Paralyzed Veterans of America Co-Sponsors Seminar on Violence Against People with Disabilities

5/4/2002

From: David J. Uchic of Paralyzed Veterans of America, 202-416-7667

WASHINGTON, May 3 -- The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) will co-sponsor a conference on violence against people with disabilities next week in Alexandria, VA.

Research shows that people with disabilities experience heightened risk for abuse and violence by caregivers, caretakers (such as personal attendants) and others who may become perpetrators. The most vulnerable population includes wheelchair users and others with mobility impairments, and those with a traumatic brain injury.

Speakers include the Center for Disease Control's John Lutzker, chief, prevention development and evaluation branch, and the Justice Department's John W. Gillis, director, office for victims of crime.

"Violence against people with disabilities is a bigger problem than the public realizes," said Del McNeal, PVA's executive director. "This conference will generate discussion about the problems and potential solutions."

"National Conference on Preventing and Intervening with Violence Against Persons with Disabilities" is scheduled May 6 and 7, 2002, at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, 625 First St., Alexandria, VA. Registration begins Sunday, May 5 from 4:00-7:30 p.m., and resumes on Monday, May 6 at 7:30 a.m.

The Paralyzed Veterans of America, a veterans service organization chartered by Congress, has for more than 55 years served the needs of its members, all of whom have catastrophic paralysis caused by spinal cord injury or disease. To learn more about PVA, visit its web site at www.pva.org.