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CTD Conventions & Advocacy Events

Since our foundation in 1978, CTD has organized an Annual Convention in a different part of the state, often partnering with local disability groups. When the Legislature met (odd numbered years), we stayed in Austin to take full advantage of advocacy opportunities. During interim years (even numbered), we traveled far and wide, to cities large and small, meeting and collaborating with our members. Wherever we landed, our Conventions were hubs of consumer education, advocacy training and preparation, and CEU opportunities for professionals. We usually managed to have some fun, too!

In 2016, we began shifting to a smaller, more targeted scale of activities to train and prepare individuals for advocacy during and outside of the Legislative session. Our Raise Your Voice! Roundtables are regional events held during the interim session. These conversations are designed to introduce participants to the Texas legislative process and allow CTD to interact directly with emerging advocates to identify and address issues facing local disability communities. In 2019, we're piloting the Raise Your Voice! Advocate Connection Program, designed to provide a functional understanding of our state's legislative process while connecting emerging and seasoned advocates.

Finally, we are proud to collaborate with our partners on a variety of other advocacy events to educate the public, prepare advocates for action, and engage our elected officials. Examples of such efforts include rallies and advocacy days, conferences, film screenings, and forums. 

Sponsor a CTD or Raise Your Voice! Advocacy Event

If your business or organization has a stake in disability issues, consider sponsoring a Raise Your Voice! advocacy event. Often, we work closely with our sponsors on legislative activities or consumer services. We offer multiple levels of sponsorship, all with great benefits to you! Learn more.

Past Conventions & Advocacy Events

• 2018: Texas Disability Issues Forum (Austin)
• 2017: Raise Your Voice! Training and Advocacy Day (Austin)
• 2016: Raise You Voice! Roundtables in Arlington and Plano.
• 2015: $10 Campaign for Attendant Wages (Austin)
• 2014 (spring): West Texas Disability Resource Conference (Abilene)
• 2014 (fall): Texas Disability Issues Forum (Austin)
• 2013: 35th Annual Convention & Texas Medicaid Matters (Austin)
• 2012: iMake a Difference (McAllen)
• 2011: Community Living: It's MY Choice! (Austin)
• 2010: Our Lives Statewide Convention and Service Providers Expo (El Paso)
• 2009: Brainstorm! (Austin)
• 2008: 30th Annual Convention: Advocacy. Honor. Duty. (San Antonio)
• 2007: Thinktake (Austin)
• 2006: Raise Your Voice! (Corpus Christi)