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2026 Western Region
Self Advocacy Conference
Artwork by Robin Ripple
We are really looking forward to seeing you this year in Rochester, NY!
Below 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
Thursday, June 25th
Come early and sight see in Rochester!
- Check In to Hotel
- Conference Registration
- Vendor Tables
- Networking
6 pm - 8 pm
- Dinner
- Welcome: David Viggiani, Director of State Operations, OPWDD Region 1
- Keynote Speaker: Padraic Collins-Bohrer - Speaking Up for Myself to Become a Priest
- Memorial Tributes to those we have lost
8 pm - 10 pm
- Dance Party with DJ Jammin Joe
- Socialize in the Bar
- Pool Party
Friday, June 26th
A quiet sensory room will be available all day for people to take a break when needed.
8:00 - 9:00 am Registration
8:00 - 9:00 am Continental Breakfast
Enjoy a pastry, muffin, croissant, and fruit with coffee, tea or juice.
A full breakfast buffet will be available for $15 in the hotel restaurant for those who arrive early or stay overnight
9:00 - 9:45 am Opening Ceremony
Honoring SANYS 40th Anniversary
Welcome: Maria Torgalski, Director of Regional Office, OPWDD Region 1
10:00 - 10:45 am Workshops Session A
11:00 -11:45 am Workshops Session B
12:00 - 1:45 pm Lunch Banquet
Keynote: Moving Out - A Panel Discussion
Self-advocates from a variety of walks of life and experiences will talk about moving into and living in apartments and homes with support.
Awards Ceremony
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Workshops Session C
Conference T- Shirts
Congrats to our design winner Robin Ripple from Niagara Falls!
You can buy a t-shirt at the conference for $13.
Hotel Info
If you would like to stay in the hotel overnight, please make reservations directly with the hotel.
DoubleTree Hotel Rochester
1111 Jefferson Road
Rochester, NY 14623
$139 per night including parking, plus 14% tax = $158.46 total
This hotel has a fitness center, a pool, a bar and restaurant and plenty of free parking.
To reserve online, please cut and paste this link into your browser: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/rocdtdt-94c-91eef294-27b8-40ec-9739-99fe4c4e5ca4/
Or call: (585) 475-1510 and let them know you are attending the SANYS conference.
You do not need a credit card to reserve a room over the phone.
To reserve with a credit card, use the online link.
Parking & Public Transportation
RTS Access and the bus go right to the DoubleTree Hotel.
Parking is in the lot surrounding the hotel and is free. The hotel is easy to reach from the highway going into Rochester.
Meals
Thursday Dinner
A sit-down dinner of Chicken French or Prime Rib, Real Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Vegetables with Cheescake and Strawberries for dessert.
Friday Breakfast
Continental Breakfast includes Assorted Pastries, Muffins, Croissants, Chilled Orange Juice, Coffee & Tea Selection.
A full breakfast buffet will be available for $15 in the hotel restaurant.
Friday Lunch Banquet
Boxed Lunch: Meatball Grinder, Chicken Caeser Wrap or Egg Salad with Chips, and SANYS 40th Anniversary Cake for dessert.
For all Meals: Check the box on your registration if you need a Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy Free, or Pureed meal.
Registration
Both Days Registration $160
Includes dinner, continental breakfast, lunch, entertainment, workshops, and keynotes.
Friday Only Registration $110
Includes continental breakfast, lunch, entertainment, workshops, and keynotes.
Registration deadline is May 15, 2026
There are a number of partial and a few full scholarships available. Please call Sophia at 716-560-9307 to request a scholarship.
Award Nominations
Nominate someone deserving for an award!
Become A Sponsor!
This year marks SANYS 40th Anniversary. Become a sponsor of our mission to be recognized at our conferences. Please contact Sophia Roberts at [email protected] or 716--560-9307 if you are interested in being a sponsor. Or fill out our online form here.
Change Makers $5,000
Champions $2,500
Believers $1,500
Allies $1,000
Activators $100
Speak Up! $10
OTHER WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT THE
We Belong
Become A Sponsor
Show folks your values by sponsoring our conference!
| 716-463-5035 | [email protected]
WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU!
Thank you for registering to join us at the WNY/FL Regional Self-Advocacy Conference, We Belong! 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 June 4th 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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