Wed. April 28, 2010 ~ 1:00 pm - 2:45 pm: Success Stories - Resilient Individuals & Families!

J. Dale Munro, MSW, RSW, FAAIDD is clinical supervisor, psychotherapist and family therapist with RegionalSupport Associates. He is a well-known and entertaining presenter who has won awards for his work. He has published articles in many international books and journals.

Judy Wright is the mother of a beautiful 7 year old son, Alex, who was diagnosed with Autism at 18 months of age and Past President of Autism Ontario – London. Prior to having her son, Judy had a career in IBI Therapy, and service coordination for children with Developmental Disabilities. Today Judy is an advocate for people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.

Heather Brown is a Ph.D. student at the University of Western Ontario studying written expression skills of individuals with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders. Heather has received the UWO Autism Centre of Excellence Award for her research. She is also the mother of a young son with special needs. In addition, Heather has Asperger Syndrome.

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or Developmental Disabilities and their familes are often stronger, more creative and resilient than many might assume. Presenting in this session is a professional therapist, an individual on the Autism Spectrum and a parent of a child with ASD. Each presenter will speak about the struggles, strengths, talents, gifts and positive potential of individuals and families.

Thurs. April 29, 2010 ~ 1:00 pm - 2:45 pm: Living with an Intellectual Disability and Advocating for Change

Barry Bates is an active member of the New Vision Advocates group and a strong advocate for Community Living. Barry works at CLL, Metro and Honda.

Ann Hutchison is a long-time volunteer with Community Living London, and is currently president of the CLL board of directors. One of the things that Ann enjoys most is teaching public speaking skills and coaching people who have a story to tell. In her day job, Ann is director of Media Relations at UWO and in other volunteer roles, Ann is a member of the board of directors of the United Way.

John Paul Regan, better known as J.P. is the co-chair of Freedom from Harm Working Group and an active member of the New Vision Advocates. He is a seasoned public speaker and educator to staff at Community Living London, DSW students at Fanshawe College and various community groups.

The audience will hear from two members of the New Vision Advocates group about their experiences living with an intellectual disability, being self advocates and the work they are doing to educate others on the importance of acceptance, belonging and right to full citizenship for all people.

Barry and Ann will speak to Barry’s experience with living in an institution, living in the community and becoming a respected, contributing member of his community. J.P will speak to the “power of words” and how labels continue to be used to refer to people with intellectual disabilities. He will discuss how he and others from New Vision Advocates are working hard to educate the community about the importance of acceptance, belonging and the right to full citizenship for all people.