The Respite Care Association of Wisconsin, ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center, and University of Madison Wisconsin School of Nursing are co-hosting the biennial 2021 International Short Break Association (ISBA) Conference virtually from June 22 -25, 2021. What was to be a huge international influx of attendees in Madison, Wisconsin in June 2020, is being held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor Evers issued a state proclamation recognizing June 22-25 as Respite Care Awareness Week to coincide with the International Short Break Conference.
The ISBA Conference is intended to foster the exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives, providing participants with an opportunity to present their lived experiences, best practices, and research findings, establish/renew collaborations, and learn, teach, and network with an international community of individuals interested in short breaks/respite care.
This international conference is intended for everyone who provides, uses, or needs respite/short break services. It is also for policy makers and program administrators who want to understand or better support the respite/short break needs of family caregivers, and individuals who receive respite care across all ages.
“We are so excited that more than 460 people from around the world have already registered to attend the conference. With support from our generous sponsors and donors, we were able to offer free registration to more than 50 family caregivers and individuals with disabilities, as well. Respite is a critical support for family caregivers, providing them with a much-needed break from the constant demands of caregiving. I am excited to learn from and with our international partners to help move
respite forward,” stated Kim Whitmore, PhD, RN, ISBA president and honorary associate fellow at the UW–Madison School of Nursing.
The theme for the conference, Moving Respite Forward, is inspired by Wisconsin’s motto “Forward” which reflects the State’s continuous drive to be a national leader. This conference will provide a space to advance knowledge and understanding of respite by learning from and with international leaders in the field of respite. The conference will also challenge attendees to use evidence-based practices and discover innovative strategies to improve respite care to meet the growing needs of the
more than 50 million U.S. family caregivers, and millions more carers around the world.