An educational speaker from the United States is on the Island delivering his message of independence and advocacy to residents with disabilities.

As part of Access Awareness Week, Access Bermuda is holding a conference, 'Empowerment and Inclusion', from this week. The week-long conference has been organised by the National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged, the Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association and the Department of Health and Family Services.

Al Swain, who lost his sight at the age of nine and the use of his legs at 17 and suffers from multiple sclerosis, is the keynote speaker at this week's series of conferences. His message is that life is about "possibilities and not disabilities".

On Saturday during a lecture at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Mr. Swain spoke about the need for awareness of people with disabilities.

He laid out a system designed to help people with disabilities, build their confidence and self-esteem and presented a video helping people who do not have disabilities relate to people with hearing, sight, speech or physical disabilities in real life situations.

Mr. Swain spoke about the need for disabled people to push for their rights in resolving situations that present challenges. He told the audience that a restaurant in Michigan that was not accessible to people in wheelchairs finally decided to change its entrance policy after three years and repeat requests from Mr. Swain's family and friends.

"Sometimes you think you have a problem solved, but you find yourself going down the same road several times," he said. "Persistence in that situation says that anyone who is in a wheelchair can finally enjoy a dinner like anyone else."

Mr. Swain last spoke in Bermuda in 2002. He is a leading authority in the United States disability movement, has received and given certified training on leadership, advocacy and employment.

A video clip taken from a Michigan television station showed Mr. Swain and a group of disabled residents protesting budget cuts to a state programme from the Department of Community Health which supported seniors and the disabled with daily life skills.

Mr. Swain organised the rally of 300 people and met with the Governor of Michigan.

"When we told her how this will affect people she turned around and said to the people who made the proposal, 'what were you thinking?'"

"And now since they understand that we will not go quietly, they talk to us about everything now that goes into the budget."

As a graduate of the Michigan School for the Blind and Olivet College Mr. Swain has spent his career working to help those with special needs. He holds programmes on disabilities, diversity, advocacy, and multi-cultural concerns.

Mr. Swain is highly knowledgeable about the Americans with Disabilities Act, advocating for people with disabilities as well as educating the public about this act. Currently, he is employed as the associate director of the Capital Area Centre for Independent Living in Lansing, Michigan.

A National Disability Policy is in the works for Bermuda after Health Minister Patrice Minors attended the Caribbean Ministers Conference on Disability in Jamaica last month.

Mr. Swain said the week of activities is not just about being politically correct. "It's not just about being nice, it's about creating an environment which is accessible and accepting to all people."

Yesterday, Mrs. Minors opened the week with a proclamation at City Hall at 12.30 p.m. Other events include a self-advocacy workshop for visually impaired people at Beacon House at 1 p.m. today, and a meeting for mobility impaired people at Summerhaven at 1.30 p.m. tomorrow.

A panel discussion will be held on June 10 at 7 p.m. in the BUEI Auditorium. The panel discussion will generate a summary of needs for people living with disabilities.

For more information contact Ann Lindroth, Coordinator for Disabled Persons at 292-7802.