Keynote speaker for The University of Scranton's first annual "disABILITY" Conference will be the Honorable Joanne Wilson, the 10th Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), Washington, D.C.

08/2 - disABILITY Conference to be Held on University of Scranton Campus

The University of Scranton will conduct a Disability Conference on September 20 and 21 on campus. The conference will provide educators, professionals, counselors, parents and high school students with an opportunity to gain insights from presenters that will feature nationally recognized experts and authors.

The first annual "disABILITY" Conference is being sponsored by the Blue Ribbon Foundation of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania and the university's Panuska College of Professional Studies and the Edward R. Leahy Jr. Center. The conference is being held in conjunction with National Rehabilitation Week, September 15-21.

"The conference will offer participants a chance to explore best practices, increase their knowledge of resources, technology and legislation, and develop advocacy skills that can help school-age students with disabilities," said Conference Coordinator Lori Bruch, Ed.D., associate professor of counseling and human services.

"The Blue Ribbon Foundation of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania is proud to serve as a sponsor for this important community forum," said Lisa Baker, executive director. "The conference offers sound advice, practical solutions and up-to-date information for teachers, parents and professionals who work with children with disabilities. It perfectly matches the foundation's mission of enhancing the health and quality of life of children and their families. There is no question that this conference will provide an important opportunity to educate and empower residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania."

Keynote speaker for the conference will be the Honorable Joanne Wilson, the 10th Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), Washington, D.C. She was appointed to this position in 2001 by President George W. Bush. As head of RSA, Commissioner Wilson administers a $2.7 billion nationwide program that annually provides services to more than one million people with disabilities.

Commissioner Wilson is frequently called upon to address rehabilitation professionals, educators and public-agency personnel who seek to employ the unique strategies and training created under her direction during her years of service at the Louisiana Center for the Blind.

"Commissioner Wilson is a pioneer in advocating rights and developing best practices for persons with disabilities," said James J. Pallante, Ed.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies. " In 1966, more than two decades before Congress enacted the Americans with Disabilities Act, Commissioner Wilson began rehabilitation training at the Iowa Commission for the Blind. This training was the catalyst that ultimately led her to establish a model training facility to serve the nation's blind."

The conference will also include presentations and book-signings by three authors: Jonathan Mooney of New York City, author of Learning Outside the Lines; Dr. Loretta Long ("Susan" on Sesame Street), author of Courtney's Birthday Party; and Mary Muscari, Ph.D., associate professor of nursing at The University of Scranton and author of Not My Kid: 21 Steps to Raising a Non-Violent Child.

This is Mr. Mooney's second appearance at the university. He was on campus in the fall of 2001 to make a presentation in cooperation with the university's student chapter of the Council on Exceptional Children.

Honorary Chairpersons of the conference are Edward R. Leahy and Patricia Leahy, who endowed The University of Scranton's Edward R. Leahy, Jr., Center. The endowment was made in honor of the Leahy's late son, Edward, a child with significant disabilities. The Center was established to support research on behalf of children and adults with disabilities.

Mr. Leahy is an alumnus of The University of Scranton and managing partner of AEG Capital LLC in Washington, D.C. During the conference, Mr. Leahy will discuss "Advocacy for Parents."

"Providing a quality education, proper resources, and access to qualified professionals will empower individuals with disabilities to secure high quality employment, live independently in the community, and share fully in the American dream," said Mrs. Leahy, director of Governmental Affairs of the National Rehabilitation Association in Washington, D.C., Mrs. Leahy will present a legislative update at the conference.

Other conference presenters include Jozef Matulnik, Ph.D., Trnava University, Trnava, Slovakia; Janet Fiore, president of The Sierra Group of Philadelphia; Ayad Haboubi, Ph.D., Allied Services, Scranton; and Mary Beth Stanvitch, Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit 19, Scranton. Nine faculty members from The University of Scranton's Panuska College of Professional Studies will also make conference presentations.

Topics range from legislative and advocacy issues to ethical considerations and a range of special education topics.

The cost of the full two-day conference, including the Friday evening social hour and dinner, is $100 for professionals and $75 for family members. Tickets for the Friday evening social hour and dinner featuring the keynote speaker are $35. The conference registration deadline is September 16.

For additional information, contact Dr. Bruch at The University of Scranton, (570) 941-4308, or bruchl1@scranton.edu.