Ballroom. General Sessions are large group presentations, typically with a medical or research focus. Many of the world's leading ataxia researchers and clinicians, along with other ataxia experts, will be presenting the latest research and additional information. A half hour Question and Answer session will follow the morning and afternoon General Sessions with a panel of the doctors and researchers that presented.
Church Services - Catholic and Non-denominational church services will be held on Saturday at 6:00pm in the Laughlin I and Laughlin III rooms.
Silent Auction - As tradition at our annual gathering the silent auction will be held on Saturday afternoon and conclude at 7:30pm. We hope you get a winning bid and bring an auction item with you to the meeting. Auction items range from something that represents your state or country, such as a painting, spices, statues, and sports memorabilia, to a basket of knickknacks, hotels stays and weekend getaways. Good Luck!!
Saturday Evening Banquet - The Saturday Evening Banquet will begin at 7:00pm in the Sunset Ballroom. Please get your tickets - which are included in your registration fee - ahead of time. You must reserve seating for the banquet in advance. The banquet will include a plated dinner.
Sunday, March 30
General Sessions - Sunday morning wraps up the 2007 Annual Membership Meeting with the final round of General Sessions at 8:30am in the Sunset Ballroom followed by a Question and Answer Session.
Additional Information
Conference Registration - Please complete and return the registration forms to NAF by February 15, 2007. Registration forms can also be found in the Winter issue of Generations. Please fill out the registration form completely, as we need all the information to finalize plans. If you are bringing an attendant, please register together on the same page. Each person planning on attending daily sessions, the reception, or banquet needs to register. Event entry will not be allowed without the proper registered name tags.
Photo Waiver - By attending the 2008 NAF Annual Membership Meeting you give your consent, unless you notify us otherwise, to use your image captured during the conference through video, photographs, or digital imagery, to be used by the National Ataxia Foundation in promotional materials, publications, and web site and waive any and all rights to these images.
About Las Vegas
Las Vegas, an ever-changing fantasy land of a city, has seen unbelievable expansion since it emerged from the desert 100 years ago. The sights and sounds of Las Vegas are enjoyed by over 38.9 million visitors every year. Please visit www.visitlasvegas.com for a complete list of attractions and planning information.
About Flamingo Las Vegas
The Flamingo Las Vegas, located on the Vegas Strip and minutes from the McCarran International Airport, is the official conference hotel of the 2008 NAF Annual Membership Meeting.
Guests of the Flamingo can enjoy 15 acres of Caribbean-style foliage which includes an extravagant Wildlife Habitat and five separate pools, with cascading waterfalls for swimming and sunbathing. Guests can also shop at the more than 10 shops, relax at the Flamingo Spa & Salon and dine at the eight various food venues available. Guests of the Flamingo always have a full house when it comes to entertainment, from superstar Toni Braxton to George Wallace.
The Flamingo Hotel is a very large hotel and casino. Please allow yourself time to familiarize yourself with the layout of the hotel. Valet parking is available at the hotel's east entrance. Self-parking is available in the South Garage, located immediately east of the main entrance. Both are complimentary. Please let NAF know if you are driving a van with a lift.
Reservations - Guest rooms are available for a special group rate of $124 per night. Please be sure to make your reservations by February 22, 2008 in order to secure the special group rate.To book your stay online go to: Harrah's Online Reservation System or if you prefer to make your reservation by phone, please call toll-free 1-800-732-2111 and ask for the National Ataxia Foundation group rate.
All of the limited number of ADA rooms available on a first-come, first-serve basis has now been reserved. If you are interested in putting your name on the waiting list of an ADA room, please contact the National Ataxia Foundation at (763) 553-0020. NAF will have a limited number of shower chairs, tub bars and toilet frames available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Flamingo.
Check In - There will be a designated check in desk for NAF conference attendees at the North Tour Lobby on Tuesday though Thursday, March 25, 26, and 27 from 2pm – 6pm.
Transportation
NAF is not responsible for transportation to and from the hotel. The following may be used as a helpful guide for your convenience.
