Workshop #5

Self-Determination
Workshop Series
Training Program

Viewing Self-Determination Through the Lens of Culture: Understanding and Honoring Diversity among People with Psychiatric Disablilities

Congress Plaza Hotel
"Windsor Room"
520 S. Michigan
Chicago, IL 60605

August 15, 2003
9 am - 5 pm

Presented by:

The National Research and Training Center on Psychiatric Disability, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago

The Center is supported by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, USDOE, and the Center for Mental Health Services, SAMHSA.

Workshop Agenda
and Guest Speakers

Concepts of recovery and self-determination are gaining popularity in the mental health system. What is their relevance for people with psychiatric disabilities from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds? This workshop will explore barriers to self-determination for consumers/survivors of color, and strategies for helping people create meaningful lives within the context of their cultural beliefs.

Some Topics of Discussion:

• Addressing cultural barriers in traditional and self-help/complementary therapies for people of color
• Achieving self-determination without giving up one’s cultural identity
• Engaging family in the quest for self-determination
• Appreciating the spiritual needs of people of color when addressing mental health needs
• Getting involved in the design and delivery of services and peer supports to ensure cultural beliefs are respected
• Effective outreach to foster self-determination for consumers of color and their families

Workshop Presenters:

Ray Guevara, Project Director, In Our Own Voice, NAMI National, Arlington, VA

Linda Denson, CEO/Chair, Board of Directors, Sankofa Organization of Illinois