A FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND CONFERENCE—
WITH SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

Coming up: The first national Deaf People of Color Conference is slated for March 29-April 1, 2007, at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. The theme is “United we prevail—in diversity we thrive.” This first-of-its-kind conference is for Deaf people of all ethnicities: African-American, Latino, Asian, (Native) American Indian, Caucasian, biracial, multi-racial. CEUs and credit hours offered. An all-day Preconference Institute on March 29 offers specialized training. Areas of emphasis include teaching, learning, employment, health. and community issues. All are welcome!

Want details? You can register online at the Conference Website:

www (dot) deafpeopleofcolor (dot) org

or write:

Deaf People of Color Conference Info
1095 Meigs Street
Rochester, NY 14620-2405

A team effort: Conference Coordinator Matthew S. Moore is part Native American (Cherokee). Earlier this year, he met with Laurene Simms, Director of Gallaudet University’s M.A. Program in Deaf Education, and a prominent Deaf African-American advocate, about setting up a conference with a multi-ethnic focus. Under Dr. Simms’ leadership, the ad hoc National Coalition of Deaf People of Color (NCDPC) was established, with representatives from organizations representing various Deaf ethnic constituencies.

As Conference Liaison and Program Coordinator, Dr. Simms acts as link between Moore’s company, MSM Productions, Ltd., and the NCDPC.

Moore and Dr. Simms met with representatives of each organization in the Coalition to map out a plan of action—e.g., presentation topics, training, emphases, fundraising, and the Banquet dance performance. Coalition members selected the Conference logo and theme from several possibilities submitted by Moore, and voted on workshop topics they wanted included. So the planning of the Conference has been a team effort—and, so far, has been going well, with enthusiasm high.

A don’t-miss experience: Moore has set up a dedicated Conference Website, which includes the schedule of planned workshops, call for presentations, and a complete online-registration and hotel-reservation information, and is working closely with the NCPDC and Dr. Simms to provide an inspiring, rewarding, and empowering experience for all participants.

Hope to see you in Indy next Spring!