ts basic information medical headlines medical articles, powerpoints ts--much more than tics

research/science news research grants research powerpoints recent scientific articles tsa brain bank

newly diagnosed ts fact sheet adults living with ts counseling young people

CME medical allied profes. education clinical counseling professional educators medical students/residents

TSA online store TSA newsletter young adult newsletter children's newsletter

education strategies ask TSA about education strategies education advocacy ask TSA about education advocacy for educators

legislative action center legislative position statements advocacy statements and activities contact TSA government relations

about national TSA about TSA chapters U.S.chapter locator international contact locator TSA in the media

many ways to help Team TSA - run, swim, walk for a cure DONATE

TSA 2008 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Pre-Conference Activities April 2-3, 2008 / General Conference April 4-6, 2008
Hilton Alexandria Mark Center
5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA

Online Registration is Closed as of 03/31/08 - Please Register in Person at the
Hilton Alexandria Mark Center. TSA National staff will be on site beginning April 1, 2008


Who Should Attend?

• Families with a new diagnosis of TS - for the pre-conference Newly Diagnosed seminar - and for the subsequent General Session too!
• People of all ages with TS and their families
• Key Chapter Leaders and volunteers who support programs and services for people with TS

The Conference Offers You:

• ACCESS to the leading medical and allied professionals in the field of TS
• NETWORKING opportunities with TSA’s national staff and key Chapter leaders and volunteers from across the country
• TRAINING and practical guidance for a variety of real-life issues affecting the lives of those with TS
• INSPIRATION from the motivational stories given by our speakers and from meeting others who are just like you;
• An OPPORTUNITY to be a part of the TSA family as we honor key scientists, Chapter volunteers and our outstanding Youth Ambassadors
• FUN! With optional evening activities for people of all ages

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

• Wednesday, April 2
  
  Chapter Leadership Training - By invitation only, through each individual Chapter.  Leadership Training provides expert-led, volunteer-facilitated workshops that deliver practical “how to” tactics for improved TSA mission delivery
  
  Trip to the Hill Preparation - This session, conducted Wednesday evening, is required for all who are attending the Trip to the Hill. TSA's Director of Public Policy will be presenting important information regarding Hill appointments, logistics, and the issues which will be addressed during the visits.
  
  
  
• Thursday, April 3
  
  Chapter Leadership Training Continues
  
  Trip to the Hill - TSA’s annual Trip to the Hill is open to all TSA members.  Our TSA public policy office provides information on how to contact Senators and Representatives and set up appointments.  Visits must be coordinated through local chapters.  Comprehensive packets of information on several issues which define the current needs of people with TS are provided.  A Trip to the Hill Preparation session will take place on Wednesday evening, April 2nd.  Bus service to the Hill and lunch will be provided.  Appropriate for children and adults, participation in the Trip to the Hill is an experience all will cherish.
  
  Newly Diagnosed Seminar – For recently diagnosed adults/young adults, the parents of a recently diagnosed child, or anyone attending a TSA Conference for the first time, this all day seminar is an exceptional pre-conference program lead by Dr. John Walkup.  This seminar will prepare you for processing, retaining, and applying the immense amount of information disseminated during the General Sessions.  Dr. Walkup has a special way of sharing insightful suggestions for helping you to understand Tourette Syndrome and its associated disorders.  He will also provide everyday coping strategies and behavioral management tools while putting living and coping with TS on a daily basis into perspective.
  
  
  
• Friday, April 4 - Sunday, April 6
  
  General Sessions: TSA's General Sessions start Friday morning with breakfast and a presentation by the Marine Corps Color Guard, followed by opening remarks by TSA's President, Judit Ungar. Capping off two full days of sessions and exciting activities, the Conference ends Sunday as attendees join with our speakers informally over breakfast.
  
  Throughout the weekend, attendees can choose sessions from a variety of tracks that address specific needs:
  • Medical & Behavioral – focuses on leading treatments and behavioral approaches for TS
  • Education & Advocacy – provides tools, resources, and guidance on educating our educators, and helping kids with TS succeed throughout their primary and secondary education
  • Adult & Young Adult – in combination and as separate tracks; speakers will address the variety of personal and professional issues facing these age groups
  • Teens (for teens with TS and their siblings, ages 14-18) - on navigating through the challenging teen years
  • Special Topics – addresses a variety of unique subjects, including sibling issues, family dynamics, and youth perspectives
    
    

EVENING ACTIVITIES AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Chris Melbye International Meet & Greet - This informal reception Thursday evening is a great opportunity to meet other attendees and have fun. Includes Karaoke and a Disc Jockey.

Sight-Seeing Tour of Washington D.C. - Organized by TSA Greater Washington DC Chapter for Friday evening, this guided tour will bring you to some of the area's notable spots. Click here for more information.

Artists Table – The TSA Artists Table displays artwork, musical CD’s, jewelry, note cards, paintings, prints, and other artistic items created by individuals who have TS.  The Artists Table will be in the Exhibit Area April 4-6.  All items are for sale, so please come by and admire the displays and support these talented artists!  If you would like to display at the Artists Table, please contact Arleen Bentley at arleenbentley@comcast.net.

Drum Circle for All Ages – drumming circles can bring relaxation, joy, and often, some lessening of symptoms.

Documentary Screening - film to be announced

Off-Site Youth Camp:  An off-site camp program for children with TS ages 7 through 14 is being offered through the Tourette Syndrome Camp Organization (TSCO).  Space is limited to 50 children.  If you would like information and registration forms for this program, visit the TSCO Web site www.tourettecamp.com/schedule.php, or contact Scott Loeff at scott63@prodigy.net.  Camp fee of $225 includes materials, transportation, Friday lunch, Saturday lunch, and is to be paid separately to TSCO.  Scholarships covering part of the camp expenses can also be obtained through TSCO.

Awards Banquet - Join us for a wonderful evening of dinner and entertainment at which we will present the Wendy Anne Ochsman Award for Distinguished Achievement and Advancement of Tourette Syndrome Medical Treatment and Science, as well as other Educator, Volunteer, Public Policy and Youth Ambassador Awards. The Awards Banquet is open to all registered attendees, and is included in the cost of the Conference.

For questions about the Conference contact TSA – Sandra.holland@tsa-usa.org

Sponsors, Exhibitors, Advertisers
TSA has opportunities to be a Sponsor, Exhibitor, or Advertiser at the National Conference.  This is an excellent opportunity to have your business reach out to families and individuals at the largest national conference for people affected by Tourette Syndrome.  Click here for our downloadable brochure.  Deadlines have been extended.  Contact Sandra Holland at sandra.holland@tsa-usa.org for more information.

Scholarships
Funding opportunities are available to offset the costs of travel and lodging for teens (ages 14-18) and young adults (ages 18-25).  Click here to download a scholarship application for young adults or for teens. All scholarship applications must be received at the National TSA office by Friday, February 15, 2008.

For Room Reservations at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center
703-845-1010 or 800-HILTONS
Ask for the TSA Conference Rate.  In order to guarantee a room from the TSA block, you must make your hotel reservation prior to March 13, 2008

Ground Transportation
Complimentary Hilton Shuttle service to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the Pentagon, Pentagon City Mall, and the Metro Subway System.

Recreation
Heated indoor / outdoor pool with hydraulic lift, 24-hour Executive Health Club featuring LifeCycles, LifeStep Machines, Treadmills, and a Multi-Station Universal Gym.  Two lighted outdoor tennis courts, jogging trails and walking paths through adjacent Botanical Gardens.

Dining
Finn & Porter, offering Steak, Seafood, and Sushi