Susan Conners to Speak about Tourette Syndrome at Museum of disABILITY History

Presentation to focus on strategies and techniques for working with persons with Tourette Syndrome

As part of its Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series, the Museum of disABILITY History is excited to welcome Susan Conners, author and president and founder of the Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater New York State. The presentation, entitled “Tourette Syndrome – What makes us tic?” will take place on Friday, May 9, 2014, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo.

Conners will focus on a number of topics relating to Tourette Syndrome, including criteria for diagnosis, common neurological disorders, as well as strategies and techniques for working with persons with Tourette Syndrome and its associated disorders.

Conners, M.Ed. was a middle school teacher for 33 years and helped found the Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater New York State in 1984. She has been president of the organization ever since. A resident of Snyder, NY, she served on the National Tourette Syndrome Association’s board of directors for 12 years and was also founder and chairperson of its educational committee. Conners recently had her first book published entitled The Tourette Syndrome and OCD Checklist: A Practical Reference for Parents and Educators. She has also consulted with and made appearances on numerous television programs, including ABC’s 20/20, the Emmy award-winning HBO documentary I Have Tourette’s But Tourette’s Doesn’t Have Me, and a BBC Discovery Channel Special on Tourette Syndrome, to name a few.

The Dialogues on disABILITY event with Susan Conners is $5 for adults and $2.50 for seniors, students and human service employees, which includes admission to the gallery space of the Museum of disABILITY History. For more information or to register, call 716-629-3626.

The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society’s reactions. The Museum of disABILITY History, located at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo, NY, offers educational exhibits, programs and activities that expand community awareness.

Susan LoTempio Joins Person First Forum at the Museum of disABILITY History

Event to Focus on the Challenges of Transportation for Disabled Individuals

As part of its ongoing Person First Forum series, the Museum of disABILITY History is excited to welcome its latest host: Susan LoTempio, who will lead an engaging discussion entitled, “Gettin’ Around Western New York – Tales and Trials of Transportation.” The event takes place on Saturday, November 16, 2013 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street in Buffalo.

The presentation will explore the difficulties individuals with all types of disabilities face when they require an accessible means of traveling from one location to the next. Getting ‘from here to there’ is not always an easy task, and in a free-flowing conversation led by Susan LoTempio, individuals, advocates and experts will discuss transportation needs for persons with disabilities.

A resident of Williamsville, LoTempio worked for The Buffalo News for 25 years, serving as readership editor, Features assistant managing editor and Lifestyle assignment editor. Additionally, she created and served as editor for the Buffalo News’ youth segment NeXT. As director of Custom Content, she was responsible for the News’ niche publications. Susan has also written and lectured on the media’s portrayal of disabilities and why it is necessary for stereotypes of disability to be cast aside. Her essays and articles have appeared in The New York Times, New Mobility Magazine, Children’s Beat Magazine, the Dallas Morning News, as well as The Buffalo News. She retired in 2011, and now teaches at Medaille College and volunteers for local organizations devoted to issues of disability.

The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs, and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society’s reactions. The Museum of disABILITY History, located at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo, NY, offers educational exhibits, programs and activities that expand community awareness.

To learn more call Nicole Forgione, Public Affairs Manager, at 716-817-7490.

Award-winning Author and Comic-strip Writer Jewel Kats Visits Museum of disABILITY History

Toronto Native Jewel Kats makes her disability her fortune

Award-winning children’s book author and comic-strip writer, Jewel Kats, will visit the Museum of disABILITY History for a two-day event on Friday, June 21 and Saturday, June 22, at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo.

On Friday, June 21, from 7 to 9 p.m., the Museum of disABILITY History will host “An Evening with Ditzabled Princess Jewel Kats.” An adult friendly interview-style discussion with Jewel will be held where she will speak candidly about her life as a “DitzAbled Princess.” Jewel is the author of the comic strip titled “DitzAbled Princess,” which is based on her own life as a diva who considers her disability her fortune. Jewel’s web comic has become a revolutionary online phenomenon and has over 700,000 fan views. Copies of her comical diary will be available for purchase and signing.

A family-oriented event, the “Your Crowning Achievement” event will be held on Saturday, June 22, from 1 to 3 p.m. There will be a book reading of Jewel’s fairy tale “Cinderella’s Magical Wheelchair.” Children will also have the opportunity to participate in a “make your own crown or tiara” craft activity and take a photo with Jewel. Books will be available for purchase with an autograph session. The event is geared towards children ages five and up.

“Disabilities are a perk. They make you stand out in a sea of ordinary folks. Limitations are just a perceived mindset,” says Jewel Kats, “Nobody… nothing should stop you. You’re entitled to reach for the stars in your very own way!”

Jewel Kats, 34, is an award-winning writer. She’s also one tough cookie! At the age of nine, Jewel endured a car accident. She spent weeks in the Hospital for Sick Children recovering. She has had eight leg surgeries and walks with a hot-pink crutch. Nothing has stopped her from fulfilling her dreams and she is sharing her story with the world. Kats is the author of seven books for Loving Healing Press, including her Mom’s Choice Award winners: “Cinderella’s Magical Wheelchair” and “The Princess and the Ruby: An Autism Fairy Tale.” She is the writer and real-life character behind “DitzAbled Princess” web comic strip, nominee for the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame, former intern for Entertainment Tonight Canada, former teen-advice columnist and was filmed in a documentary for the Oprah Winfrey Network (Canada) Network. Kats resides in Toronto, Canada.

Admission fees apply for both events, which includes admission to the Museum of disABILITY History. Refreshments will be provided at both events. To learn more about Jewel Kats, visit www.jewelkats.comand www.ditzabledprincess.com. For more information about the events or to RSVP, call 716-629-3623.

The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs, and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society’s reactions. The Museum of disABILITY History offers educational exhibits, programs and activities that expand community awareness.