University of Hawai'i University Relations Media & Publications Honolulu, HI 96822	(808) 956-8856 Telephone (808) 956-3441 Facsimile ur@hawaii.edu E-Mail
For Immediate Release:	November 25, 1998
Contact: Robert Stodden, 956-9199, Valerie Shearer, 956-2673,

UH Center on Disability Studies will host PACRIM conference; Pre-registration deadline, Nov. 30, 1998 The University of Hawai'i Center on Disability Studies (Hawai'i University Affiliated Program) is sponsoring the 15th Annual Pacific Rim Conference on Disabilities on Feb. 1 and 2, 1999, at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. The conference will focus on creating the future for individuals with disabilities in the new millennium. There will be an array of presentations and exhibits, with events focusing on the areas of: self-determination; raising expectations in schools, communities and in our lives; workforce development and participation; equity and excellence; and power of partnerships. The keynote speakers for this year's conference are; Judith Heumann, assistant secretary, U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services; Susan Swenson, commissioner, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Developmental Disabilities; Ellen Cummings, consultant and trainer, RWJ Self-Determination Projects; and John Agosta, senior research associate, Human Service Research Institute. The conference will bring together persons with disabilities, family members, students and professionals from a wide variety of disciplines, including education, mental health, social services, youth and family services and the research community. It regularly draws participants from throughout the United States, Pacific Island jurisdictions and numerous foreign countries, allowing for dialogue and the exploration of disability issues. This event is open to the public and the cost is $150 for pre-registration and $175 for regular registration. Pre-registration is due by Nov. 30, 1998 and individuals wishing to receive information to register and attend should contact the PACRIM '99 Program Committee at 956-5009 (phone), 956-5713 (fax) or Email huap@hawaii.edu.

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