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4.14.10 | Bancroft’s Clarence York Lecture Series
International expert Rune J. Simeonsson to discuss new classification system he helped develop for World Health Organization
May 12, 2010
The system provides universal language for characteristics of children and youth
Global disabilities authority Rune J. Simeonsson, Ph.D., MSPH, will visit Bancroft for two days in May, and speak at our spring Clarence York Lecture on May 12.
Dr. Simeonsson’s presentation is especially timely, as he will discuss recent changes to the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning. A professor at the University of North Carolina, Dr. Simeonsson chaired the international working group that developed the revised classification. These important changes represent a new, shared language of child functioning for social, educational, legal and mental health services.
This system offers a universal language for describing the characteristics of children and youth that are important to their growth, health and development. In contrast to medical classifications, the system introduces a new way of thinking by focusing not on diagnoses, but on an individual’s functioning -- shifting the emphasis from cause to impact on performance and human activities.
“Attitude change and policy change happen slowly,” notes Dr. Simeonsson.
The lecture will be held at the Cherry Hill Public Library on Wednesday, May 12, from 9 a.m. to noon.
CEUs are available for educators.
Contact Sue Crouse at scrouse@bnh.org to make sure you’re on the list to receive further information or to reserve your spot.