Upcoming Panel Discussion on Culturally Competent Programs for the Disabled

Every June the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene celebrates “Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month”. The purpose is to promote awareness of the mental retardation and developmental disabilities population, to celebrate their achievements, and to help remove the stigma about developmental disabilities. This is also a special time for leaders in the field to share information and ideas about traditional as well as innovative service systems and interventions.

This year activity will focus on recognizing and celebrating best practices that take into account the rich cultural diversity of the consumers who receive services, be it therapeutic, recreational, and/or entrepreneurial. There will be a panel discussion consisting of service providers who are experts in the areas of culturally competent programming.

The panelists will discuss how culture plays a vital role in the delivery of services to the developmentally disabled population. Because each program presents its own unique perspective and challenges on interacting with both consumers and their families, the panelists will elaborate on successful techniques and approaches that have been used over the years that have resulted in a more inclusive, diverse and culturally competent services.

New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Bureau of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities

Presents
Culturally Competent Programs - Panel Discussion
Please join us for an interactive discussion with various community providers who will share their success stories and strategies for creating and delivering culturally competent services for persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities.

Wednesday, June16, from 9:00 to 11:30 am
Fordham University, Lincoln Center Campus, 12th Floor Lounge
113 West 60 Street and Columbus Avenue
New York, NY

Panelists include:
Fawzi Abuhashish, Eihab Children’s Services

Myrta Cuadra-Lash, Sinergia, Inc
Diane Herbert, Southeast Bronx Neighborhood Centers
Michele Liu, Chinese American Planning Council
Duncan Whiteside, Maidstone Foundation
Carlton Whitmore, NYC DOHMH
Gerri Zatlow, Special Citizens Future Unlimited
Moderator: Godfrey Rivera, Sinergia

For registration and more information, please contact:
John Paul González,  212 219-5396
or via email:  jgonzale@health.nyc.gov

MSC Credits Available

FREE TO THE PUBLIC