FCI Summer Institute 2006 focuses on communication as key to independence for those with disabilities

FCI Summer Institute 2006 focuses on communication as key to independence for those with disabilitiesJuly 13, 2006Patrick Farrellpmfarrel@syr.edu

Syracuse University’s Facilitated Communication Institute will host Summer Institute 2006, with the theme “Creating Paths to Independence,” July 17-21 on the SU campus. The conference will feature five keynote presentations and numerous concurrent sessions and workshops, all of which share the common thread of helping individuals overcome communication barriers in order to live independently.

Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of this year’s presentations and programs is the central role that people with disabilities play on every topic. In addition to the many presenters with disabilities who have been active in the struggles for communication and other disability rights are researchers, leading practitioners, parents and friends of people with disabilities, writers and artists, and others from diverse fields. Participants and presenters alike hail from across North America and beyond.

“The title of the conference, `Creating Paths to Independence,’ grows out of recognition that being in control of one’s own communication, exercising agency in collaborative situations, having a measure of self-determination in one’s life, as well as working toward physically independent communication and speech are achievable goals,” says Douglas Biklen, dean of the Syracuse University School of Education and director of the Facilitated Communication Institute. Biklen will present the opening keynote address, “Autism and the Myth of the Person Alone: Mountains of Practical Moments,” Monday, July 17. All addresses will take place from 9?10 a.m. at the Underground in the Schine Student Center.

This year’s institute includes the following keynote speakers and topics:

• Suzanne Oliver — “The Impact of Rhythm on Functional Movement and Independence,” July 18
• Rosemary Crossley — “Roads to Independence,” July 19
• Joel Smith — “Alternatives to Speech and Real Time Communication,” July 20
• Ralph Savarese — “Reasonable People: the Politics of Neurodiversity,” July 21

The Summer Institute is for and about people who use and support others who use facilitated communication; however, all who are interested in the method are invited to attend to learn from the many people who are part of the facilitated communication community.

For information on registration and accommodations, and answers to other questions about the Summer Institute, call 443-9379. Registration will remain open until the program is filled.

For information about the Facilitated Communication Institute, visit http://suedweb.syr.edu/thefci.