Conference to Focus on Disability-Related Issues
April 20, 2016The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) Department of Psychology and
the student group Culturally Aware Psychology Students will host their seventh annual
Diversity Conference on April 30. Titled “Demystifying Disability: A Cross-Cultural
Approach,” the event aims to foster a deeper understanding of the unique strengths
and challenges of the neurodiverse community—those living with neurological and developmental
disorders.
Yuma Tomes, PhD, professor, psychology and conference director, says raising awareness
of the issues often faced by these individuals can lead to a more inclusive environment
for everyone. “Diversity is not just a socioeconomic or racial issue. There is another
group within our society who has much to offer, yet is still being marginalized. By
raising awareness of their issues, we can work to establish a sense of normalcy and
ensure they can be productive members of our shared experience,” Tomes says.
The keynote speaker will be Eric R. Mitchell, PhD, who will discuss the cultural identity
development implications that can occur with a diagnosis of Autism, including some
aspects of prejudice, discrimination, marginalization, solidarity, resilience and
the responsibility of communities to empower change. Mitchell is director of autism
and psychological services for Foundations Behavioral Health in Doylestown, Pa., and
is the author of Putting It Together: The Autism and Asperger's Handbook.
The event will take place on PCOM’s campus at 4170 City Ave., in the Ginsburg Auditorium
of Evans Hall. The conference is free and opened to the public but advance registration
is required.
About Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Founded in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands
of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists
who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms.
PCOM operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic
medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy and school psychology, and graduate degrees in
applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic
medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, non profit leadership
and population health management, organizational development and leadership, physician
assistant studies, school psychology, and public health management and administration.
PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service
to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care
to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
For more information, contact:
Daniel McCunney
Associate Director, News and Media Relations
Email: danielmc1@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6304 | Cell:
267-449-1360