Guest Speakers: Tim and Tracy Rodemeyer, parents of Jamey Rodemeyer and advocates for LGBT youth and anti-bullying legislation.

What: Bullying Awareness and Prevention Forum

When: Wednesday, October 3, 2012 from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.

Where: Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, 3860 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14226

Join the Museum of disABILITY History and People Inc. for a panel discussion and forum about bullying. The topic of bullying is an emerging social concern that has been played out in headlines all across the world. Bullying is a topic that cuts across gender, age, ethnic and economic demographics. At the forum, attendees will learn more about the Museum of disABILITY History’s brand-new “kNOw bullying” program, which will premiere in school districts across Western New York in January of 2013. The Bullying Awareness and Prevention Forum is held in conjunction with the disABILITIES Film Festival and Speaker Series, which will be on Thursday, October 4, 2012, at the University at Buffalo Center for the Arts. The featured movie is “Bully.”

Guest speakers will be Tim and Tracy Rodemeyer, parents of Jamey Rodemeyer and advocates for LGBT youth and anti-bullying legislation.

The panel will be made up of local experts on bullying awareness and prevention, including: Dr. Amanda Nickerson, an associate professor and director of the Dr. Jean M. Alberti Center for the Prevention of Bullying Abuse and School Violence at the University at Buffalo. Her research focuses on school crisis prevention and intervention, with a particular focus on violence and bullying.

Brie Kishel, education coordinator for the Museum of disABILITY History, has worked for People Inc. for 17 years in various roles. In addition to directing the Kids on the Block program, she also coordinates educational programs for kindergarten through high school. Kishel is developing the “kNOw bullying” program.

Community members are encouraged to attend, along with: parents and guardians; educators, principals and administrators; school counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists and guidance counseling staff; special education staff; mental health professionals; and PTA members and academic trainers.

The forum cost is $5.00/person, which includes a free admission voucher to the disABILITIES Film Festival on October 4. To RSVP for the forum, call 716-629-3615.

The Museum of disABILITY History is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs, and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society’s reactions. Located in Buffalo and at www.museumofdisability.org, the Museum of disABILITY History offers educational exhibits and programs that expand community awareness.

People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 10,000 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.