Southwest Conference a Success The 2003 Annual Southwest Conference on Disability
was a resounding success! Over 400 people attended the three day affair
to learn about and celebrate "The Many Cultures of Disability",
which was this year's theme. Conferees could choose from workshops on topics
such as: cultural impacts on disability in American Indian country, how
to take charge of your health decisions, services to people with hearing
loss, and self advocacy partnerships. The story of one woman's experience
and how she fought back and created a nationwide victim's rights movement
left people amazed at her determination and spirit. Other topics were on
disability and health, disability and aging, professional women with disabilities
sharing their experiences and insights and, finally, artists with disabilities
sharing their music, writing, sculpture and art with their audience. These
are just a few of the many workshops and plenary sessions that were presented
at the conference. Plans are already underway for the 2004 conference. The
theme will be: "Creating Common Ground". To learn more go to the
conference web site at cdd.unm.edu/ or contact Tony Cahill at (505) 272-2990
or acahill@salud.unm.edu or contact Susan Gray at (505) 827-2976 or susang@doh.state.nm.us.