Georgetown University

WHO:

• Phyllis Magrab, director, Center for Child and Human Development, Georgetown University
• Judy Woodruff, Senior Correspondent for the PBS Newshour
• Leon Dash, Swanlund Chair and Professor of Journalism, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Tawara Goode, Director, National Center for Cultural Competence
• Beth Haller, Professor, Mass Communication & Communication Studies, Towson University
• Deborah Perry, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University
• Nolana Yip, Adjunct Professor, Department of English, Georgetown University
• Jody Wildly, Diversity Program Manager at the Office of Diversity, Management and Equal Opportunity at the Department of Health and Human Services
• Toby Long, Director of Training, Center for Child and Human Development
  

WHAT:

Georgetown will host a symposium, Framing Disability: The Influence of Media Representation, to explore issues related to the representation of persons with disabilities in the media and how this representation can influence the public’s attitudes and perpetuate stereotypes which in turn influence decisions regarding school placement, employment opportunities, housing choices, use of public transportation, access to health care, and a host of other activities, programs, and supports that are available to all citizens.

Judy Woodruff will share her perspective on the issue as the mother of a child with disabilities and a journalist. A panel discussion with experts in cultural competence, diversity, journalism, mass communication and medicine will follow Woodruff’s remarks as well as a discussion of ways to move forward.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau 54 million Americans -- 18% of the population -- have a disability. Media, especially news organizations, has the ability to raise awareness, clarify information, and educate the public on issues as diverse as foreign policy and fashion. Although mass media has the potential to “socially construct images of people with disabilities” positively, in reality, it often perpetuates stereotypes by depicting individuals with disabilities as dependent, helpless, burdens, threats, or heroes. According to the Special Olympics more than 80% of U.S. adults surveyed felt that media portrayals were an obstacle to the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.

WHEN:

Monday, June 15, 2009 from noon to 4 p.m.

WHERE:

Georgetown University
Copley Formal Lounge
37th & O Streets, NW
Washington, D.C. 20057

SPONSORS:

Center for Child and Human Development
School of Continuing Studies, Journalism Program

COVERAGE:

Media interested in attending must RSVP to Rachel Pugh at 202-687-4328 or rmp47@georgetown.edu. Press will need to present valid credentials on campus.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

A mult box is available.