Family Forever
CONFERENCE
O C T 1 6 - 1 7 , 2 0 2 6
The Junto Hotel, Columbus, Ohio
Know Before You Go >>
Inspiring keynote from caregiver advocate Jess Ronne
Family Forever Overview
Practical tools and resources for every stage of your family’s journey Expert-led workshops on financial planning, benefits, healthcare, relationships, wellness, and more Honest conversations about parenting, caregiving, advocacy, and planning for the future Small-group discussions with parents and caregivers navigating similar experiences Opportunities to connect with other families and build your support network Explore Best Buddies programs and resources for individuals with IDD and their families Wellness experiences designed to help you pause, recharge, and care for yourself Meaningful stories and perspectives from families, selfadvocates, and community leaders Plenty of time to connect, share experiences, and enjoy being with people who “get it”
Agenda
OCTOBER 16
4:00 - 6:00 PM | Registration & Wellness Station The Belle St. Gallery, First Floor Conference attendees arrive and receive conference materials while connecting with fellow attendees in a welcoming and inclusive environment. This time is designed to foster meaningful conversations and create a sense of belonging from the moment families walk through the door.
4:00 - 6:00 PM | Thrive & Connect The Belle St. Gallery, First Floor Take a moment to settle in, recharge, and ease into the weekend. Explore wellness experiences, connect with fellow attendees, and make a little space for yourself before we begin. Research shows that even brief moments of therapeutic care can lower stress and restore your nervous system. This is your permission to exhale. Deeply.
6:00 - 7:30 PM | Welcome Reception The Franklin Gallery, Second Floor Kick off the Family Forever Conference with a fun and inspiring evening featuring live entertainment and hors d’oeuvres. Hear welcome remarks from Anthony Kennedy Shriver and Cheryl Hines, followed by a heartfelt family story from Gwen and Gene Harshaw and a special musical performance by their son, Zayne Harshaw. Together, their stories will celebrate the powerful impact of family, friendship, and inclusion.
A Gathering of Belonging
Agenda
OCTOBER 17
7:00 - 8:00 AM | Sunrise Friendship Walk
9:15 - 10:15 AM | Be the Bison, Face Your Storm
Rise, refresh, and reset! Join us for an optional Sunrise Walk to
In this inspiring and heartfelt keynote, Jess shares her
start your day with fresh air and movement.
personal journey through caregiver burnout and the
The Trade Room, First Floor
8:00 - 9:00 AM | Breakfast & Networking The Gathering Hall, Second Floor
The Franklin Gallery, Second Floor
resilience required to face life’s fiercest storms. From raising a profoundly disabled son and losing her husband to brain cancer, to rebuilding a life filled with purpose as a
Start the day with breakfast and meaningful conversation.
mother of eight, author, nonprofit founder, podcaster,
Connect with fellow attendees and share experiences before the
filmmaker, and advocate, she spent 19 years in constant
day’s sessions begin.
fight mode before experiencing total burnout.
9:00 - 9:15 AM | Mission Moment
Through honesty, humor, and hope, she encourages
The Franklin Gallery, Second Floor
Begin the day with a heartfelt Mission Moment featuring father and son, John and Elliott Riley. Their family’s story, and a special cello performance by Elliott, bring the spirit of Family Forever to life - celebrating love, connection, and the joy of seeing our loved ones thrive. Speakers: John Riley & Elliott Riley
Family Forever
CONFERENCE
caregivers to stop running from their storms and face them like the bison—head-on. Audiences will gain practical strategies for navigating overwhelming stress, embracing grace when plans change, living fully present, and building a trusted support community. She also offers meaningful ways friends, family members, and professionals can better support caregivers on their journey. Speaker: Jess Ronne, Author, Speaker, Caregiver Advocate & Founder, The Lucas Project
Agenda
OCTOBER 17
10:15 - 10:45 AM | More Than Caregiving: Building a Life of Connection, Purpose, and Possibility The Franklin Gallery, Second Floor Drawing on her personal journey as a sister to an individual with intellectual disabilities, her experience living and working with Eunice Kennedy Shriver, and her professional path from Georgetown University School of Medicine to Complex Care Pediatrics at Boston Children's Hospital, Dr. Madeleine Gagnon brings a unique perspective to the challenges and rewards of caregiving. As the founder of a home care company serving individuals with disabilities and a weekly television parenting expert, she has spent her life learning from families, caregivers, and the individuals at the center of their care. Through personal stories, professional insights, and practical strategies, Dr. Gagnon will explore what it truly means to support a child with disabilities – not just medically, but as a whole person within a family and community. She will share actionable strategies for advocating for your child, building the right support team, navigating grief alongside gratitude, and balancing the needs of the entire family. Because raising and caring for a person with disabilities is about more than meeting their care needs-it’s about helping your child thrive, supporting your entire family, finding your community, and creating a life filled with connection,
10:45 - 11:00 AM | Pause and Reset
purpose, and possibility.
