News
2014 Southwest Conference on Disability: Celebration of Other Abilities
Once again, the Southwest Conference on Disability was a smashing success with a 1,000+ turnout, interesting speakers, films and, of course, the Balloon Fiesta. There was an emphasis on brain injury this year, which gave me an opportunity to present Caregivers as Clients: Who’s Caring for the Caregivers. With a group of about 50 or more people, we discussed the challenges caregivers face, the process of moving beyond crisis to creative memory-making, and recognizing that caregivers need to be viewed as clients in their own right, it was an interactive and informative session. I received an e-mail from one of the attendees who is with the Paralyzed Veterans of America who wrote, “I have to say it was one of the best and most informative presentations I attended thus far at the 2014 Southwest Conference on Disability in Albuquerque, New Mexico.” The feedback from other attendees was similar and emphasized the need for shining the spotlight on caregivers and the important role they play in brain injury rehabilitation.
This is an excellent conference for consumers, caregivers and professionals to learn and network. I offer my kudos to the planning committee and especially to Dr. Cahill for all the hard work to make this conference such a success. I look forward to seeing my friends at the 2015 Southwest Conference on Disability where they will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the ADA.
