[blindlaw] Final -- This Friday Conversation at G.M.F. in Wash. D.C.

[GL Norman]

Save the Date
Transatlantic Reflections:
The Promise and Realities of Human Rights for All

The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) will host a discussion with American Marshall Memorial Fellows Gary C. Norman, Esq. L.L.M. (MMF '08) and Kerry Thompson, Ed.M. (MMF '14) in recognition of the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 10th Anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
GMF's distinguished alumni will reflect on human rights progress since 1948 and the future of human rights in today's global community.  Leaders from diverse human rights initiatives will join this discussion to elevate human rights on the transatlantic agenda.
A detailed agenda will be shared closer to the date.


  *   January 19, 2018, at the German Marshall Fund of the U.S. 1744 R. Street N.W.
  *   Join us for networking and light fare from 2:00pm - 2:30pm
  *   Program runs 2:30 pm - 5:00pm, followed by wine and appetizers


Panelists include:


  *   Charlotte McClain Nhlapo, World Bank
  *   Charlie Kellett, U.S. Department of State
  *   Ann Cody, U.S. Department of State
  *   Katherine Guernsey, American University and disability rights lawyer
  *   Sheila Durant, Esq.
This discussion is the first Gary Norman and Kerry Thompson will co-facilitate during their yearlong awareness-raising series on the transatlantic partnership and emerging voices of global citizens with disabilities.  The series is in fulfillment of their alumni action initiative, "Globally Engaging Disability - Including Each, Strengthening All."
Gary C. Norman, Esq. L.L.M.
Being this uncommonly heard person with a disability on the transatlantic stage with his third guide dog, Gary leads at the intersection of law practice, personal connectivity because of the power of partnership, and shared responsibility about disability.  He has extensive experience as a dispute resolution oriented attorney, always hoping to broker people together.  He serves on rosters as an arbitrator and as a mediator.
Kerry M. Thompson, Ed.M.
Kerry has been a lifelong activist for people with disabilities beginning as a self-advocate as a DeafBlind individual.  She is the Executive Director of Silent Rhythms, Inc., dedicated to achieving inclusion in the arts for people of all abilities. She co-created Text4Deaf, a communication tool to bridge the communication gap between the Deaf and Hearing communities in healthcare. Since 2008, she has worked to advance human rights through United Nations Conventions and the Sustainable Development Goals as part of her work with the Disability Rights Fund. She is the co-author for Human Rights and Adolescence (2014. University of Pennsylvania Press) and has written several blogs including "Hurricanes in my Backyard" and "DeafBlindness: The Lefts Behinds in a Leave No One Behind Era." She completed a Master's degree from Harvard University with a focus on international law and human rights.
We look forward to welcoming you. Let us know if you require accommodations. There is an accessible entrance, requiring advance notice.

Please provide your RSVP to Ms. Sara Perredda, TLIintern at gmfus.org