Lift-Equipped Shuttles - Lift-equipped shuttles are available at the McCarran International Airport to the Flamingo Hotel. The cost is approximately $7 per person one way and $14 per person round trip. Pick-up areas are located on the north and west sides of the baggage claim area outside exit doors 8-14. The shuttle is not owned or operated by the Flamingo Hotel or Harrah's Properties.
Taxis - All taxi companies in Las Vegas have lift-equipped vans accommodating one wheelchair. Ask in advance for an accessible taxi van. Strip Trolley - The trolley operates on the Strip and pulls up to the entrance of each hotel on its route. Most are lift-equipped. For details call (702) 382-1404.
Monorail - Hop on the Las Vegas Monorail and experience a convenient, state-of-the-art alternative to traveling the world-famous Las Vegas Strip - in 15 minutes or less! Flamingo / Caesars Palace Station is located at the Flamingo Las Vegas on the east side of Las Vegas Boulevard. Head past the Flamingo lobby toward the parking garage to reach the Monorail station. Visit http://www.lvmonorail.com/ for schedules and ticket prices.
CAT (Citizens Area Transit) - Bus service is fully accessible, including buses that are lift-equipped. Reduced fares are available for persons with disabilities. Call (702) 228-7433.
Paratransit - If you are certified to ride paratransit, bring your certification and you will be allowed to ride for up to 21 days without a Nevada certification. Call (702) 455-0997 one to three days in advance to schedule rides.
Parking - If you have a parking permit from your home city for your car's dashboard and you will be renting a vehicle in Las Vegas, bring it with you. You may also make advance arrangements for a free 90-day temporary disabled parking permit through the City of Las Vegas.
Write to: City Hall, Parking Permit Office, 400 E. Stewart, Las Vegas, NV 89101, (702) 229-6431. Send a doctor's letter explaining the condition and the duration of the condition, and allow two to three weeks for a response. Valet parking is also an option at nearly every hotel.
Vegas Strip - With all of these transportation options, you will still cover a lot of the city without transportation. That said, the length of the Strip can be deceptive... it takes more time than you would think to get from one end to the other. But where else in the world can you marvel at dancing fountains (the Bellagio), see an erupting volcano (the Mirage), or watch pirates and sirens entertain on ships nightly? (Treasure Island, or T.I.) Not to mention downtown's Fremont Street Experience, which is a haven for pedestrians. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and carry a bottle of water. See you in Las Vegas!
Personal Care Attendants
Please note that NAF is unable to provide attendant care services. Due to liabilities and health concerns, NAF and hotel employees are not able to provide this service. Please do not attend without making arrangements for an attendant if you are need of one. The following may be used as a helpful guide for your convenience.
Alliant Healthcare Service
1050 E Flamingo Rd, Ste W-253
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 733-1599 Fax: (702) 733-9190
Comfort Keepers
701 N Green Valley Pkwy, Ste 200
Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 360-7475 Fax: (702) 990-3156
Nurse Core
4423 W Flamingo Rd
Las Vegas, NV 89103
(702) 458-1137
Wheelchair & Scooter Rentals
The following may be used as a helpful guide for your convenience.
