MAKING THE POINT. THE 1995 FC CONFERENCE IN SYRACUSE
by Debbie Gilmer
Approximately 400 FC speakers, parents, educators, speech language pathologists, and researchers gathered at Syracuse University on May 7- 9,1995 for the Fourth Annual Facilitated Communication Conference. Although it had been a challenging year for FC speakers, their facilitators and supporters, the tone in Syracuse was upbeat, optimistic and particularly energized. Conferees were anxious to hear Don Cardinal give the results of the largest validation study ever conducted (we will report on his findings in the summer issue of this newsletter). In addition, Donna Williams, renowned author of Nobody, Nowhere and Somebody, Somewhere, had accepted an invitation to deliver two keynote presentations (see Alan Kurtz' accompanying article).
There were more than 50 workshops and presentations by individuals from throughout the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and abroad. These sessions covered topics ranging from research and validation issues, teaching the technique and moving to independence, inclusive education, building support, and home ownership to issues of FC in the courts and FC on the information superhighway, Internet. During a day long preconference forum a national network focusing on issues of FC, communication access and rights was established.
Another highlight of the conference was the dinner address by Gunnar Dybwad, Professor Emeritus at Brandeis University.
Debbie, Ken , Heather and Ben Rossignol of Waterville, along with Lynda Mazzola and Bill Bishop conducted two workshops on their experiences as a family using FC and Art as Expression. Both were powerful presentations. Maine was, indeed, well represented and the presentations of those from the state were highly praised.
The conference provided invaluable opportunities to network with folks from other states and to learn of their experience with supporting FC users as well as an opportunity to share Maine's experience in building a statewide network of education and support. Don Cardinal's presentation of his research findings provided all the participants with renewed energy and Donna Williams' presentation was incredible. We left Syracuse overwhelmed with new information and anxious to get this information out to others interested in the many issues involved with FC,
The Center has purchased a set of the conference's proceedings on audio tape and a number of new books and materials were acquired at the conference including Judy Duchan's new book, Supporting Language Learning in Everyday Life; Birger Sellin's Messages from an Autistic Mind.. / I Don't Want to be Inside Me Anyone; and Annabel Stehli's Dancing in the Rain: Stories of Exceptional Progress by Parents Of Children with Special Needs,
Please contact Jen Rice at (207) 581-1084 to borrow the tape(s)
and/or book(s) of interest to you ,or write: Center for Community
Inclusion and Disability Studies, 5717 Corbett Hall, University Of Maine, Orono, ME
04469-5717,
The purpose of Facilitated Communication In Maine is to promote the appropriate use of facilitated communication through education, technical assistance, and support to people with disabilities, parents, educators, speech and language pathologists support providers, and other interested individuals. The project provides up-to-date information on current best practices, introductory and advanced workshops on the technique, resources regarding theoretical and practical components of facilitated communication and ongoing support to a network of resource persons who provide local education and support to other facilitators.
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and in
pursuing its own goals of pluralism, the University of Maine shall
not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, national origin or citizen status, age, disability, or
veterans status in employment education, and all other areas of the
University. The University provides reasonable accommodations to
qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. This
publication is available on audiotape and upon request this material
will be made available in other alternative formats to accommodate
the needs of individuals with disabilities.