12:30 p.m. Opening Remarks: DMH/MR Commissioner Kathy
Sawyer
Overview of the DMH/MR— short film
Overview of "We are Alabama, Get to Know Us!"
Campaign
Introduction to Writing/Reporting about Persons with
Disabilities
1:15 p.m. Panel I: "Stigma, Stereotypes and
Snakeoil: Overcoming Superstition with Science"
(Panelists will explore the myths and misinformation that
create barriers to recovery from serious mental illnesses)
2:15 p.m. Panel II: "We Can’t Wait! Recognizing
Abilities, Hopes and Dreams of Persons with Mental
Retardation" (Panelists will emphasize valuing
persons with disabilities as enthusiastic and contributing
members of Alabama communities)
3:10 p.m. BREAK
3:25 p.m. Panel III: "Addiction: Nature’s Livery
or Fortune’s Star"
(Panelists will address the scientific/medical models of
alcohol and other drug addiction, as well as models for
recovery)
4:20 p.m. Closing Remarks
