2022 SFN Dads Virtual Conference

The YouTube version of the conference sessions will be posted shortly.

2022 SFN Dads Virtual Conference

On Saturday, May 14, 2022, 21st Century Dads Foundation hosted its annual Special Fathers Network conference via Zoom.

The Purpose Of The Conference Was To Help Dads To:
  • Learn – about the Special Fathers Network 
  • Meet – other dads raising children with special needs 
  • Gather Resources – to help your child
  • Develop Skills – to be a better dad and husband 
  • Network – with other dads on a similar journey
Virtually all the presenters were SFN Mentor Fathers or others who were involved in the special needs community. Attendees were able to attend Tracks based on the age of their child with special needs or bounce around based on their level of interest.
 
Track #1: With Children 0-3
 
Track #2: Those with Kiddos 4-13
 
Track #3: Families raising Teens 14 – 21
 
Track #4: Planning for Life Beyond 22+
 

Schedule (All Times are CST)

Friday, May 13th, 2022

7:00-8:00pm
VIP Meet up with Special Guests

Saturday, May 14th, 2022

7:30 – 7:45am
Welcome, Overview, Anthem
Joe Mantegna, Wayne Messmer, David Hirsch
CONFERENCE VIDEO

7:45 – 8:00am
SFN Master Min, Meetups & Resources
Aaron Walker, Duncan Keya

8:00 – 8:15am
Family & Leadership
Warren Rustand
CONFERENCE VIDEO

8:15 – 8:30am
Financial & Estate Planning A Primer
Mary Anne Ehlert, Brian Rubin, Rob Wrubel

8:30 – 9:20am
Session #1
TR1: Early Intervention – Sarah Putt, Hattie Fleming – CONFERENCE VIDEO
TR2: IEPs & Advocation for your Child – Catherine Whitcher – CONFERENCE VIDEO
TR3: Navigating Puberty & Other Changes – Tom Studer
TR4: Education Beyond High School – Kevin Phillips – CONFERENCE VIDEO

9:20 – 10:10am
Session #2
TR1: Seeking & Sourcing Therapies – Carter Abel – CONFERENCE VIDEO
TR2: Athletics & Other Activities – Rooster Rossiter – CONFERENCE VIDEO
TR3: Social Media, Dos & Don’ts Re: SNs – Jeff Katz
TR4: Employment & Finding Purpose – Randy Lewis, Damion Navarro

10:10 – 10:20am
Break

10:20 – 11:10am
Session #3
TR1: The New Normal – Steve Mogul
TR2: Community Based Resources – Joe Butler, Lenn Boston – CONFERENCE VIDEO
TR3: Combating Depression – Dr. Al Freedman – CONFERENCE VIDEO
TR4: Residential & Housing Alternatives – Paul Koza, Rich Gathro, Pete Hixon – CONFERENCE VIDEO

11:10 – 12:00pm
Networking Session

12:00 – 12:30pm
Special Needs in a Conflict Zone
Ruslan Vasyutin (Ukraine) – CONFERENCE VIDEO

12:30 – 12:45pm
Wrap Up and Next Steps
David Hirsch