Access Bermuda has been dedicated to providing awareness throughout the Island about disabled people.

Access Bermuda 2004 will be holding a conference, ?Empowerment and Inclusion?, from June 4-11.

Al Swain, who lost his sight at nine and the use of his legs at 17, will be the keynote speaker. He suffers from multiple sclerosis.

The co-ordinator of disabled persons, Ann Lindroth, said of Mr. Swain: ?He is a very dynamic speaker.

?He has a strong message and is very serious about his intent,? she said.

Mr. Swain, from Michigan in the US, will speak about the need for awareness of people with disabilities.

He last spoke in Bermuda in 2002.

Ms Lindroth said: ?In Bermuda people that acquire a disability become ?professionally disabled?.?

She explained this as a learned helplessness.

She said: ?Mr. Swain is the antithesis of that.?

A panel discussion will be held on June 10 at 7 p.m. in the BUEI Auditorium.

Ms Lindroth said the panel discussion will generate a summary of needs for people living with disabilities.

The week-long conference is put on by The National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged, The Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association and The Department of Health and Family Services.

For more information call 292-7207.