The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), Ontario CEC Chapter 503 Sudbury, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board and the Rainbow District School Board hosted the 49th Annual Provincial Conference at Sudbury’s Holiday Inn, recently. This year’s theme was entitled “Embracing our Uniqueness: A Northern Perspective.”

During the three-day conference, members and guests were treated to the humourous and highly motivational presentations of keynote speakers Gerry Lougheed Jr. and John Novak. In addition, professionals in their respective fields provided workshops for parents, teachers, educational assistants and administrators on all exceptionalities including autism, behaviour, visual, hearing and speech impairments, learning disabilities as well as assistive technology.

The highlight of the conference was the “Yes I Can” Awards where children and youth from across the province, with a variety of exceptionalities, were recognized for their outstanding achievements

The Council for Exceptional Children is the largest international organization of professionals, parents, paraprofessionals and students who are dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or those who are gifted. CEC’s specialized divisions provide additional focus and depth of information to a particular exceptionality or interest area in special education.