Ability Center
6001 S Decatur Blvd
Ste N
Las Vegas, NV 89118
(702) 434-3030 (800) 546-7622
Active Mobility
4625 S Procyon St, Suite 202
Las Vegas, NV 89103
(702) 736-4399 (800) 877-6106 Fax: (702) 736-5900
Desert Medical Equipment
5030 S Decatur Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89118
(702) 876-9171 Fax: (702) 876-9083
Encore Productions (In-house Supplier)
Located in the Las Vegas Convention Center
3150 Paradise Rd
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 943-6780
Freedom Medical Supply & Equipment
1725 E Warm Springs Rd, #10
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 386-9997 Fax: (702) 228-9996
Mesa Medical Equipment
5225 S Valley View Blvd #10
Las Vegas, NV 89118
(702) 367-0737 (800) 852-3006 Fax: (702) 895-9347
Scootaround Inc
3904 Vanessa Dr
Las Vegas, NV 89103
(888) 441-7575 Fax: (204) 478-1172
Scooters4less Inc
224 Bailey Island Dr
Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 436-2240 Fax: (702) 436-2241
Total Home Care
5321 Cameron
Las Vegas, NV 89118
(702) 796-1016
Village East Drugs (wheelchair only)
5025 S Eastern
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 736-7018
ADA Assistance Offices
ADA Business Connection
Governor's Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities
Suzanne Thomas
Voice: (702) 486-4318
TTY: (702) 486-4393
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
ADA Coordinator
(702) 892-0711
Nevada Relay Service
Voice: (800) 326-6888
TTY: (800) 326-6868
International Visitors
AUSTRALIA REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE
Gate 7 Pty. Ltd.
32 Crown Street
Woolloomooloo NSW 2011 Australia
Call from US: 011-61-2-9356-2266
Call within Australia: 02-9356-2266
Fax from US: 011-61-2-9356-2001
Fax within Australia: 02-9356-2001
Email: lasvegas@gate7.com.au
www.VisitLasVegas.com.au
CANADA REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE
VoX International
2 Bloor Street West, Suite 2601
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4W 3E2
Call: 416-925-8212
Call Toll Free: 866-925-8212
Fax: 416-935-0939
Email: lasvegas@voxtm.ca
www.VisitLasVegas.ca
FRANCE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE
Cellet Marketing & RP France
21 rue Ernest Cognacq
92300 Levallois Perret, France
Call from the U.S.: 011-33-8-25-83-13-73
Call within France: 0825-83-13-73
Fax from the U.S.: 011-33-1-41-34-30-52
Fax within France: 33-1-41-34-30-52
Email: info@cellet.fr
www.VisiteLasVegas.fr
GERMANY REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE
Mangum Management GmbH
Sonnenstrasse 9.
80331 Munich, Germany
Call from the U.S.: 011-49-89-23-66-21-30
Call within Germany: 089-2366-21-30
Fax from the U.S.: 011-49-89-23-66-21-99
Fax within Germany: 089-23-66-21-99
Email: think@mangum.de
www.VisitLasVegas.de
JAPAN REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE
Okada Associates
Gyoen Building 8F
1-5-6 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo 160-0022, Japan
Call from the U.S.: 011-81-3-3358-3265
Call within Japan: 03-3358-3265
Fax from the U.S.: 011-81-3-3358-3287
Fax within Japan: 03-3358-3287
Email: oka@kokada.co.jp
www.VisitLasVegas.jp
KOREA REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE
International Tourism Network(ITN)
Room 1827, Officia Building,
Gwangwhamun 163, Shinmunno1-ga,
Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-999, Korea
Call from the U.S.: 011-82-2-777-9282
Call within Korea: 02-777-9282
Fax from the U.S.: 011-82-2-777-9543
Fax within Korea: 02-3276-3675
Email: soniah@itnpr.co.kr
www.VisitLasVegas.co.kr
MEXICO REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE
Travel Pie - Mexico
Alejandro Dumas 124
Colonia Polanco
11560 Mexico, D.F.
Call from the U.S.: 011-52-55-5281-4923
Call within Mexico: 01-55-5281-4923
Fax from the U.S.: 011-52-55-5280-6842
Fax within Mexico: 01-55-5280-6842
Toll Free within Mexico: 01-800-088-3427
Email: lasvegas@travelpie.com.mx
www.VisitLasVegas.com.mx
UNITED KINGDOM REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE
Cellet Travel Services
Brook House
47 High St.
Henley in Arden
Warwickshire B95 5AA United Kingdom
Call from the U.S.: 011-44-1-564-79-4999
Call within the UK: 08456-020-574
Fax from the U.S.: 011-44-1-564-79-5333
Fax within the UK: 01564-79-5333
Email: info@cellet.co.uk
www.VisitLasVegas.co.uk
