The Future of the Disabled in a Liberal Society 

Based on Hans Reinders' Book The Future of the Disabled in a Liberal Society; An Ethical Analysis

Keynote Speaker:

Hans Reinders, Ph.D.- Willem van der Bergh Professor of Ethics and Mental Disability at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam; internationally known author and presenter and parent of child with a disability;

Author of Receiving the Gift of Friendship: Profound Disability, Theological Anthropology and Ethics. Eerdmans Publishing. (February, 2008); Editor, Journal of Religion, Disability & Health.

Dr. Reinders’ presentation will include:

• Developments in human genetic research from the perspective of persons with mental disabilities and their families
• Use of terms such as “disease” and “defect” to describe conditions that genetic engineering might well eliminate may assume that disabled lives are deplorable and horrific
• Considering that the possibility of preventing disabled lives is at odds with our commitment to full inclusion of disabled citizens in society
• A powerful critique of contemporary bioethics

Also featured will be a panel discussion led by Dr. Reinders and Jerry Borton, Director of Joni & Friends of Greater Philadelphia, and pastor living with Cerebral Palsy.

Key Takeaways:

Nurses & Medical Professionals— new ways of thinking about when a life becomes expendable • knowledge of current trends in bioethics and genetic engineering that affect how services are rendered to or withheld from individuals with disabilities

Congregational Leaders—how to discuss bioethical issues within a faith community • insight on pastoral counseling on difficult ethical decisions

Persons with Disabilities and Their Families—understanding of how the bioethical views of medical staff impact your or your loved one’s care • tools to equip you to advocate for a person with a disability

Social Workers—perspectives on crossing the divide between the bioethical views of families and medical staff • tools to equip you to advocate for a person with a disability

Agency Leadership and Educators—knowledge of current trends in bioethics and genetic engineering that affect how services are rendered to or withheld from individuals with disabilities

If you have questions, please contact Bethany Rogers at brogers.peacefulliving@verizon.net or call 610-287-1200. 

Please tell your friends and colleagues about this event so they, too, can plan to attend! 

Seeking PA CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS? If you are a Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or Licensed Professional Counselor in the Commonwealth of PA, you are eligible to receive 3.0 Continuing Education Credits for participating in this Summit through a partnership with Family Services of Montgomery County, a pre-approved agency. Attendees eligible for CECs must attend the entire program without exception; those unable to attend the entire program are not eligible for part of the CECs awarded. Sorry, NO EXCEPTIONS. 

This activity has been approved by Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA) for 3.5 contact hours. The PSNA is an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Centers Commission on Accreditation.        

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