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Blind Sled-Dog Musher to Speak at Wellness Conference

   Portland, Ore.

WHAT:

Celebrate Wellness V: A Conference Promoting the Health and Wellness of People With Disabilities

WHEN:

Saturday, Oct. 9

WHERE:

The Embassy Suites -- Portland Airport 7900 N.E. 8.2n.d Ave., Portland

WHO:

The featured speaker is Rachael Scdoris, 19. Scdoris is visually impaired and the youngest musher to finish a 500-mile international sled dog race. She has qualified for the 1,200-mile 2005 Iditarod to be held in March. She will make sports history as the only legally blind athlete to compete in the acclaimed Iditarod. Scdoris has a rare vision disorder, congenital achromatopsia. She suffers from near sightedness, far sightedness and color blindness. The Bend native also is a fashion model and a talented vocalist.

WHY:

The fair is an opportunity for youth and adults with disabilities to network with peers and develop new friendships. Service providers, advocacy organizations, state and county representatives, educators and medical professionals are expected to attend.

Participants will learn about: recreation and leisure opportunities; nutrition and diet fads; healthy relationships; relaxation and stress management; how to motivate yourself and others; try hands-on physical activities.

DETAILS:

On Friday Oct. 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Embassy Suites there will be a dinner and dance to begin the Celebrate Wellness V. The cost is included in the registration fee.

Registration is $60 and includes Friday dinner, and Saturday breakfast and lunch. For more information visit www.nwada.org/conference/. Limited scholarships are available. Contact Angela Weaver at 503 494-1205 or weaverro@ohsu.edu

The conference is sponsored by the Oregon Institute on Disability and Development, the Oregon Department of Human Services and the Oregon Office on Disability and Health.

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