Dr. Mark Nagler, Ph.D. to Provide Keynote Address "Overcoming Stigma".

Dr. Mark Nagler, Ph.D. will be the keynote speaker at the Epilepsy Waterloo-Wellington's March Forum being held Saturday March 27, 2004. The address, entitled "Overcoming Stigma" will be presented in a manner that Dr. Nagler has become famous for: with optimism and humor.

His address will provide positive examples of individuals who have disabling conditions in order to illustrate that people with disabilities often make significant personal, social and economic accomplishments. Dr. Nagler adds, "It is important to communicate valid information in order to rid others of preconceived notions about persons with disabilities to counter the misinformation, prejudice, folklore and myths that often accompany the labeling of the disabled".

Dr. Nagler will also present legitimate strategies that can be utilized to overcome societal barriers and to become successful.

Professor Nagler is an expert on stigma and stigma management. He has lived with Cerebral Palsy since birth and has never been able to write. In spite of this condition, he has earned a BA at UBC; a MA at the University of Chicago; and a PhD from Starling University in the UK. He is very knowledgeable on this topic as he has overcome many significant barriers and he has always learned that one must be prepared as barriers can often emerge unexpectedly in a variety of settings.

This forum will be held at the Kaufmann Building (Gold Room) near the Grand River Hospital in Kitchener. Through a network of chapters, contacts and associates, Epilepsy Ontario provides client services, counselling, information and referral services, education and advocacy services for children and adults living with seizure disorders, and for their families, friends, co-workers and caregivers.

About Dr. Mark Nagler, Ph.D.
Dr. Nagler addresses people with disabilities, specific disability groups, employers and educators. He is skilled at providing programs within schools which encourage the acceptance and integration of students with disabilities into the mainstream classroom environment.

Dr. Nagler's presentations weave personal experience and humor with expert knowledge of people living with disabilities and their daily lives. Visit www.marknagler.com for more information.