No More Stares History

The theme of the 2011 “No More Stares” Conference was “A Brighter Tomorrow With No More Stares.”  Participants reflected on what they have learned, the many changes that have taken place, and anticipated what the future holds.  This conference marked twenty one years for “No More Stares.”

“No More Stares” has brought inspirational keynote speakers including:

      • The Amazing Jeffo (Jeff Smith), Blind Magician, 2011
      • Katie Rodriguez Banister, Ms Wheelchair Missouri 2010, on “How to Stand Up For Yourself”
      • Jessica Cox, who is a pilot, Tae Kwon-Do champion, and inspirational speaker who just happened to be born without arms, 2009
      • Chris Burke, “Corky” on the television show “Life Goes On”
      • Al Foxx who survived a motorcycle crash and learned to live with a brain injury and partial paralysis with the motto “Winners Don’t Quit”
      • Zoe Koplowitz who was first non-celebrity “Milk on the lip” campaign picture
      • Wonder Wheels, an integrated dance company, danced in the Civic Arena
      • Nelson Lauver, author of “The American Storyteller”, who was “unteachable” in the educational system due to dyslexia.
      • Dr. Tim Crowley spoke on “Ripple Maker – a Difference Maker”
      • Greg Smith “On a Roll:  Talk Radio on Life and Disability”

“No More Stares” has provided breakout sessions on a wide variety of topics including:

        • “Nia, Cutting Edge Fitness”
        • David Voran, M.D., “E-Visits”
        • Healthy Eating and Cooking Demonstrations
        • “What People with Disabilities Can Do”
        • “Learn to Play Your Strengths”
        • “Steps to Independent Living”
        • “Assistive Technology:  What’s Out There and How Do I Get It?”
        • “Caring for the Caregiver” and “Hiring a Caregiver”
        • “Affordable Medical Services”
        • “Understanding Social Security Disability Insurance”
        • “Budgeting in Today’s Economy”
        • “Together We Can See the World” with Special Journeys
        • “Journey into the Wild”
        • “Coping with Loss”
        • “Couch Potato to Wii”
        • “Reading by the Colors”
        • “Sign Language Fundamentals”
        • “Multiple Sclerosis”, “Myasthenia Gravis”, “Autism”, “People First”, “Blindness”, “Hearing Challenges”
        • Lots of support animal breakouts, including service monkeys