CCOSD

CCOSD Forum – “Accept the Changes”

CCOSD hosts annual forum on October 17, 2009 at ASD Ward Gym from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.  Gary Olsen, Deaf Advocate will present the topic, “Accept the Changes”. There will be 40th anniversary luncheon. Some CAD, ASD, BRS, CAN, FSW and CDHI agencies, and organizations are invited to explain about the changes going on in services and programs.  After the luncheon there will be a presentation by Morag MacDonald, Deaf Nurse about “H1N1 Flu Could Threaten You if…”. Before the closing, Gary Olsen will wrap up his presentation.

If you wish to attend the luncheon, please RSVP to Basil Brackett, CCOSD Treasurer at VP: 860.498.4114 or email: basilandcecilia@msn.com . Thank to some sponsors to make this event possible. The sponsors are Purple Communications, Inc., Sorenson VRS and Sprint Relay/RelayConnecticut.

All representatives and friends are welcome to attend. Please spread the word.  Booths are available. Please contact Sue Pedersen, President.

Presenters’ Brief Bios

Gary Olsen:

Formerly, the Executive Director and Advocate for the Nevada statewide Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advocacy Resource Center with four offices, Gary W. Olsen hails from Nebraska and has a long career in Education and Advocacy.

He’s been involved in many state legislatures and in national politics, including the US Congress advocating the rights of people with disabilities.  President Reagan appointed him to the Commission on Education of the Deaf (COED).

He is a vivid proponent of youth leadership, communication access and equal rights.  He worked with Justin Dart, a National figure in the Disability Rights field, on the original Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  He has been a former Superintendent (MS), Principal (IN & CA), Director of Student Life (NC) and a Supervising Teacher and a Teacher (IN).  He was also Assistant Executive Director for State Affairs and then Executive Director of the National Association of the Deaf while initiating the first Deaf President Now (DPN) movement and founder of the National Youth Leadership Camp, still active with the Junior National Association of the Deaf.

He currently is a hired consultant/advocate working to promote quality education in schools for deaf and hard of hearing students and promoting social changes to enhance better quality of life for all.

Morag MacDonald:

Head Nurse, Capital Mental Health Center, CT;  BA degree, School of Nurse, UMASS and MSW, UConn.