Celebrate Wellness V
October 9, 2004

Approximately 175 people attended the conference, with 16 of the attendees being staff and volunteers. Over 100 people attended on a full or partial scholarship, and 50 people paid the full registration fee. Again this year, as with previous years, the majority of conference attendees, approximately 80%, experienced a disability. Other attendees included, family members, service providers, state and county disability service representatives.

The conference began with an insightful and inspirational presentation by Rachael Scdoris, a 19 year old dog musher who is the youngest musher to ever complete the 500 mile International Rocky Stage Stop race and to ever qualify for the 2005 Iditarod. She is also legally blind making her one of the top visually impaired endurance athletes in the U.S.

Throughout the one-day conference there were plenty for the conference participants to learn about and experience! There were a total of sixteen, 45 minute, concurrent breakout sessions with 5 of the sessions providing participatory activities that included yoga, dance, and strength training. A total of 21 presenters shared their stories and expertise and 12 of the 21 presenters experienced a disability. Session topics included, Relationships and Sexuality, Creating Friendships in and Fun and Safe Environments, Motivation to Change, Diet Fads and General Nutrition, Living Healthy Lifestyles, Peer Mentoring, Relaxation, How to Wire Your Brain for Success and lastly, Living Positively with a Disability. There were also 31 exhibitors, six massage therapists on site offering free chair massages throughout the day, and an hour and half informal art class.

The conference also provided a forum for conference participants to learn about the University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) with the Oregon Institute on Disability & Development at Oregon Health & Science University. A panel presentation outlining the activities of the UCEDD engaged the audience into a two-way dialog that encouraged the development of partnerships and community involvement. The UCEDD staff is excited about the potential partnerships and opportunities that have developed from this exchange.