The Gathering Hall, Second Floor
Speaker: Dr. Madeleine Gagnon Pediatrician and Family & Caregiver Strategist, Bridge Health Consulting
Time to recharge and transition between sessions.
Agenda 11:00 - 11:55 AM | Breakout Session 1
Financial Planning for Your Family’s Future
questions, and experiences.
Navigating Relationships & Sexuality
The Assembly, Second Floor
Parents and caregivers can choose the breakout session that best matches their interests,
OCTOBER 17
The Belle St. Gallery, First Floor
Gain a clearer understanding of some of the financial tools
An honest conversation about the role of communication in
available to families of individuals with intellectual and
developing relationships and establishing personal
developmental disabilities. This session will explore special
boundaries with consent and body autonomy to safely
needs trusts, ABLE accounts, funding strategies, and key
express one's sexuality.
considerations to help safeguard your loved one’s quality of life, access to public benefits and protect assets.
Speakers:
Joan McGrath CEO, PLAN
Jill Fowler
Executive Director, Community Fund Ohio
The Family Balancing Act: Making Space for Everyone
Speakers: Debra Williamson Board Member
Kathy Kleiser
Transition Coordinator
Cindy Shivadecker Transition Coach
Greene County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Sharing Your Story Across Media - How Can We Raise Awareness and Protect our Kids?
The Franklin Gallery, Second Floor
The Guild, Second Floor
A dynamic panel discussion where parents and caregivers
Our caregiving stories are the lifelines to other caregivers.
with different family dynamics share about the experiences,
Our stories matter and should be celebrated and shared – in
challenges, joys, and lessons that come with supporting
articles, books, podcasts, social media, and beyond. Whether
ourselves, and advocating for our loved ones.
we’re looking to share our story to spread awareness, to create change, or simply because it’s good for our souls, let’s
Panelists: Jenny Barwick
Mari Cox
Jim Sayih
Beth Swillum
Eunie’s Buddies Mentee Founder and CEO, Special Compass
Moderator: Lise Lozelle
Events Manager, Elevate DD
Eunie’s Buddies Mentor
VP, Branding & Field Engagement, Best Buddies
talk about telling not just your child’s story, but how to make the story yours.
Speaker: Kelley Coleman
Author and Disability Advocate
Agenda
You Don’t Have to Do this Alone: Learning to Let Others Help You
OCTOBER 17
The Franklin Gallery, Second Floor
12:00 - 12:55 PM | Eat, Explore & Exhale The Gatherig Hall, Second Floor Enjoy lunch while exploring Best
Understanding Your Child’s Benefits: What You Need to Know and Where to Start The Assembly, Second Floor Navigating your child’s benefits can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure where to start. Join Kathy DiRusso, a certified
Buddies programs, resources,
Community Partner Work Incentive Counselor and the Director of
and connections.
Jobs Operations at Best Buddies, to learn about SSI, SSDI, and
1:00 - 1:55 PM | Breakout Session 2
Medicaid, and how working and earning income fit alongside the
from. The appointments, therapies, medications, advocacy, endless decisions, and daily care can leave caregivers feeling like everything depends on them and asking for help can feel impossible. But you were never meant to carry this alone. In this honest and practical workshop, we’ll talk about why accepting help can be so difficult, how to move beyond guilt and the fear of burdening others, and how to identify the people who can truly walk
support your child receives.
alongside you. We’ll explore what it looks like to let others into the messy,
Speaker:
isn't a sign of weakness, but a necessary part of sustaining yourself and
Kathy DiRusso
Director of Jobs Operations, Best Buddies
Parents and caregivers can
Common + Unity = Community: Turning Passion Into Connection
choose the breakout session that best matches their interests, questions, and experiences.
Caregiving can often feel like a job you are never allowed to step away
The Guild, Second Floor
exhausting, and beautiful reality of caregiving and how receiving help your family. Letting others help isn't giving up. It's letting yourself be cared for, too.
Speaker: Jess Ronne
Author, Speaker, Caregiver Advocate & Founder, The Lucas Project
In this heartfelt session, one father shares how his son’s passion for
Ask a Nurse: Navigating Medical Care
music became a pathway to friendship, connection, and
The Belle St. Gallery, First Floor
belonging. Through their family’s journey, attendees will explore how shared interests can bring people together, create opportunities for authentic relationships, and build stronger communities. Because parents and caregivers cannot build an inclusive world alone, this session reminds us that true inclusion takes all of us working together to create a world where everyone belongs.
Speaker: Gene Harshaw
Co-Founder, Band Together Central Ohio
Navigate healthcare settings with greater confidence and learn practical strategies for advocating for your child. Drawing on 25 years of nursing experience and her perspective as a mother of a child with disabilities, the speaker will share practical insights on asking the right questions, communicating with providers, and making the most of medical appointments—with time for open discussion and Q&A.
