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2025 Western Region
Self Advocacy Conference
Friday June 20th 8:00am Registration Opens to 3:30 pm Niagara Falls Convention Center 101 Old Falls Street Niagara Falls, NY 14303 Artwork by Reenie Levy and Stitched Ink
We are really looking forward to seeing you this year in Niagara Falls!
Here is what you need to know about the WNY/FL region self advocacy conference. To see all the info, scroll down through the different sections.
Schedule
Optional: Thursday, June 19th
Come Early and Explore Niagara Falls!
Here is an idea for an itinerary:
Arrive 11am- drop off bags at your hotel
11:30am Have Lunch Click here for a list of nearby restaurants
1:00pm Go do a fun activity Click here for a list of different types of activites
4pm Return to hotel and check into rooms, Relax
5:30pm Have Dinner
8:30pm Hang Out in the Hotel Bar or walk to see the Falls Lit Up
10pm Free Fireworks at the Falls
Ideas: bring glowsticks or necklaces so you can see each other. Wear your self-advocacy group shirt! Use your Arts Access Pass for free admission to some sites
Friday, June 20th
A quiet sensory room will be available all day for people to take a break when needed.
8:00 - 9:00 am Registration in the Foyer
8:00 am Coffee and Bagels
Enjoy a bagel with cream cheese, butter, or jam, coffee or tea, and juice.
9:00 - 9:45 am Opening Ceremony
SANYS Board Candidate Speeches
10:00 - 10:45 am Workshops Session A
11:00 -11:45 am Workshops Session B
12:00 - 1:45 pm Lunch Banquet
Keynote: "Redefining Heroes: Race Strait Takes Center Stage"
Film star and self-advocate Race Eberhart and filmmaker Ben Gonyo will talk about their funny and entertaining film Strait Undercover, starring Race as a detective super hero busting a corrupt corporation.
Awards Ceremony
2:00 - 3:30 pm Workshops Session C
Conference T- Shirts
Congrats to our design winner Reenie Levy from the Arc Alliance Self-Advocacy Group!
You can buy a t-shirt at the conference for $15.
Hotel Info
If you would like to stay in the hotel overnight, please make reservations directly with the hotel.
Seneca Niagara Casino Hotel (1/2 block from the convention center)
310 4th Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
$155 per night including parking, and fees.
The room can be shared between 2 people. Prices go up by $10 when sharing a room between 3 people and $20 when sharing a room between 4 people.
The above rates are guaranteed for reservations made by May 16th.
This hotel has a fitness center, an indoor and outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, arcade, and 6 restaurants. You can even get your haircut or get a massage (for an extra charge)!
To reserve call: 1 (877) 873-6322
Mention the code: SSAAN25
Sheraton Hotel (across the street from the convention center)
300 Third Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
$191.04 per night including taxes, parking, and fees.
(Tax Exempt price: $149 + $9.95= $158.95)
The room can be shared between 2 people. Prices go up when sharing a room between 3 and 4 people.
3 People sharing: $202.34 all inclusive
4 People sharing: $214.44 all inclusive
The above rates are guaranteed for reservations made by May 22nd.
This hotel has a game room, health center, an indoor pool and hot tubs, a bar and multiple restaurants.
To reserve go to: https://book.passkey.com/go/SANYSJune2025
Or call: 1-716-285-3361 Mention the conference
Parking & Public Transportation
NFTA Paratransit and the Metro #40 bus go right to the conference center.
CLICK HERE for the #40 Bus Schedule
Parking is in the lots surrounding the convention center and costs $20 for the day
Meals
Friday Coffee and Bagels
Bagels and Cream Cheese includes Chilled Orange Juice, Coffee & Tea Selection.
Friday Lunch Banquet
Boxed Lunch: Large Sandwich, Mac Salad, Fruit, and a Cookie with Soda or Water.
For all Meals: Check the box on your registration if you need a Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy Free, Pork Free, or Pureed meal.
Registration
Registration Includes meals, workshops, and keynotes.
We do have a limited number of partial scholarships to help people attend. To get a full or partial scholarship, please speak to Sophia at 716-560-9307 or Sue at 585-738-4687 before you register.
Registrations are due by May 16th, 2025
Award Nominations
Do you or someone you know deserve an award for hard work and dedication?
Does your group or support agency deserve an award for the things they are doing?
Does your Group Advisor deserve an award for staying with you and doing a great job?
Do you have an awesome Direct Support Person who goes above and beyond?
Consider nominating them for an award!
Deadline for nominations is May 20th.
Thank you to our Amazing Sponsors!
Change Makers
Champions
Allies
Activators
Ann Haines
Speak Up!
Sebastian Petix
Monica Karwan
Diane Savatteri
Sharon Urbaniak
Pam Sterling
Luke Connors
Anne Haberer
OTHER WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT THE
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Find Out What it Means to Me!
Become A Sponsor
Show folks your values by sponsoring our conference!
WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU!
Thank you for registering to join us at the WNY/FL Regional Self-Advocacy Conference, R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Find Out What it Means to Me! A purchase receipt will arrive in your inbox shortly.
If you are paying by check, the automatic invoice you receive will be incorrect. You will need to send in the amount you owe postmarked by May 16th to be considered fully registered. Please send your check or money order to:
SANYS Conference
1021 Broadway Street, 4th Floor
Buffalo, NY 14212
Please take note of our phone number to call if you have any questions: 716-463-5035.
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