A major disability conference hosted by the University of
Otago this month could be a first step to establishing a
disability teaching centre, says Donna-Rose McKay, head of
Disability Information and Support Services.
The Every Body In conference, from November 27 to 30, in
Dunedin, was a forum for people from different professions
and academic disciplines to share knowledge, Ms McKay said.
The conference had attracted speakers and delegates from
around the world.
Geneticist, sociologist, bioethicist and World Health
Organisation adviser Tom Shakespeare would give a keynote
presentation and a public lecture.
Other presenters included Prof Patricia O'Brien, from the
Royal Rehabilitation Centre in Sydney, Disability
Commissioner Paul Gibson and members of disability advocacy
groups.
More than 90 papers would be presented by New Zealand and
international speakers.
The programme included a panel discussion on accessible
tourism, and a paper on the economic benefits of inclusive
employment practices.
Ms McKay hoped the conference was the first step towards
establishing a centre for disability research and teaching at
Otago University.
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