closing plenary

Closing Plenary Speakers

Presentation of the Conference Declaration	David Towell, who has a sister with severe disabilities, is a skilled facilitator and internationally known and respected within the developmental disability field. David will facilitate the work of the 18 members of the 3 Prospector Groups during the conference and will also act as a support person during their presentation of the Conference Declaration. The 3 Prospector Groups Money & Power - Facilitator: Laurie Powers (USA), Prospectors: Jackie Downer (England), Michael Bleasdale (Australia), Michael Bach (Canada), Chester Finn (USA) & Jackie Maniago (Canada) Standards & Results - Facilitator: Bruce Uditsky (Canada), Prospectors: Rocky Rothrock (USA), Jane Tilly (USA). Sue Swenson (USA), David Martin (Canada) & Alicia Contreras (Mexico) Helps & Hindrances - Facilitator: Judi Chamberlin (USA), Prospectors: Theresa Rankin (USA), Jackie Golden (USA), Philip Ripper (Australia), Roger Jones (Canada) & Tim Stainton (Wales) David and Faye Wetherow will provide graphic illustration of the Conference Declaration.

Citizenship For All: The Road Ahead	Bob Williams is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Disability, Aging and Long-Term Care Policy in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. This office is charged with responsibilities for developing, analyzing, evaluating and coordinating the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) policies and programs which address the health and ongoing support needs of children, working age adults and older persons with disabilities. From 1993 - 1997, Bob provided strategic leadership as Commissioner of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities in HHS. Prior to joining HHS, he worked on the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act while with the United Cerebral Palsy Association and also on the closing of Forest Haven, the District of Columbia's institution for people with severe disabilities and complex medical needs. Bob, who holds a B.A. in Urban Studies from George Washington University, grew up in Connecticut where he first became active in the disability civil rights movement while in high school.
Closing Conference Remarks	Nancy Weiss is the Executive Director of TASH, an international advocacy association of people with disabilities, their family members, other advocates, and people who work in the disability field who are concerned with human dignity, civil rights and social justice for individuals with disabilities and their families. Nancy has worked in the disability field for over twenty years in a wide variety of capacities. The consistent theme of her work has been the promotion of disability policy and supports that assure communities, schools, and workplaces that include, value, engage and challenge people with disabilities and that guarantee individuals and their families the right to direct their own lives.