2010 PSAC National Access Conference

“Let's focus on our abilities!”

To:PSAC Locals

APPLICATION DEADLINE	Thursday, March 4, 2010 4:00 p.m. EST
RESOLUTIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE :	Thursday, March 4, 2010 4:00 p.m. EST
CONFERENCE DATES:	June 4-6, 2010
CONFERENCE LOCATION:	Westin Ottawa Hotel 11 Colonel By Drive Ottawa, ON K1N 9H4

INTERPRETATION WILL BE PROVIDED
English, French and Inuktitut (upon request)

This Registration Package includes:

Introduction/Callout Letter
Application Form
Call for Resolutions
Instructions for Nominations Form

We are pleased to be sending you this Registration package for the 2010 PSAC National Access Conference, which will be held June 4 to 6, 2010 at the Westin Hotel, Ottawa, Ontario under the theme “Let's focus on our abilities!”

We encourage you to personally inform your members with disabilities to ensure they are made aware of this conference. Bulletin boards may not always be accessible and additional outreach is very important.

This registration package is available upon request in alternative format through the PSAC Programs Section by contacting us at 613-560-5457.

Conference objectives

The objectives of the 2010 PSAC National Access Conference are:

To strategize on ways to promote more inclusive work environments that ensure barriers are removed for people with disabilities
To empower and engage persons with disabilities to take action and move disabilities rights forward, including through lobbying
To provide tools that educate and advocate for disability rights in our communities, our workplaces and our union
To better connect and to include persons with disabilities in our communities, our workplaces and our union
To defend quality public services for persons with disabilities

Participants

Delegates
PSAC members in good standing and who also identify as being a member with a disability may apply to this conference. Priority will be given to members who are active on disability issues in their union or workplace. Priority will also be given to community activists on disability issues. The selection of delegates will take into account Region, Component, language, gender and other equity representation.

Delegates will be entitled to full voice and vote during the conference, including the resolutions and elections processes.

Funding for Delegates:

Delegate costs to the 2010 PSAC National Access Conference will be fully covered as per the decision of the 2003 PSAC Triennial Convention and the PSAC Travel Directive. Costs covered are as follows:
- travel costs, including ground transportation;
- hotel accommodation costs at the Westin Hotel, Ottawa;
- loss of salary;
- per diem for meals;
- incidental costs;
- child care as per the Family Care Policy;
- costs related to accessibility requirements.
Observers

PSAC members in good standing and who also identify as being a member with a disability may also apply to attend the 2010 PSAC National Access Conference as observers; however, observers will be responsible for all costs associated with their participation, including:
- loss of salary and meals;
- hotel and travel arrangements and costs;
- the conference registration fee of $150.00;
- any additional accessibility needs and childcare arrangements (subject to meeting deadline requirements).
Please note that the number of Observers will be limited to the space available at the Conference. They will have voice only during the discussion period after panel presentations. They may attend workshops, if space permits, but we may not be able to accommodate their 1st option. Observers do not have the right to voice or vote during the resolutions debate and elections processes.
Guests

Members of the PSAC National Board of Directors are eligible to attend the Conference as guests.

SELECTION OF DELEGATES AND OBSERVERS

If you are selected as a delegate or an observer to this conference, you will be advised by email and/or telephone by mid April 2010.

DEADLINE TO APPLY IS
MARCH 4, 2010, 4:00 p.m. (EST)

For further information or assistance:

Call 613-560-5457. Leave a message and someone will get back to you within 24 working hours.
You may also contact Seema Lamba, the PSAC Human Rights Program Officer by email at lambas@psac-afpc.com or Lianne Bonneville, Administrative Assistant by email at conferences@psac-afpc.com
The fax number is 613-236-9402

We look forward to the upcoming 2010 PSAC National Access Conference and see it as an opportunity for our members to continue the important work of advancing the human rights of our members with disabilities.

Please consult the PSAC website (www.psac-afpc.org) periodically as background conference material will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.

In Solidarity,

Jeannie Baldwin, REVP – ATL
Maria Fitzpatrick, REVP - NCR
2010 PSAC National Access Conference Co-Chairs

cc:
National Board of Directors
Component National Officers and Head Offices
Regional Offices
Area Councils
Equal Opportunities Committee (EOC)
National Aboriginal Peoples' Circle (NAPC)
Equity Mailing Lists
Equity Committees
Regional Committees
Regional Council Members
PSAC Management Team

Application Form