Speaker: Liz Eng
Medical Director, Best Buddies International
Agenda
OCTOBER 17
2:00 - 3:00 PM Let’s Talk: World Café Conversations
3:00 - 4:00 PM Closing Connections
4:00 - 5:00 PM Thrive & Connect
The Franklin Gallery, Second Floor
The Franklin Gallery, Second Floor
The Belle St. Gallery, First Floor
Every family’s journey is unique, but no one has
The conference concludes with speaker Amanda
Take time to recharge before you depart. Explore
to navigate it alone. During this interactive
Booth as she shares her personal perspective on
wellness experiences including massage chairs
World Café session, participants will gather
parenting, advocacy, inclusion, and creating a
and aromatherapy, while reflecting on the
around small tables to engage in meaningful
world where individuals with IDD and their
weekend and setting your intentions for the return
conversations guided by thought-provoking
families feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
home. Research shows that even brief moments
prompts.
Speaker: Amanda Booth Disability Advocate, Actor & Model
of therapeutic care can lower stress and restore your nervous system. This is your permission to exhale. Deeply.
Welcome to Columbus!
Locati The Junto Hotel, Columbus, Ohio
We’re excited to welcome you to Columbus, Ohio, a vibrant and welcoming city with great restaurants, walkable neighborhoods, and plenty to explore. Family Forever will take place at The Junto, a modern boutique hotel in the heart of the city’s Franklinton neighborhood, just steps from the Scioto River and downtown Columbus. With inviting gathering spaces, onsite dining, and easy access to many of the city’s attractions, it’s the perfect home for our first Family Forever Conference.
Family Forever
CONFERENCE
Parking For those driving into Columbus, valet parking is available at The Junto for $20 per day or $50 overnight. If you prefer to self-park, nearby options include the Peninsula Garage and Starling Street Garage, both within a short walk of The Junto.
Little West Tavern
Brass Eye
The Trade Room
Maudine’s
The Junto’s full-service restaurant featuring wood-hearth cooking and an approachable American tavernstyle menu.
The Junto’s rooftop bar offering cocktails, food, and beautiful views of the Columbus skyline.
A cozy gathering spot in the hotel lobby for cocktails, conversation, and light bites.
The hotel’s neighborhood coffee shop with coffee, pastries, baked goods, and grab-and-go options.
Little West Poutine
Brassica – Short North
Forno Kitchen + Bar
A fun walk-up window behind Little West Tavern serving poutine and late-night bites.
Fresh, casual Mediterraneaninspired food with plenty of options for different dietary preferences.
A lively Short North spot featuring pizzas, pastas, shareables, and cocktails.
The Guild House
Arch City Tavern
Lindey’s
A polished but welcoming Short North restaurant featuring seasonal American cuisine.
A relaxed Short North tavern with burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, and other casual favorites.
A longtime Columbus favorite in German Village and a great choice for a special dinner.
Restaurant Recommendations
Family Forever
CONFERENCE
Click Restaurant Names for hyperlink to websites!
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Attire for the weekend is elevated casual-think relaxed, polished, and most importantly, you. For Friday evening’s Welcome Reception, feel free to dress it up a little with a fun dress, jumpsuit, jacket, or whatever makes the evening feel special to you. For daytime sessions, jeans, casual dresses, sweaters, comfortable pants, and layers are all great options.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?
Come ready to learn, connect, and ask questions! You may want to bring a notebook for taking notes. We know being away from your family means staying connected is important, but we also encourage you to be as present as possible during sessions and conversations. Put your phone away and give yourself the time to connect.
WHAT MEALS ARE INCLUDED?
Your registration includes light bites and refreshments during Friday evening’s Welcome Reception, as well as breakfast and lunch on Saturday. Attendees staying Saturday evening will have plenty of nearby options to explore for dinner in Columbus.
HOW DO I GET TO THE JUNTO, AND WHERE SHOULD I PARK?
If you’re flying, John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is approximately 15–20 minutes from The Junto, and Uber or Lyft is the easiest option for getting to the hotel. If you’re driving, valet parking is available at The Junto, with additional self-parking garages located within a short walk. See the Transportation & Parking section of this guide for details.
WHAT IF I NEED A BREAK DURING THE DAY?
Take one! Family Forever is designed with opportunities to pause and recharge throughout the weekend. Wellness experiences will be available at several points, and you’re always welcome to step away when you need a little downtime, some fresh air, or a moment to check in with your family.
CAN I BRING MY CHILD TO THE FAMILY FOREVER CONFERENCE?
We know stepping away from your caregiving role isn’t always easy. Family Forever is an adults-only conference intentionally created to give parents and caregivers time to connect, learn, and recharge. To help you fully enjoy the conference experience, we ask that you make caregiving arrangements for your child during conference sessions and activities.
Frequently Asked Family Forever Questions CONFERENCE
See you there!
Family Forever
CONFERENCE
Family Forever
CONFERENCE
Every family’s journey begins with a moment— and what comes next is shaped by connection, support, and hope.
Questions? Contact: Jillian Schoonover | Director, Conferences conferences@bestbuddies.org