Lecture series to feature national authorities, past president
A former Bancroft president will return this spring — not as an administrator, but as an educator. Clarence York, Ed.D., will host a lecture series created in his honor, which will also feature prominent experts in the disabilities field.
Designed for professionals, self-advocates, families, and others who support people with disabilities, the Clarence York Lecture Series will kick off on Wednesday May 28 at the Cherry Hill Library. A second session is planned for the fall. The spring seminar will focus on helping people with disabilities become more active members of society.
“Dr. York has dedicated his life to helping people with disabilities,” says Bancroft executive Kathy Ross, “and especially to helping them overcome barriers to community involvement. It’s so fitting that he will help Bancroft conduct this lecture series.”
Presenters at the daylong event in May will include:
- • Al Condeluci, Ph.D., an acclaimed advocate and catalyst for building community capacities and understandings. The CEO of United Cerebral Palsy of Pittsburgh, Dr. Condeluci will provide the keynote address.
- • Rachel Simon, author of the best-selling memoir Riding the Bus with My Sister. Simon will speak about the strong bond between herself and her sister with disabilities, how she learned about her sister's world, and the inspirational journey that brought them together.
The seminar will also feature panel discussions by Bancroft staff and family members. Future lectures will focus on self-fulfillment and quality of life, including employment, spiritual development, recreation and cultural opportunities. Seminars are also planned on rights and responsibilities, choice and decision-making, empowerment and advocacy.
The lecture series is made possible through a bequest by Charlotte Taylor, the late mother of a man served by Bancroft, a longtime Bancroft board member and an emeritus trustee of the organization.
For more information, including reservations, contact Kathy Ross at (856) 429-5637, ext. 336, or e-mail kross@bnh.org. The event will include continental breakfast and lunch.