PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On Saturday, April 21, 2018, Children’s Health Council (CHC) in partnership with Understood will host the 10th Annual EdRev Expo, the only gathering of its kind for the 1 in every 5 children with learning and attention differences, often compounded by anxiety and depression. The free event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at AT&T Park in San Francisco, featuring inspiring workshops, exhibits, music, art and outdoor activities. EdRev uniquely brings together the entire special education community—students, parents, educators and professionals—to raise awareness of learning and attention issues, increase access to information, and promote change. ABC Nightline Co-Anchor Byron Pitts, an award-winning journalist, author and youth advocate, will share his own story of learning challenges and resiliency.
"With close to 3,000 attendees coming together in a celebratory environment, EdRev remains a one-of-a-kind experience for connection, inspiration, and support in the world of special education," said Dr. Rosalie Whitlock, Executive Director of CHC.
Learning and attention issues are more common than many people realize. In the U.S., 1 in 5 children struggle with learning and/or attention issues. That’s 15 million children ages 3–20, and only a small percentage of these are identified in school. The adults in their lives often misunderstand their symptoms due to a lack of information and resources. As a result, many children with learning and attention issues face both academic and social challenges, often compounded by anxiety and depression. With the right strategies and support, however, parents can help unlock their kids’ strengths and help them thrive in school and in life.
Bringing together students, parents and professionals, EdRev will raise awareness and understanding of learning and attention issues and reduce stigma; increase access to resources and information especially amongst underserved populations; and inspire action and advocacy so these students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
Event host Byron Pitts knows how difficult an undiagnosed learning difference can be. Pitts grew up in Baltimore a poor, functionally illiterate, chronic stutterer. His freshman year in high school, Pitts was ranked 310 out of 330 students largely due to his difficulty with reading. Against-all-odds, and with hard work and the help of others, he overcame these obstacles to follow his dream to become a network news correspondent, anchor and ABC Nightline host, winning multiple Emmy awards along the way for his thoughtful storytelling, on-the-ground reporting and in-depth interviews. Pitts brings an inspiring and personal perspective to this year’s EdRev Expo. “As a child I understood deeply what it meant to feel voiceless,” said Pitts. “Today as a journalist I can give voice to the voiceless by telling their stories. I am thrilled to be part of this special event supporting the 1 in 5 kids with learning and attention challenges.”
EdRev combines an educational expo with a celebratory community day at the ballpark, where guests can participate in myriad workshops with thought leaders who will share the latest research on learning, along with practical strategies for home, school and life. Sample workshop topics include “Dyslexia in the Classroom,” “ADHD is a Superpower,” and “Building Resiliency in Kids.” An exhibit hall will showcase the hottest learning technologies, a stunning student art gallery with over 300 pieces , and schools and organizations specializing in learning and attention challenges and anxiety and depression. A celebration on the field will feature live music, a rock climbing wall, yoga on the baseball field, and other fun outdoor activities for kids. New this year: free admission for all; workshops and resources in both English, Spanish and ASL; free onsite 30-minute parent consultations with CHC therapists; and a new student track on health, wellness, and self-care.
Visit EdRevSF.org for more information and to reserve your free tickets for EdRev 2018, or sign up to sponsor, exhibit, or volunteer.
About Children’s Health Council (CHC)
CHC is a nonprofit agency that has been providing top rated education and mental health care for children, teens and young adults in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties for 65 years. In 2017 CHC and Parents Education Network joined forces to bring expanded services to even more families in the San Francisco Bay Area. CHC’s goal is to remove barriers to learning regardless of language, location, learning style or ability to pay. The agency specializes in Anxiety & Depression, ADHD, Learning Differences, and Autism with its two schools, Clinical Services and Community Connections.
