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The Resource Center will hold sixth annual Educational Conference on Sept. 24

JAMESTOWN – People’s experiences with a diagnosis of a disability will be explored when The Resource Center holds its sixth annual Educational Conference on Sept. 24.

The 2013 conference is titled “Life After Diagnosis” and will be held in TRC’s Administrative Offices at 200 Dunham Ave., Jamestown.

The keynote speakers will be Mike Berkson and Tim Wambach from Handicap This Productions, a disability entertainment company. Berkson, who has cerebral palsy, is an aspiring film maker and author. Wambach, who has worked as a youth trainer, speech coach and camp counselor for children with special needs, ran 700 miles between Chicago and Orlando to raise awareness about cerebral palsy. Their presentation has been described as a powerful look at friendship, breaking down barriers and living with handicaps, but most of all, it is about the potential that exists within everyone.

Also scheduled to speak are:

Dr. John Pelizza of Pelizza & Associates in North Chatham. Dr. Pelizza will deliver the closing address, as well as lead a breakout session on balancing work and life.

Trish Kibler, project manager of health engagement for the P2 Collaborative of Western New York, who will discuss the “health e3-explore.educate.engage” initiative that educates, empowers and activates individuals who are eager to be more engaged and confident in understanding their health.

Stephanie Shaw of New York state’s Adult Career and Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation, who will discuss how vocational rehabilitation leads to recovery wellness.

Darcy Dwaileebe of Housing Options Made Easy and Steven Cobb of the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County. The two, who are recovery guides for Southern Tier Recovery Activities Without Walls, will talk about finding your spark of life.

Beth Jermain, support option administrator at The Resource Center, will discuss how people can assist individuals with disabilities in making significant accomplishments toward the lives they want.

The conference also will include a panel discussion in which individuals with disabling conditions will provide their perspectives on how people can better support their life aspirations.

The conference will begin with registration from 9 to 9:30 a.m. The conference is scheduled to end at 4:30 p.m. The $70 registration fee includes a light breakfast and a boxed lunch. A limited number of scholarships may be available to cover the registration fee of family members wishing to attend the Educational Conference.

For information or to register, phone 485-7219 or e-mail paula.johnson@resourcecenter.org.

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